Mining DC power distribution system
By combining the rectifier and filter unit with the energy storage components, along with the intelligent decision-making of the power failure transfer switch and controller, the problem of unstable power supply in the mine DC power distribution system under fault conditions is solved, achieving long-term load power supply continuity and stability, and adapting to the power supply needs of the mining environment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511772917.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing DC power distribution systems for mines can only maintain power supply for a short time after the main power supply is disconnected, making it difficult to provide a long-term, continuous, and stable power supply. The power supply capacity of energy storage devices decreases over time, failing to meet the long-term lighting, monitoring, and communication needs after an accident.
The system employs a rectifier and filter unit, an energy storage component, first and second power-off transfer switches, a relay generator, and a controller. The rectifier and filter unit converts AC power into DC power. The energy storage component charges when the external power supply is normal and provides short-term power support through the relay when the power is off. The two power-off transfer switches coordinate power switching, and the controller monitors and controls the power switching process in real time to ensure the continuity and stability of the power supply.
It improves the power supply duration and stability of DC power distribution systems under fault conditions, ensures continuous power supply to critical loads after an accident, reduces voltage fluctuations and power outage risks during power switching, and adapts to the power supply needs of harsh mining environments.
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Figure CN121395243A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of DC power distribution technology. More specifically, it relates to a DC power distribution system for mining applications. Background Technology
[0002] The mine power supply system is the lifeline for ensuring safe production in the mine. Its ground substation distributes power through high and low voltage distribution networks such as 35kV and 6kV (or 10kV). In this system, the DC power distribution system in the substation plays a crucial role. First, during normal operation, it provides reliable operating power for the tripping and closing coils of vacuum circuit breakers and other protection and control equipment. Second, when the main grid voltage drops suddenly or disappears completely, it must serve as the sole emergency operating power source to ensure that protection devices can accurately operate to isolate the fault and maintain the safety of the main equipment and system. Finally, when the AC power supply is interrupted due to an accident, it also needs to undertake the task of supplying emergency lighting for the entire plant, providing illumination for personnel evacuation and rescue operations.
[0003] Currently, in practical use, power distribution systems typically include at least emergency lighting systems, monitoring systems, communication systems, and production line automation control systems. Emergency lighting systems require continuous illumination for several hours to ensure safe evacuation. Monitoring systems need to operate continuously for extended periods to provide information for accident diagnosis and emergency command. Communication systems must ensure uninterrupted internal and external communication, serving as a lifeline for emergency rescue. Finally, automation control systems require power to maintain their state and enable rapid self-starting upon power restoration. However, existing energy storage devices have limited energy storage capacity, and power distribution systems can only maintain power for a short time after the main power supply is interrupted. Furthermore, the power supply capacity of energy storage devices decreases over time, making it difficult to provide long-term, continuous, and stable power supply. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a DC power distribution system for mining to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution: The first aspect of this disclosure provides a DC power distribution system for mining, comprising: The rectifier and filter unit, energy storage components, first power failure transfer switch, second power failure transfer switch, relay generator, and controller; The rectifier and filter unit is used to convert the AC power input from the external power supply terminal into DC power and output it to the input terminal of the energy storage component to charge the energy storage component and the main input terminal of the first power failure switch. The relay includes a coil and a normally closed switch. The output terminal of the energy storage component is connected to one end of the normally closed switch, and the other end of the normally closed switch is connected to the main input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch. The standby input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch is connected to the power supply output terminal of the power generation equipment, and its output terminal is connected to the standby input terminal of the first power-off automatic transfer switch. The output terminal of the first power-off automatic transfer switch is used to supply power to an external load. The controller is configured to acquire the first switching state of the first power failure automatic transfer switch, and in response to the instruction that the output terminal of the first power failure automatic transfer switch is connected to the backup input terminal, control the power generation equipment to start, acquire the operating status of the power generation equipment, and in response to the instruction that the operating status is ready to run, control the coil of the relay to be energized.
[0006] Optionally, the first power-off automatic transfer switch and the second power-off automatic transfer switch are respectively selected from static transfer switches.
[0007] Optionally, the controller is further configured to, after the coil of the control relay is energized, acquire the second switching state of the second power-off automatic transfer switch, delay for a preset time, and determine whether the second switching state has changed from the connection between the output terminal and the main input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch to the connection between the output terminal and the backup input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch; otherwise, output a first fault command.
