A hybrid engine and battery system and a method for a hybrid engine and battery system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a hybrid engine and battery system (100) of a drill rig. The system comprises: - at least one internal combustion engine (110); - an electric motor and generator device (120) mechanically connected to the at least one internal combustion engine (110), and electrically connected to an energy storage system (130) for charging and discharging the energy storage system; - a compressor (140) mechanically connected, via a clutch (150), to the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric motor and generator device; - a tramming system (160) connected to the electric motor and generator device; and - a control device (180) configured to control the at least one internal combustion engine and one or more of the electric motor and generator device, the compressor, the clutch and the tramming system based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine.

Description

[0001] A HYBRID ENGINE AND BATTERY SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR A HYBRID ENGINE AND BATTERY SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure relates to a hybrid engine and battery system and to a method for controlling the system. More specifically, the disclosure relates to improving an efficiency of the hybrid engine and battery system.

[0004] Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a corresponding computer program and a computer-readable medium causing a computer to carry out the method.

[0005] Background

[0006] Drill rigs comprise, among other things, drilling equipment and a tramming system. The drilling equipment is used for mining activities, such as drilling holes in rocks.

[0007] The tramming system is used for moving the drill rig around, such as between various drilling positions / locations. Drill rigs comprising hybrid engine and battery systems for driving the drilling equipment and the tramming system are becoming more and more common.

[0008] In conventional hybrid systems, an engine is used for providing mechanic power to a generator. The generator converts this mechanic power to electric power, which is stored in batteries. The stored electric power is then converted into mechanic power in an electric motor configured to drive a compressor used for driving the drilling equipment of the drill rig. The stored electric power is also converted into mechanic power in an electric motor configured to drive hydraulic pumps of the tramming system.

[0009] In conventional hybrid engine and battery systems, there are losses in the conversion from mechanic power to electric power in the generator and in the conversions from electric power to mechanic power in the various electric motors. Also, the conventional control of one of the components of the hybrid engine and battery system is performed more or less independently of the state and / or operation of the other components in the system. Therefore, the conventional hybrid engine and battery systems are inefficient and not optimized for driving the drilling equipment and tramming systems in drill rigs.

[0010] Summary

[0011] An objective of the embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks of conventional solutions.

[0012] Another objective of the embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which provides an efficient use of the components of the hybrid engine and battery system.

[0013] The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the appended independent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a hybrid engine and battery system of a drill rig.

[0015] The system comprises:

[0016] - at least one internal combustion engine;

[0017] - an electric motor and generator device mechanically connected to the at least one internal combustion engine, and electrically connected to an energy storage system for charging and discharging the energy storage system;

[0018] - a compressor mechanically connected, via a clutch, to the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric motor and generator device;

[0019] - a tramming system connected to the electric motor and generator device; and

[0020] - a control device configured to control the at least one internal combustion engine and one or more of the electric motor and generator device, the compressor, the clutch and the tramming system based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0021] Thus, the at least one internal combustion engine, the electric motor and generator device and the compressor are series coupled by the mechanical connections between them. Thus, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine may be directly used for driving both the compressor and the electric motor and generator device. Hereby, the number of conversions between mechanic power and electric power is minimized, and losses associated with such conversions are consequently avoided. Also, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric power provided by the energy storage system may be combined for driving the compressor and / or the tramming system. Thus, the tramming system may be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine and / or by the energy storage system. Correspondingly, the compressor may be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine and / or by the energy storage system. Hereby, increased flexibility for the control of the hybrid engine and battery system is provided.

[0022] In the presented hybrid engine and battery system, the at least one internal combustion engine and one or more of the electric motor and generator device, the compressor, the clutch and the tramming system may be controlled such that the at least one internal combustion engine is allowed to work as closely as possible to its sweetspot, i.e. to an operation point where a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine is provided. Thus, other components than the at least one internal combustion engine are here controlled based on the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine, such that the overall efficiency of the system is taken into consideration. This results in a efficiency related controlled of the at least one internal combustion engine, and the rest of the components of the system, which reduces the fuel consumption.

