Battery powered electric mining equipment

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided an electrical apparatus. The electrical apparatus can be used in a mining environment. The electrical apparatus comprises a first circuit, a second circuit and a multi-voltage transformer, wherein: the first circuit comprises an electric machine; the second circuit comprises a rechargeable battery; a primary side is configured to be connected to an electrical network; the first circuit is configured to be connected to the primary side; the first circuit is capable of switching between at least two groups of primary taps; the second circuit is configured to be connected to a secondary side.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to European Patent Application No. 23207848.5 entitled “BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRIC MINING EQUIPMENT”, filed on 6 November 2023 with the European Patent Office, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to battery-powered electrical equipment, such as battery-powered electric mining equipment used in mining environments. Background Technology

[0004] The world's power grids supply power at different voltage levels. For example, three-phase voltage in mining environments typically ranges from 380 to 1000 Vac and varies between 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

[0005] To adapt to different grid voltages, electrical equipment, such as that used in mining equipment, can be equipped with (sometimes called) multi-voltage power transformers, which can be autotransformers. Battery-powered electrical equipment also requires charging transformers.

[0006] Multi-voltage transformers and charging transformers occupy a lot of space, making electrical equipment bulky and large. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Example embodiments of this disclosure provide a compact and / or lightweight battery-powered electrical device. The battery-powered electrical device can be a battery-powered mining device for use in a mining environment, such as a drilling rig.

[0009] According to a first aspect, an electrical device includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a transformer. The first circuit includes a motor. The second circuit includes a rechargeable battery. The transformer includes a primary side and a secondary side, the primary side including a plurality of primary taps, and the secondary side being electrically isolated from the primary side. The primary side is configured to be connected to an electrical network. The first circuit is configured to be connected to the primary side. The first circuit is capable of switching between at least two of the plurality of primary taps. The second circuit is configured to be connected to the secondary side.

[0010] The primary side serves both as the primary side of an autotransformer configured to convert the grid voltage into the first circuit voltage and as the primary side of a two-sided transformer configured to convert the grid voltage into the second circuit voltage.

[0011] Furthermore, the primary side serves as a multi-voltage autotransformer, which is configured to convert different grid voltages into a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit.

[0012] Furthermore, the primary side and the secondary side together form a multi-voltage transformer, which is configured to convert different grid voltages into a second circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit.

[0013] Therefore, the transformer functions as both a multi-voltage autotransformer and a multi-voltage charging transformer. Consequently, the transformer can replace both multi-voltage transformers and charging transformers. This allows for a more compact and lightweight device.

[0014] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiment described above, the primary side is a three-phase primary side, comprising: three primary windings, each set of primary taps including one tap on each primary winding.

[0015] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiment described above, the first circuit can also be switched to be directly connected to the electrical network.

[0016] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiments described above, the first circuit is configured to switch to one of the multiple sets of primary taps, the set of primary taps providing a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit.

[0017] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiments described above, the first circuit is configured to switch between at least two sets of primary taps among the plurality of sets of primary taps based on the level of the grid voltage provided by the electrical network.

[0018] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiment described above, the connection between the primary side and the electrical network is switchable between at least two sets of primary taps.

[0019] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiment described above, the connection between the primary side and the electrical network is configured to switch between at least two sets of primary taps based on the level of the grid voltage provided by the electrical network.

[0020] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the secondary side includes at least one set of secondary taps.

[0021] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the secondary side includes multiple sets of secondary taps, and the second circuit is capable of switching between at least two sets of secondary taps.

[0022] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the secondary side is a three-phase secondary side comprising three secondary windings, with each set of secondary taps including one tap on each secondary winding.

[0023] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the second circuit is configured to switch to one of the multiple sets of secondary taps, the set of secondary taps providing a second circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit.

[0024] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the second circuit is configured to switch between at least two sets of secondary taps based on the level of the mains voltage provided by the electrical network.

[0025] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiment described above, the motor includes at least one drilling power unit motor.

[0026] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the second circuit includes at least one traction motor.