[0008] Optionally, the energy storage component includes a charging control unit and an energy storage unit; The charging control unit is used to collect the status data of the energy storage unit, receive the DC power output by the rectifier and filter unit, and control the charging current to charge the energy storage unit at a constant current. The controller is also used to acquire status data collected by the charging control unit.
[0009] Optionally, the energy storage unit is selected from lead-acid battery packs or lithium battery packs.
[0010] Optionally, the lead-acid battery pack is a valve-regulated sealed lead-acid battery pack.
[0011] Optionally, the input voltage range of the rectifier filter unit is AC304V to AC437V.
[0012] Optionally, the system further includes a communication unit, which includes a Bluetooth communication unit and a network communication unit; The controller is used to communicate with the local terminal via the Bluetooth communication unit; The controller is also used to communicate with local terminals and / or remote terminals via a network communication unit.
[0013] Optionally, the system also includes an uninterruptible power supply; The uninterruptible power supply is used to power the controller; the rectifier and filter unit and the generator are respectively used to power the uninterruptible power supply.
[0014] Optionally, the system further includes a touch display device that is communicatively connected to the controller.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: The core function of the rectifier and filter unit of this invention is to convert AC power into DC power to provide basic power for the system; through rectification and filtering, it improves the reliability of its power supply and anti-interference ability, adapting to the harsh working conditions in mines.
[0016] When the external power supply is normal, the energy storage module is in a charging state. When the power is lost, the normally closed switch of the relay provides short-term power support to the system. The relay acts as a control switch and precisely controls the short-term power supply of the energy storage module under the command of the controller to ensure the continuity of power supply during the switching process.
[0017] The first automatic transfer switch is responsible for switching between the main power supply and the backup power supply to ensure the continuity of power supply to the load; the second automatic transfer switch is responsible for switching between the energy storage components and the power generation equipment, coordinating the power supply sequence of different power sources; the two switches work together to form a double guarantee, which greatly improves the power supply duration and power supply stability of the DC power distribution system under fault conditions, and greatly improves the reliability of the system.
[0018] This invention provides a real-time monitoring system for the status of various components, including the power supply, energy storage components, and power generation equipment. Based on preset logic and real-time data, it intelligently decides when to start the power generation equipment and when to switch the power supply. By precisely controlling the timing of relay operation, it avoids voltage fluctuations and power outage risks during power switching. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mining DC power distribution system disclosed herein is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To more clearly illustrate this disclosure, the following description, in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, provides further insight. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0022] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can be mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be internal connections between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a DC power distribution system for mining, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: The system includes a rectifier and filter unit 60, an energy storage component 50, a first power-off transfer switch, a second power-off transfer switch, a relay 20, a generator 80, and a controller 10. The rectifier and filter unit 60 is used to convert the AC power input from the external power supply terminal 100 into DC power and output it to the input terminal of the energy storage component 50 to charge the energy storage component 50 and the main input terminal of the first power-off switch. The relay 20 includes a coil and a normally closed switch. The output terminal of the energy storage component 50 is connected to one end of the normally closed switch, and the other end of the normally closed switch is connected to the main input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40. The spare input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40 is connected to the power output terminal of the generator 80, and its output terminal is connected to the spare input terminal of the first power-off automatic transfer switch 30. The output terminal of the first power-off automatic transfer switch 30 is used to supply power to the external load 140. The controller 10 is used to acquire the first switching state of the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30, and in response to the instruction that the output terminal of the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30 is connected to the backup input terminal in the first switching state, control the generator 80 to start, acquire the operating state of the generator 80 and in response to the instruction that the operating state is ready to run, control the coil of the relay 20 to be energized.
[0024] In this embodiment, the core function of the rectifier and filter unit 60 is to convert AC power into DC power to provide basic power for the system; through rectification and filtering, it improves the reliability of its power supply and anti-interference ability, adapting to the harsh working conditions in the mine.
[0025] When the external power supply is normal, the energy storage component 50 is in a charging state. When the power is off, it provides short-term power support to the system through the normally closed switch of the relay 20. The relay 20 acts as a control switch and accurately controls the short-term power supply of the energy storage component 50 under the command of the controller 10 to ensure the continuity of power supply during the switching process.