[0023] The flexible control of one or more of the compressor, the motor / generator and the tramming system based on the fuel efficiency of the engine provides for an optimized system regarding fuel efficiency. Also, the flexible control makes it possible to optimize the components of the hybrid engine and battery system regarding size and / or power.

[0024] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0025] - the tramming system is a hydraulic tramming system; and

[0026] - the hydraulic tramming system is mechanically connected to the electric motor and generator device, and to the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0027] Hereby, the at least one internal combustion engine, the electric motor and generator device, the compressor and the hydraulic tramming system are series coupled by the mechanical connections between them. Thus, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine may be directly used also by the hydraulic tramming system. Hereby, the number of conversions between mechanic power and electric power is minimized, and losses associated with such conversions are consequently avoided. Also, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric power provided by the energy storage system may be combined for driving the hydraulic the tramming system, which provides for a increased flexibility for the control of the hybrid engine and battery system.

[0028] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the hydraulic tramming system, the electric motor and generator device, the at least one internal combustion engine, the clutch, and the compressor are mechanically connected with each other by one or more shafts.

[0029] The one or more shafts / axis provides the mechanical connections between the components of the hybrid engine and battery system, such that the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric power provided by the energy storage system may be combined for driving the compressor and / or the tramming system. Thus, a control flexibility resulting from the hereby series coupled components is provided.

[0030] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0031] - the at least one internal combustion engine is configured to provide mechanic power to drive the hydraulic tramming system and to charge the energy storage system; and

[0032] - the electric motor and engine device is configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combution engine into electric power, and to charge the energy storage system with the converted electric power.

[0033] Hereby, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine may be utilized for driving the hydraulic tramming system and / or for charging the energy storage system. The at least one internal combustion engine may hereby be flexibly controlled such that it is efficiently run at the same timed that the energy storage system is charged. In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the electric motor and engine device is configured to:

[0034] - convert electric power provided by the energy storage system into mechanic power; and

[0035] - drive the hydraulic tramming system with the converted mechanic power.

[0036] Hereby, electric power provided by the energy storage system may, via the electric motor and engine device, be used for driving the hydraulic tramming system. Hereby, the energy storage system and the electric motor and engine device may contribute to the operation of the hydraulic tramming system.

[0037] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0038] - the tramming system is an electric tramming system; and

[0039] - the electric tramming system is electrically connected to the electric motor and generator device, and to the energy storage system.

[0040] Hereby, the electric tramming system may be electrically driven by one or more of the energy storage system and the at least one internal combustion engine via the electric motor and generator device, which provides for a flexible system control. Also, the electric tramming system may be electrically driven directly by the energy storage system alone, with the at least one internal combustion being off. The electric motor and generator device may also charge the energy storage system during tramming.

[0041] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the electric motor and generator device, the at least one internal combustion engine, the clutch, and the compressor are mechanically connected by one or more shafts.

[0042] The one or more shafts / axis provides the mechanical connections between the components of the hybrid engine and battery system, such that the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine and converted into electric power by the electric motor and engine device, and the electric power provided by the energy storage system directly may be combined for driving the tramming system. Also, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine, and the electric power provided by the energy storage system and converted into mechanic power by the electric motor and engine device may be combined for driving the compressor. Thus, a control flexibility resulting from the hereby series coupled components is provided.

[0043] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0044] - the energy storage system is configured to drive the electric tramming system.

[0045] The electric tramming system may hereby be electrically driven by the energy storage system and / or by the at least one internal combustion engine via the electric motor and generator device. Also, the electric tramming system may be electrically driven directly by the energy storage system alone, with the at least one internal combustion being off. Hereby, a flexible system control is provided.

[0046] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the electric motor and engine device is configured to:

[0047] - convert mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine into electric power;

[0048] - drive the electric tramming system with the converted electric power; and

[0049] - charge the energy storage system with at least a portion of the converted electric power.

[0050] Hereby, the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine may be utilized for driving the electric tramming system and / or for charging the energy storage system. The at least one internal combustion engine may hereby be flexibly controlled such that it is efficiently run.