[0027] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiment described above, the second circuit includes a three-phase capacitor filter with an inverter-side choke.

[0028] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or additional to the example embodiments described above, the second circuit includes an AC / DC rectifier (or inverter), wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be connected to the secondary side via the AC / DC rectifier (or inverter).

[0029] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, alternative to or additional to the example embodiments described above, the second circuit includes one or more secondary motors configured to operate one or more of the following components: a compressor; a water booster pump; or an auxiliary power unit.

[0030] In an example embodiment of the electrical equipment, instead of or in addition to the example embodiments described above, the primary side is arranged in a delta connection or a star connection, and the secondary side is arranged in a delta connection or a star connection. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, included to provide a further understanding of the electric mining equipment and forming part of this specification, illustrate examples and, together with the following description, help explain the principles of the electric mining equipment. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a block diagram of conventional electrical equipment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an electrical device according to an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3A This is a circuit diagram of a transformer according to an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3B and Figure 3C This is a circuit diagram of the primary and secondary windings of a transformer according to an example embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a drilling rig according to an example embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer in a star-star configuration according to an example embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer in a star-delta configuration according to an example embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer in a delta-star configuration according to an example embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer in a triangle-triangle configuration according to an example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer according to an example embodiment.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in conjunction with the drawings is intended to be a description of this example and is not intended to represent the only form in which this example can be constructed or utilized.

[0043] Figure 1 A conventional battery-powered electrical device 100 is shown. The conventional battery-powered device 100 includes a motor 103, a rechargeable battery 104, and a charging circuit 105 for charging the rechargeable battery 104. The charging circuit 105 typically includes a power converter or inverter. The conventional battery-powered electrical device 100 can be a battery-powered mining device, such as a mining drill used in a mining environment.

[0044] To operate under different grid voltages, conventional electrical equipment 100 includes a multi-voltage autotransformer 101 (e.g., configured for 230 kVA). The multi-voltage transformer 101 is configured to convert the grid voltage supplied by the power network 102 (e.g., the power grid at a mining site) into the operating voltage of the motor 103 at its rated voltage (e.g., 380-480V or 690V).

[0045] The charging circuit 105 typically operates at a lower voltage than the motor 103. Therefore, the conventional electrical equipment 100 also includes a charging transformer 107 (e.g., configured for 100 kVA) which is configured to convert the output voltage of the multi-voltage transformer 101 into a charging voltage for charging the rechargeable battery 104. The charging circuit 105 typically operates with direct current (DC), while the mains voltage provided by the electrical network 102 is typically alternating current (AC). The charging transformer 107 provides electrical isolation between the DC circuit and the AC side. The charging transformer 107 may also include a filter.

[0046] Therefore, conventional electrical equipment 100 requires two transformers, 101 and 107. These two transformers 101 and 107 occupy space, making conventional equipment 100 bulky and heavy. This is particularly problematic when the equipment is mining equipment such as a mining drill rig.

[0047] Figure 2 An electrical device 200 according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0048] Electrical equipment 200 includes a first circuit 210, a second circuit 220, and a transformer 230. A “circuit” can be defined as a circuit system. The first circuit 210 and the second circuit 220 can each be defined as a subsystem of electrical equipment 200.

[0049] The first circuit 210 includes at least one electric motor 203. When the electrical equipment 200 is connected to the power network 202, the electric motor 203 can be powered by the power network 202 (e.g., the power network at a mining site). The electric motor 203 can be powered by a rechargeable battery 204, particularly when the electrical equipment 200 is not connected to the power network 202.

[0050] For reliable operation, the first circuit 210 must typically operate at its rated voltage. Rated voltage refers to the voltage range within which a device or machine is designed to operate reliably. The rated voltage of the first circuit 210 may be limited by the rated voltage of the motor 203 (e.g., 380-480V or 690V).