[0026] The first automatic transfer switch 30 is responsible for switching between the main power supply and the backup power supply to ensure the continuity of power supply to the load; the second automatic transfer switch 40 is responsible for switching between the energy storage component 50 and the power generation equipment 80 to coordinate the power supply sequence of different power sources; the two switches work together to form a double guarantee, which greatly improves the power supply duration and power supply stability of the DC power distribution system under fault conditions, and greatly improves the reliability of the system.
[0027] The present invention monitors the status of various parts of the system in real time, including the power supply end, energy storage component 50 and power generation equipment 80. Based on preset logic and real-time data, it intelligently decides when to start the power generation equipment 80 and when to switch the power supply. By precisely controlling the timing of the relay 20, it avoids voltage fluctuations and power outage risks during the power switching process.
[0028] In a specific example, the working principle of the present invention is as follows: The operating procedure of the external power supply terminal under normal power supply conditions is as follows: The rectifier and filter unit 60 converts the AC power input from the external power supply terminal 100 into smooth and stable DC power, and filters it to reduce the ripple of the output voltage, ensuring a high-quality DC power supply output.
[0029] The converted DC power simultaneously charges the energy storage component 50, keeping it fully charged in preparation for possible power outages.
[0030] At the same time, the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30 connects the main input terminal and the output terminal, directly providing stable power to the external load 140. At this time, the normally closed switch of the relay 20 remains closed, and the energy storage component 50 is always in the charging ready state.
[0031] Workflow when a fault occurs and external power supply terminal 100 stops supplying power: When the external power supply is interrupted, the first automatic transfer switch 30 immediately detects the abnormal input voltage and automatically switches to the backup input. The controller 10 obtains the switching status of the first automatic transfer switch 30 in real time, and after determining that the first automatic transfer switch 30 has switched to the backup power supply, it immediately starts the generator 80.
[0032] The power generation equipment starts operating at 80°C, and after processes such as preheating, startup, and warm-up, it enters normal operating condition.
[0033] Once the generator set 80 is ready to operate, the controller 10 energizes the coil of the relay 20, causing the normally closed switch to open and stopping the energy storage component 50 from discharging. The second power failure automatic transfer switch 40 then switches to backup power supply, meaning the generator set 80 provides the power. At this time, the external load 140 continues to be powered by the generator set 80 through the backup input terminals of the second power failure automatic transfer switch 40 and the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30, achieving seamless switching.
[0034] When the external power supply is restored, the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30 detects that the main input voltage has returned to normal and automatically switches back to the main input.
[0035] When the controller 10 detects that the external power supply has been restored (which can be determined by identifying the switching state of the first power failure automatic transfer switch 30), it issues a command to stop the generator 80 from running and put it into standby mode.
[0036] In response to the generator's standby state command, controller 10 controls the relay 20 coil to lose power and restore power, the normally closed switch to close again, and the energy storage component 50 to re-enter the charging preparation state.
[0037] The rectifier and filter unit 60 continues to charge the energy storage component 50, and the system returns to its initial operating state, preparing for the next possible power outage event.
[0038] In this embodiment, the core function of the rectifier and filter unit 60 is to convert AC power into DC power to provide basic power for the system; through rectification and filtering, it improves the reliability of its power supply and anti-interference ability, adapting to the harsh working conditions in the mine.
[0039] When the external power supply is normal, the energy storage component 50 is in a charging state. When the power is off, it provides short-term power support to the system through the normally closed switch of the relay 20. The relay 20 acts as a control switch and accurately controls the short-term power supply of the energy storage component 50 under the command of the controller 10 to ensure the continuity of power supply during the switching process.
[0040] The first automatic transfer switch 30 is responsible for switching between the main power supply and the backup power supply to ensure the continuity of power supply to the load; the second automatic transfer switch 40 is responsible for switching between the energy storage component 50 and the power generation equipment 80 to coordinate the power supply sequence of different power sources; the two switches work together to form a double guarantee, which greatly improves the power supply duration and power supply stability of the DC power distribution system under fault conditions, and greatly improves the reliability of the system.
[0041] The present invention monitors the status of various parts of the system in real time, including the power supply end, energy storage component 50 and power generation equipment 80. Based on preset logic and real-time data, it automatically decides when to start the power generation equipment 80 and when to switch the power supply. By precisely controlling the timing of the relay 20, it avoids voltage fluctuations and power outage risks during the power switching process.