[0051] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0052] - the electric motor and generator device is an alternating current motor and generator device; and

[0053] - an electric connection between the alternating current motor and generator device, and the energy storage system comprises one or more electric converters configured for conversion between alternating currents and direct currents.

[0054] Alternating current motor and generator devices are efficient and can provide high power, and have a long life since they do not wear down easily. In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect,

[0055] - the electric motor and generator device is a direct current motor and generator device; and

[0056] - an electric connection between the direct current motor and generator device, and the energy storage system comprises one or more electric interface converters.

[0057] Direct current motor and generator devices are robust and reliable, and need less alternating current and direct current converters in the system.

[0058] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the control device is configured to:

[0059] - determine an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine; and

[0060] - control the electric motor and generator device to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system during operation of the compressor, such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine is moved towards a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0061] Hereby, the at least one internal combustion engine is moved towards, and stays within, its sweet spot also while tramming and / or drilling is performed, which reduces the fuel consumption of the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0062] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, if a power need of the compressor is reduced, the control device is configured to:

[0063] - control the electric motor and generator device to increase the charging of the energy storage system.

[0064] Hereby, the at least one internal combustion engine can stay within its sweet spot e.g. during tramming and / or drilling, which reduces the fuel consumption of the at least one internal combustion engin.

[0065] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, if a power need of the compressor is reduced to zero, the control device is configured to:

[0066] - open the clutch.

[0067] By opening the clutch, the potential resistance and / or losses of a connected compressor are eliminated. Also, the at least one internal combustion engine may be kept running in its sweet spot, and may then continue to efficiently charge the energy storage system and / or drive the tramming system.

[0068] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, if a power need of the compressor exceeds a power providable by the at least one internal combustion engine, the control device is configured to

[0069] - control the electric motor and generator device to:

[0070] -- discharge the energy storage system;

[0071] -- convert electric power provided by the discharged energy storage system into mechanic power; and

[0072] -- provide the converted mechanic power to the compressor.

[0073] Hereby, the energy storage system helps the at least one internal combustion engine to provide the power needed by the compressor in some situations, e.g. in heavy load situations that occur relatively seldom. Hereby, i.e. since the energy storage system can contribute with additional power when needed for driving the compressor in some extreme situations, a smaller at least one internal combustion engine may be utilized in the system. The energy storage system may then be designed to provide the differing power, such the the overall cost and efficiency of the entire system is optimized.

[0074] In an embodiment of the system according to the first aspect, the control device is configured to;

[0075] - determine an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine; and

[0076] - control the electric motor and generator device to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system during operation of the tramming system, such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine is moved towards a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0077] Thus, for example, if a power need of the tramming system is reduced, the control of the electric motor and generator device may increase the charging of the energy storage system. Conversely, if a power need of the tramming system is increased, the electric motor and generator device may be controlled to decrease the charging of the energy storage system. Hereby, the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine may move to, and stay within, the sweet spot of the at least one internal combustion engine, which decreases the overall fuel consumption.

[0078] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a drill rig comprising the herein described hybrid engine and battery system.

[0079] The drill rig according to the second aspect has corresponding advantages as the ones mentioned for the system according to the first aspect.

[0080] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a hybrid engine and battery system of a drill rig. The system comprises:

[0081] - at least one internal combustion engine;

[0082] - an electric motor and generator device mechanically connected to the at least one internal combustion engine, and electrically connected to an energy storage system for charging and discharging the energy storage system;

[0083] - a compressor mechanically connected, via a clutch, to the at least one internal combustion engine and the electric motor and generator device;

[0084] - a tramming system connected to the electric motor and generator device; and

[0085] - a control device; the method comprising:

[0086] - controlling, by utilization of the control device, the at least one internal combustion engine and one or more of the electric motor and generator device, the compressor, the clutch and the tramming system based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine.

[0087] The method according to the third aspect can be extended into embodiments corresponding to the embodiments forms of the system according to the first aspect. Hence, an embodiment of the method comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding embodiment of the system.