[0051] The second circuit 220 includes at least one rechargeable battery 204, also referred to as a storage battery. The rechargeable battery 204 is a battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged multiple times. The second circuit 220 includes a battery charger 205 configured to charge the rechargeable battery 204. The battery charger 205 may include a rectifier configured to convert alternating current (AC) (e.g., 350V AC) into direct current (DC) (e.g., 600V DC). The second circuit 220 may also include one or more electric motors or other electrical devices.

[0052] For reliable operation, the second circuit 220 must typically operate at its rated voltage. The rated voltage of the second circuit 210 may be defined by the rated AC voltage of the battery charger 205 (e.g., 350V AC) and / or the rated DC charging voltage of the rechargeable battery 204 (e.g., 600V DC). Generally, the charging voltage must be higher than the battery voltage to force current into it, but not too high, otherwise the battery may be damaged.

[0053] Transformer 230 functions as both a multi-voltage transformer and a charging transformer. Transformer 230 thus replaces both the multi-voltage transformer 101 and the charging transformer 107 of conventional device 100. This allows device 200 to be more compact and lightweight.

[0054] Transformer 230 includes a primary side 231 and a secondary side 232. The primary side 231 and the secondary side 232 are electrically isolated from each other, but can be magnetically coupled through a common iron core. The common iron core can be a closed magnetic iron circuit. The iron core can be a soft iron core composed of multiple individual laminations connected together.

[0055] The primary side 231 can be connected to the power network 202 (e.g., via power network connection point 235) to receive the grid voltage provided by the power network 202.

[0056] The primary side 231 is connected to the first circuit 210 (e.g., via the first circuit connection point 215) and is configured to provide a first circuit voltage to the first circuit 210.

[0057] The secondary side 232 is connected to the second circuit 220 (e.g., via the second circuit connection point 225) and is configured to provide a second circuit voltage to the second circuit 220.

[0058] The primary side 231 serves both as an autotransformer configured to convert grid voltage into a first circuit voltage and as the primary side of two transformers configured to convert grid voltage into a second circuit voltage.

[0059] The second circuit 220 typically operates under DC voltage, while the mains voltage provided by the electrical network 202 is typically AC. The secondary side 232 provides electrical isolation between the DC and AC sides of the second circuit 220.

[0060] In addition, the primary side 231 serves as a multi-voltage autotransformer configured to convert different grid voltages into a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit.

[0061] Furthermore, the primary side 231 and the secondary side 232 together form a multi-voltage transformer, which is configured to convert different grid voltages into a second circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit.

[0062] The primary side 231 can be configured for a first circuit (e.g., 230 kVA), while the secondary side 232 can be configured for a second circuit (e.g., 100 kVA). Simultaneous load sharing can be accomplished according to different priority strategies (e.g., based on the temperature of the primary and secondary windings).

[0063] The primary side 231 includes at least two sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, and 311C. Each set of primary taps 311A, 311B, and 311C provides a different voltage.

[0064] Figure 2 Three sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, and 311C are shown, but it should be understood that the primary side 231 may include any number of primary tap sets, such as up to 100 primary tap sets.

[0065] Such as about Figure 3A , 3B More specifically than 3C, each set of primary taps 311A, 311B, and 311C includes a tap 311-i on each primary winding. For example, in... Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CIn the example embodiment of the three-phase transformer, the primary tap group 311B includes tap 311B-1 on the first primary winding 311-1, tap 311B-2 on the second primary winding 311-2, and tap 311B-3 on the third primary winding 311-3.

[0066] The first circuit 210 can (or alternatively) be connected to the primary side 231 via any one of the multiple sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the multiple sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C). The connection point 215 can be switched between the sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the multiple sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C).

[0067] Each set of primary taps 311A, 311B, and 311C provides a different ratio of mains voltage to the first circuit 210. The first circuit 210 can be connected to one of the sets 311A, 311B, or 311C, which provides a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit (e.g., the rated voltage of the motor 203). Depending on the mains voltage provided by the electrical network 202, different sets of sets 311A, 311B, or 311C can be selected to connect to the first circuit 210. The primary side 231 thus acts as a multi-voltage autotransformer configured to convert the different mains voltages into a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit.