[0042] In a specific example, to adapt to underground mining scenarios, the power generation equipment 80 in this embodiment is a mining explosion-proof generator selected from one or more of the following: explosion-proof generator, gas generator set generator, and explosion-proof diesel generator set generator.
[0043] In one possible implementation, the first power-off automatic transfer switch 30 and the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40 are respectively selected from static transfer switches. In this embodiment, the full English name of the static transfer switch is Static Transfer Switch, abbreviated as STS. It is an electrical device that uses semiconductor power devices to achieve fast and seamless switching between two independent power supplies. The STS continuously monitors parameters such as voltage and frequency at the main input terminals and the backup input terminals of the two input power supplies. When a fault such as power failure, voltage drop, or frequency abnormality is detected in the main power supply, its control circuit immediately sends a trigger signal to the thyristor on the backup power supply path to turn it on, while simultaneously stopping the trigger signal of the thyristor on the main power supply path. This process connects the backup power supply first and then disconnects the main power supply, so the power supply to the external load 140 is not interrupted.
[0044] In one possible implementation, the controller 10 is further configured to, after the coil of the control relay 20 is energized, acquire the second switching state of the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40, delay for a preset time, and determine whether the second switching state has changed from the connection between the output terminal and the main input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40 to the connection between the output terminal and the backup input terminal of the second power-off automatic transfer switch 40; otherwise, output a first fault command.
[0045] In one possible implementation, the energy storage component 50 includes a charging control unit 51 and an energy storage unit 52; The charging control unit 51 is used to collect the status data of the energy storage unit 52, receive the DC power output by the rectifier and filter unit 60, and control the charging current to charge the energy storage unit 52 at a constant current. The controller 10 is also used to acquire status data collected by the charging control unit 51.
[0046] In one possible implementation, the energy storage unit 52 is selected from a lead-acid battery pack or a lithium battery pack.
[0047] Currently, many operating mines have been in operation for a long time, and the DC power distribution system technology configured at the time of construction is relatively outdated. A typical traditional solution usually uses two sets of bridge silicon rectifiers to form the rectification section, and a compensation capacitor bank as the DC compensation section, i.e., energy storage element. This capacitor compensation scheme has inherent technical defects: the energy stored in the capacitors is limited, the discharge time is extremely short, and it can only support the instantaneous action of protection devices, unable to provide continuous power for necessary monitoring, communication, and lighting after an accident. More importantly, the capacitance of the capacitors will significantly decrease with the increase of service life, the dielectric will age, and even bulge, leak, or break down, causing them to fail at the most critical emergency moments, posing a huge safety hazard and seriously threatening the safe operation of the mine's power supply system. To solve this problem, this embodiment uses lead-acid battery packs or lithium battery packs to replace the compensation capacitors, which can significantly improve system reliability: lead-acid batteries are low-cost and highly durable, suitable for cost-sensitive scenarios; lithium batteries have high energy density and long cycle life, adaptable to space-constrained and long-term power supply needs. Both have high energy storage capacity, ensuring the continued operation of critical loads after an accident, reducing aging risks, and are compatible with the original system architecture. They effectively solve power outage safety hazards and lay the power supply foundation for the intelligent upgrade of mines. This invention can be directly modified according to the existing circuits of old mines, using power modules to replace capacitors as energy storage elements. In the event of a main line power outage, a stable power supply is provided through the Chunna unit, ensuring the trip coils of each vacuum circuit breaker operate while also providing power for emergency lighting throughout the plant. In the event of a fault, a remote alarm can be quickly triggered and displayed intuitively on the screen, assisting maintenance personnel in quickly troubleshooting.
[0048] In one possible implementation, the lead-acid battery pack is a valve-regulated lead-acid battery pack. In this embodiment, the energy storage unit 52 preferably uses a valve-regulated lead-acid battery pack. A valve-regulated lead-acid battery pack (VRLA battery pack) is a lead-acid battery combination with a valve-regulated sealed structure design. It automatically regulates the internal gas pressure through a built-in safety valve, achieving a fully sealed characteristic with no electrolyte leakage and no acid mist emission, making it particularly suitable for the working scenarios in underground mining areas as described in this invention.
