A simulation-based analysis for inter release problem in airport baggage handling systems

Abstract

Airport baggage handling systems (BHS) are a crucial infrastructure in major airports to ensure smooth baggage transfer while avoiding congestion. Therefore, it is important to operate the BHS efficiently. Recently, the number of tourists increases year after year in Taiwan, leading to an insufficient capacity of airport baggage storage. Hence, the parameter setting in BHS for baggage transfer becomes more important and challenging regarding future system reconstructions. For experiment efficiency and cost reduction, a widely used method to evaluate system performances and compare alternatives is to apply discrete event simulation models. This paper presents an empirical study of interval release time by using simulation with full factorial design of the BHS. The goals are to determine the best combination of the interval release time, understand their interactions, and minimize congestion time. The results demonstrate a 23% time reduction in peak-time congestion while the optimized parameter setting achieves smooth system operation.