[0068] If the grid voltage available from the power network 202 is at the rated voltage of the first circuit 210, then the first circuit 210 can be directly driven by the power network 202. For this purpose, the first circuit 210 is directly connected to the power network 202 (as opposed to being connected via the transformer 230).

[0069] In at least some embodiments, the primary side 231 may (or alternatively) be connected to the electrical network 202 via any one of the primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the primary tap groups 311A, 311B, 311C). The connection point 235 between the primary side 231 and the electrical network 202 may be switched between the primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the primary tap groups 311A, 311B, 311C).

[0070] The first circuit voltage depends on which set of primary taps is connected to electrical network 202 and / or which set of primary taps is connected to the first circuit 210. The primary taps to be connected to electrical network 202 and / or to the primary taps to be connected to the first circuit 210 can be selected such that the first circuit voltage is at the rated voltage of the first circuit.

[0071] The secondary side 232 may include at least one set of secondary taps 312a, 312b.

[0072] Figure 2 Two sets of secondary taps 312a and 312b are shown. However, it should be understood that the secondary side 232 may include any number of sets of secondary taps, such as up to 100 sets.

[0073] The second circuit 220 can (or alternatively) be connected to the secondary side 232 via any one of the secondary tap groups 312a, 312b (at least some of the secondary tap groups 312a, 312b). The connection point 225 between the secondary side 232 and the second circuit 220 can be switched between the secondary tap groups 312a, 312b (at least some of the secondary tap groups 312a, 312b).

[0074] Each set of secondary taps 312a, 312b provides a different ratio of mains voltage. A second circuit 220 can be connected to one of the sets 312a, 312b, which provides a voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit (e.g., the rated voltage of a battery). Depending on the mains voltage provided by the electrical network 202, different sets of sets 312a, 312b can be selected to be connected to the second circuit 220. The primary side 231 and the secondary side 232 thus together form a multi-voltage transformer configured to convert the different mains voltages into a second circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit 220.

[0075] The second circuit voltage depends on a set of primary taps connected to the electrical network 202 and / or a set of secondary taps connected to the second circuit 220. The set of primary taps to be connected to the electrical network 202 and / or the set of secondary taps to be connected to the second circuit 220 can be selected such that the second circuit voltage is at the rated voltage of the second circuit (e.g., the rated voltage of the charging circuit 220).

[0076] Transformer 230 may include tap changer 250. Tap changer 250 is configured to switch the first circuit 210 (e.g., connection point 215) between sets of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the primary tap sets) and optionally connection point 235. Tap changer 250 may be configured to select one set of primary taps from the primary tap sets 311A, 311B, 311C (or connection point 235) based on the grid voltage provided by electrical network 202. More specifically, tap changer 250 may be configured to select a set of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (or connection point 235) that provides a ratio of the grid voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit 210.

[0077] Tap changer 250 can also be configured to switch electrical network 202 (e.g., connection point 235) between primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (at least some of the primary tap groups). Tap changer 250 can be configured to select one set of primary taps or connection point 235 from the primary tap groups 311A, 311B, 311C based on the grid voltage provided by electrical network 202. More specifically, tap changer 250 can be configured to select a set of primary taps 311A, 311B, 311C (or connection point 235) such that the voltage of the first circuit is at the rated voltage of the first circuit and / or the voltage of the second circuit is at the rated voltage of the second circuit.

[0078] Tap switch 250 can also be configured to switch the second circuit 220 (e.g., connection point 225) between sets of secondary taps 312a, 312b (at least some of the sets of secondary taps). Tap switch 250 can be configured to select one set of secondary taps from sets of secondary taps 312a, 312b based on the mains voltage provided by electrical network 202. More specifically, tap switch 250 can be configured to select secondary tap sets 312a, 312b that provide a ratio of the mains voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit 220.

[0079] The process of selecting and / or switching between multiple contact groups can be manual, electronically assisted, or fully electronic. The control unit can measure the mains voltage and automatically select the primary contact for the first circuit and / or the secondary contact for the second circuit.