[0049] In one possible implementation, the input voltage range of the rectifier-filter unit 60 is AC304V to AC437V. In this embodiment, the rectifier-filter unit 60, with its wide input voltage range of AC304V to AC437V, is designed to adapt to fluctuations in the mine's power grid, ensuring a stable DC output even under unstable voltage conditions. This provides reliable power for charging the energy storage component 50 and supplying power to the load, improving system robustness, reducing the risk of failures due to voltage anomalies, and ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical equipment in the mine.
[0050] In one possible implementation, the system further includes a communication unit, which includes a Bluetooth communication unit and a network communication unit; The controller 10 is used to communicate with the local terminal 120 via the Bluetooth communication unit; The controller 10 is also used to communicate with the local terminal 120 and / or the remote terminal 130 via a network communication unit.
[0051] In this embodiment, the network communication unit is selected from one or more of the following: router, 4G network communication unit, 5G network communication unit, industrial Ethernet switch, fiber optic transceiver, low power wide area network module, satellite communication module 110, protocol gateway, edge computing unit, and Wi-Fi 6 communication unit.
[0052] In one possible implementation, the system also includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The uninterruptible power supply 70 is used to power the controller 10; the rectifier and filter unit 60 and the power generation equipment 80 are respectively used to power the uninterruptible power supply 70.
[0053] In one possible implementation, the system further includes a touch display device 90 communicatively connected to the controller 10. The touch display can show various parameters acquired by the controller 10, and the user can also control the controller 10 through the touch display device 90.
[0054] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples for clearly illustrating this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here. Any obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of this disclosure are still within the protection scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A mine DC power distribution system characterized by, The system comprises: a rectifier filter unit, an energy storage assembly, a first power-off conversion switch, a second power-off conversion switch, a relay power generation device and a controller; the rectifier filter unit is configured to convert alternating current input from an external power supply terminal into direct current and output the direct current to an input terminal of the energy storage assembly to charge the energy storage assembly and a main input terminal of the first power-off conversion switch; the relay comprises a coil and a normally closed switch, an output terminal of the energy storage assembly is connected to one end of the normally closed switch, the other end of the normally closed switch is connected to a main input terminal of the second power-off conversion switch, a power supply output terminal of the power generation device is connected to a standby input terminal of the second power-off conversion switch, and an output terminal of the second power-off conversion switch is connected to a standby input terminal of the first power-off conversion switch; and the output terminal of the first power-off conversion switch is configured to supply power to an external load; the controller is configured to acquire a first conversion state of the first power-off conversion switch, control the power generation device to start in response to an instruction that the output terminal and the standby input terminal of the first power-off conversion switch are connected, acquire a running state of the power generation device and control the coil of the relay to be powered in response to an instruction that the power generation device is ready to run.
2. The mine DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The first power-off conversion switch and the second power-off conversion switch are selected from static conversion switches.
3. The mine DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to acquire a second conversion state of the second power-off conversion switch after the coil of the relay is powered, delay for a preset time, and determine whether the second conversion state is converted from the output terminal and the main input terminal of the second power-off conversion switch being connected to the output terminal and the standby input terminal of the second power-off conversion switch being connected; if not, a first fault instruction is output.
4. The mine DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The energy storage assembly comprises a charging control unit and an energy storage unit; the charging control unit is configured to collect state data of the energy storage unit, receive direct current output by the rectifier filter unit, and control the charging current to charge the energy storage unit with constant current; the controller is further configured to acquire the state data collected by the charging control unit.
5. The mine direct current power distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the energy storage unit is selected from a lead-acid battery pack or a lithium battery pack.
6. The mine direct current power distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the lead-acid battery pack is a valve-regulated sealed lead-acid battery pack.
7. The mine-duty DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The input voltage range of the rectifier filter unit is AC 304V-AC 437V.
8. The mine DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a communication unit, the communication unit comprising a Bluetooth communication unit and a network communication unit; the controller is configured to communicate with a local terminal through the Bluetooth communication unit; the controller is further configured to communicate with the local terminal and / or a remote terminal through the network communication unit.
9. The mine-duty DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises an uninterruptible power supply; the uninterruptible power supply is configured to supply power to the controller, and the rectifier filter unit and the power generation device are configured to supply power to the uninterruptible power supply.
10. The mine DC power distribution system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a touch display device in communication connection with the controller.