[0080] Figure 3A An example embodiment of transformer 230 as a three-phase transformer is shown.

[0081] Transformer 230 can be a three-phase transformer. The three-phase grid voltage is provided by the power network 202. Three-phase power systems are common in applications requiring high power, such as large induction motors, other types of electric motors, and demanding loads, such as some mining equipment, such as drilling rigs.

[0082] The primary side 231 includes three primary windings 311-1, 311-2, and 311-3 (collectively referred to as primary winding 311-i, where i can be 1, 2, and 3). The secondary side 232 includes three secondary windings 312-1, 312-2, and 312-3 (collectively referred to as secondary winding 312-i, where i can be 1, 2, and 3).

[0083] Three primary windings 311-1, 311-2, and 311-3 and three secondary windings 312-1, 312-2, and 312-3 form three pairs of primary and secondary windings. These three pairs of primary and secondary windings can be mounted on a single common core.

[0084] Each pair of primary windings 311-i and secondary windings 312-i are electrically isolated from each other, but are magnetically coupled through a common core, allowing power to be transferred from the primary winding 311-i to the secondary winding 312-i. When current flows through the primary winding 311-i, a magnetic field is generated, which induces voltage in the secondary winding 312-i.

[0085] The primary winding 311-i and the secondary winding 312-i can be connected in different configurations, such as star (Y), delta (grid), or interconnected star (Z). Depending on the transformer used, the combination of the three windings can be a primary winding delta connection and a secondary winding star connection, or a star-delta, star-star, or delta-delta connection.

[0086] Specifically, the primary winding 311 can be configured as Yan0, while the secondary winding 312 can be configured as Yyn0. Yan0 refers to an autotransformer connection, and Yyn0 refers to an isolation transformer connection (e.g., a charging transformer).

[0087] Figure 3B and Figure 3C An example embodiment is shown with a primary winding 311-i and a secondary winding 312-i, where i can be 1, 2, or 3.

[0088] Each primary winding 311-i and secondary winding 312-i includes wires made of an electrical conductor (e.g., copper) wound around a portion of a common iron core.

[0089] Each primary winding 311-i includes at least two primary taps. A tap is an electrical connection point where external circuitry can be connected to the winding.

[0090] Each primary winding 311-i includes terminal points 311N-i and 311A-i at each end of the primary winding 311-i, and one or more intermediate tap points 311B-i, 311C-i along the length of the primary winding 311-i. Terminal point 311A-i may be a terminal tap point.

[0091] The different tap points 311A-i, 311B-i, and 311C-i along the primary winding 311-i correspond to different voltages measured from the common terminal point 311N-i.

[0092] exist Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the example embodiment shown, each primary winding 311-i includes a primary terminal tap 311A-i, a first intermediate primary tap 311B-i, and a second intermediate tap 311C-i. However, it should be understood that each primary winding 311-i may include any number of taps, such as up to 100 taps.

[0093] Both electrical network 202 and first circuit 210 can be connected to terminal point 311N-i. The other terminal of electrical network 202 is connected to one of the tap points (e.g., 311A-i, 311B-i, or 311C-i). The other terminal of first circuit 210 is connected to another tap point (e.g., 311A-i, 311B-i, or 311C-i).

[0094] Each secondary winding 312-i may include at least one secondary tap. Each secondary winding 312-i includes terminal points 312a-i and 311n-i at each end of the secondary winding 312-i. Each secondary winding 312-i may also include one or more intermediate tap points 312b-i along the length of the secondary winding 312-i. Terminal point 312a-i may be a terminal tap.

[0095] The different tap points 312a-i and 312b-i along the secondary winding 312-i correspond to different voltages measured from terminal point 312n-i.

[0096] exist Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the example embodiment shown, each secondary winding 312-i includes a secondary terminal point 312a-i and a secondary intermediate tap point 312b-i. However, it should be understood that each secondary winding 312-i may include any number of secondary tap points, such as up to 100 secondary tap points.

[0097] The second circuit 220 can be connected across terminal point 312n-i and one of the secondary tap points 312a-i and 312b-i.

[0098] like Figure 3B As shown, the primary side 311 can be used as a step-down autotransformer configured to step down the grid voltage Vg to provide a lower first circuit voltage Vp1 to the first circuit.

[0099] For this purpose, electrical network 202 can be connected across a larger portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 235 to tap 311A-i or 311B-i), while the first circuit 210 is connected across a smaller portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 215 to tap 311C-i). The larger portion of the primary winding 311-i can be the entire primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 235 to terminal tap 311A-i).

[0100] like Figure 3C As shown, the primary side 311 can be used as a step-up autotransformer, which is configured to step up the grid voltage Vg to provide a higher first circuit voltage Vp1 to the first circuit.

[0101] For this purpose, the first circuit 210 can be connected across a larger portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 215 to tap 311A-i or 311B-i), while the electrical network 202 is connected across a smaller portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 235 to tap 311C-i).

[0102] The ratio of the first circuit voltage Vp1 to the grid voltage Vg is equal to the ratio of the length of the primary winding portion connected to the first circuit 210 (or the number of turns of the winding) to the length of the primary winding portion connected to the electrical network 202.

[0103] like Figure 3B As shown, the primary side 311 and the secondary side 312 can be used together as a step-down transformer, which is configured to step down the grid voltage Vg to provide a lower second circuit voltage Vp2 to the second circuit.

[0104] For this purpose, the second circuit 220 can be connected across a smaller portion of the secondary winding 312-i (e.g., connection point 225 to tap 312b-i), while the electrical network 202 is connected across a larger portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 235 to tap 311A-i or 311B-i).

[0105] like Figure 3CAs shown, the primary side 311 and the secondary side 312 can be used together as a step-up transformer, which is configured to step up the grid voltage Vg to provide a higher second circuit voltage Vp2 to the second circuit.

[0106] For this purpose, the second circuit 220 can be connected across a larger portion of the secondary winding 312-i (e.g., connection point 225 to tap 312a-i), while the electrical network 202 is connected across a smaller portion of the primary winding 311-i (e.g., connection point 235 to tap 311C-i or 311B-i). The larger portion of the secondary winding 312-i can be the entire secondary winding 312-i (e.g., connection point 225 to terminal point 312a-i).

[0107] The ratio of the second circuit voltage Vp2 to the grid voltage Vg is equal to the ratio of the length of the secondary winding portion connected to the second circuit 220 (or the number of turns of the winding) to the length of the primary winding portion connected to the electrical network 202.

[0108] Transformer 230 can be liquid-cooled. Transformer 230 can be housed in a casing filled with a liquid (e.g., transformer oil) that cools and insulates the windings. Liquid cooling can also be arranged in a manner where the cooling medium and the cooled parts of the transformer (e.g., coils) are not in direct contact. Liquid cooling is convenient because other liquid-cooled components already exist in the system.

[0109] Figure 4 An example embodiment of electrical equipment 200 as mining equipment 400 (e.g., underground drilling rig 400) is shown. An underground drilling rig is a system or machine for drilling holes underground, such as for drilling holes in underground mining and tunneling. The drilling rig can be a mobile device mounted on a vehicle (e.g., a truck), on rails, or on a trailer.

[0110] The transformer 230 can be connected to the electrical network 202 via one or more inputs controlled by a switch located at 430, which may also include additional electrical components such as fuses.

[0111] The first circuit 210 may include one or more power unit motors 412, for example, the one or more power unit motors 412 being configured to operate one or more electro-hydraulic power units. An electro-hydraulic power unit is a system or machine that converts electrical energy into hydraulic energy. An electro-hydraulic power unit typically generates a hydraulic fluid flow that can be maintained at a certain pressure.

[0112] In addition, the second circuit 220 may include at least one traction motor 422, for example, the at least one traction motor 422 being configured to supply power for moving or towing the machine.

[0113] In addition, the second circuit 220 may include a rectifier or AC / DC converter 424. The rechargeable battery 204 is connected to the secondary side 232 via the AC / DC converter 424.

[0114] Furthermore, the second circuit 220 may include one or more secondary motors, such as motor 427 configured to operate compressor 437, motor 428 configured to operate water booster pump 438, and / or motor 429 configured to operate auxiliary power unit 439. If connected downstream of rectifier 424, the secondary motors 427, 428, and 429 may be connected to rectifier 424 via an inverter or DC / AC converter.

[0115] In addition, the second circuit 220 may include one or more additional components, such as a heater, an on-board slow charger, or an air conditioning compressor, connected to the DC link of the rectifier 424.

[0116] When the mining equipment 400 is connected to the power network 202, the electrical equipment in the first circuit (e.g., power unit motor 412) and / or the electrical equipment in the second circuit (e.g., motors 427, 428, 429) can be powered by the power network 202 (e.g., the power network at the mining site). For example, when the electrical equipment 200 is not connected to the power network 202, the electrical equipment in the first circuit (e.g., power unit motor 412) and / or the electrical equipment in the second circuit (e.g., motors 427, 428, 429) can be powered by the rechargeable battery 204.

[0117] The combined transformer 230 occupies less space than the multi-voltage transformer 101 and charging transformer 107 of the conventional equipment 100. This frees up space, allowing for the use of a larger number of power units and / or larger power units in the drilling rig.

[0118] Furthermore, the combined transformer 230 allows the power unit motor 412 to be separated from the traction motor 422. This provides significant benefits for versatility between drilling rigs of different sizes and between different applications.

[0119] Furthermore, a larger combined transformer (e.g., transformer 230) is cheaper and simpler than two separate transformers with the same performance (e.g., multi-voltage transformer 101 and charging transformer 107). This also means better component utilization. For example, under a 690V mains voltage, conventional equipment 100 renders the multi-voltage transformer 101 unused.

[0120] Figure 5An example embodiment of transformer 230 is shown, wherein the primary side 231 is arranged in a star connection, and the secondary side 232 is arranged in a star connection. In this configuration, three primary windings 311-1, 311-2, and 311-3 are connected at a common neutral point 311N. Three secondary windings 312-1, 312-2, and 312-3 are connected at a common neutral point 312n.

[0121] Figure 6 An example embodiment of transformer 230 is shown, wherein the primary side 231 is configured as a star connection and the secondary side 232 is configured as a delta connection.

[0122] Figure 7 An example embodiment of transformer 230 is shown, wherein the primary side 231 is configured in a delta connection and the secondary side 232 is configured in a star connection.

[0123] Figure 8 An example embodiment of transformer 230 is shown, wherein the primary side 231 and the secondary side 232 are both configured in a delta connection.

[0124] Figure 9 An example embodiment of a transformer 230 including a three-phase capacitor filter circuit 340 on the secondary side 232 is shown.

[0125] The three-phase capacitor filter 340 may include a capacitor 341 (optionally connected in series with a damping resistor 342) between each phase. The three-phase capacitor filter 340 may also include an inverter-side choke 343 for each phase. The capacitor filter 340 may be configured between the secondary terminal points 312a-i of each secondary winding 312-i and each phase of the second circuit 220.

[0126] The following examples of available voltage, current, or power levels at different terminals and / or taps of the multi-voltage transformer 230 are given by way of example only, depending on how the electrical equipment 200 may behave in different scenarios. Any given example embodiment including specific voltage, current, or power values ​​is described only as a means of illustrating the behavior of this disclosure and is not intended to specifically limit the scope of these example embodiments.

[0127] In an example embodiment of transformer 230, a 1000-volt three-phase voltage from electrical network 202 can be supplied to primary terminal point 311A, which can generate an output voltage of 700 volts at primary tap point 311C on the primary side 231. Furthermore, a usable output voltage of 350 volts can be available at secondary tap point 312b on the secondary side 232.

[0128] In an example embodiment of the multi-voltage transformer 230, a 575-volt three-phase voltage from the power network 202 can be supplied to the primary tap 311B, which can generate an output voltage of 480 volts at the primary tap 311C. Additionally, a usable output voltage of 348 volts can be available at the secondary terminal point 312a.

[0129] In an example embodiment of the multi-voltage transformer 230, a 550-volt three-phase voltage from the power network 202 can be supplied to the primary tap 311C, which can generate an output voltage of 658 volts at the primary tap 311B. Additionally, a usable output voltage of 332 volts can be available at the secondary terminal point 312a.

[0130] The term “comprising” is used herein to mean including the identified method, box, or element, but such box or element does not include an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include additional boxes or elements.

[0131] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, many changes can be made to the disclosed embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this specification.

[0132] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0133] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the described problems or that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages. It will also be understood that a reference to the entry “a” may refer to one or more of those entries.

[0134] Although a subject may be referred to as the "first" or "second" subject, this does not necessarily indicate any order or importance of the subject. Rather, such an attribute may be used solely for the purpose of distinguishing between subjects.

Claims

1. An electrical device (200) comprising a first circuit (210), a second circuit (220), and a transformer (230), wherein: The first circuit (210) includes a motor (203); The second circuit (220) includes a rechargeable battery (204); and The transformer (230) includes: The primary side (231) includes multiple sets of primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C), and The secondary side (232) is electrically isolated from the primary side (231); and in: The primary side (231) is configured to be connected to the electrical network (202). The first circuit (210) is configured to connect to the primary side (231), wherein the first circuit (210) is capable of switching between at least two sets of primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C). The second circuit (220) is configured to be connected to the secondary side (232).

2. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The primary side (231) includes three primary windings (311-1, 311-2, 311-3), and each primary tap (311A, 311B, 311C) includes one tap (311A-i, 311B-i, 311C-i) on each primary winding (311-i).

3. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first circuit (210) can also be switched to be directly connected to the electrical network (202).

4. The electrical equipment (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first circuit (210) is configured to switch to one of the multiple sets of primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C), the set of primary taps providing a first circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the first circuit (210).

5. The electrical equipment (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first circuit (210) is configured to switch between at least two of the plurality of primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C) based on the level of the grid voltage provided by the electrical network (202).

6. The electrical equipment (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The connection (235) between the primary side (231) and the electrical network (202) can be switched between at least two of the multiple primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C).

7. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 6, wherein, The connection (235) between the primary side (231) and the electrical network (202) is configured to switch between at least two of the plurality of primary taps (311A, 311B, 311C) based on the level of the grid voltage provided by the electrical network (202).

8. The electrical apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The secondary side (232) includes at least one set of secondary taps (312a, 312b).

9. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 8, wherein, The secondary side (232) includes three secondary windings (312-1, 312-2, 312-3), and each set of secondary taps (312a, 312b) includes one tap (312a-i, 312b-i) on each secondary winding (312-i).

10. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The secondary side (232) includes multiple sets of secondary taps (312a, 312b), and the second circuit (220) is capable of switching between at least two sets of secondary taps (312a, 312b).

11. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 10, wherein, The second circuit (220) is configured to switch to one of the multiple sets of secondary taps (312a, 312b), which provides a second circuit voltage at the rated voltage of the second circuit (220).

12. The electrical equipment (200) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The second circuit (220) is configured to switch between at least two sets of secondary taps (312a, 312b) based on the level of the mains voltage provided by the electrical network (202).

13. The electrical apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The motor (203) includes at least one drilling power unit motor (412).

14. The electrical apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The second circuit (220) includes a three-phase capacitor filter (340) with an inverter-side choke (343).

15. The electrical apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The second circuit (220) includes one or more of the following components: Traction motor (422); as well as One or more secondary motors (427, 428, 429) are configured to operate one or more of the following components: Compressor (437); Water booster pump (438); or Auxiliary power unit (439).

16. An electric drilling rig (400) comprising electrical equipment (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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