[0088] The advantages of the method according to the third aspect and its embodiments are the same as those for the corresponding aspect and embodiments of the system according to the first aspect mentioned above. Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a computer program, characterized in program code, which when run by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to execute any method according to embodiments of the disclosure. Further, embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium and the mentioned computer program, wherein the computer program is included in the computer readable medium, and may comprises one or more from the group of: read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), hard disk drive, etc.

[0089] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0090] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0091] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

[0092] - Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hybrid engine and battery system with which embodiments of the disclosure may be utilized;

[0093] - Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary hybrid engine and battery system with which embodiments of the disclosure may be utilized;

[0094] - Fig. 3 shows a flow chart for an exemplary method according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0095] - Fig. 4 shows a flow chart for an exemplary method according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0096] - Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a control unit according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0097] - Fig. 6 schematically shows an exemplary drill rig in which some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented; and

[0098] - Fig. 7 schematically shows an exemplary drill rig in which some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented.

[0099] Detailed Description

[0100] As mentioned above, the components of the conventional hybrid engine and battery systems are controlled more or less independently of the state and / or operation of the other components in the system, and energy is lost by the conversions between mechanic power and electric power in the generators and / or electric motors. The conventional hybrid engine and battery systems are therefore inefficient and not optimized for driving the drilling equipment and tramming systems in drill rigs.

[0101] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid engine and battery system 100. The hybrid engine and battery system 100 may be comprised in a drill rig 400, 410, for example as schematically illustrated in figures 6 and 7.

[0102] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 comprises at least one internal combustion engine 110, which may be be any suitable engine, such as e.g. a diesel engine, a gas engine, a petrol engine, a hydrogen engine, or any other suitable combustion engine.

[0103] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises an electric motor and generator device 120, which is mechanically connected 172 to the at least one internal combustion engine 110. In this document, A mechanic connections being utilized for mechanically connecting two components in the system 100 is one and the same mechanic connection, which may comprise one or more shafts / axis, e.g. metal shafts / axis, possibly with gearboxes and / or couplings inbetween. A mechanic connection does thus not have to consist of only one single shaft, and may instead comprise more than one shafts being mechanically connected / coupled to each other.

[0104] The electric motor and generator device 120 is further electrically connected 174, 175 to an energy storage system 130, and is configured for charging and discharging the energy storage system 130. The electrical connections 174, 175 between the electric motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage system 130 may comprise one or more electric converters 131 , as explained below.

[0105] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a compressor 140. The compressor 140 is configured to drive the drilling equipment of the drill rig, and is mechanically connected 171 , via a clutch 150, to the at least one internal combustion engine 110, and is also mechanically connected 172 to the electric motor and generator device 120. One or more shafts / axis 171 , 172 are here configured as mechanical connections for transfering torque between the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120, and the compressor 140. The clutch 150 may connect or disconnect the compressor 140 to or from the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. Thus, when the clutch 150 is closed, the compressor 140 is mechanically connected to the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120, such that it rotates with the shaft 171 , the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. Conversely, when the clutch 150 is open, the compressor 140 is mechanically disconnected from the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120, such that the compressor 140 is not driven by the internal combustion engine 110 or the electric motor and generator device 120. The clutch 150 may be essentially any conventional clutch, utilizing e.g. magnetics or the like for closing or opening the clutch 150.

[0106] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a tramming system 160 connected to the electric motor and generator device 120. According to an embodiment showed in figure 1 , the tramming system 160 is a hydraulic tramming system 160a, comprising one or more hydraulic pumps / units configured to drive the tramming / movement of the drill rig. The drill rig 400, 410 may either perform drilling activities, whereby the clutch 150 is closed, or may move by use of the tramming system 160, whereby the clutch 150 is open. By utilizing the tramming system 160, the drill rig 400, 410 may be moved for example between different drilling positions / locations.

[0107] The hydraulic tramming system 160a is mechanically connected 172, 173 to the electric motor and generator device 120, and to the at least one internal combustion engine 110. Thus, the hydraulic tramming system 160a, the electric motor and generator device 120, the at least one internal combustion engine 110, the clutch 150, and the compressor 140 are mechanically connected 171 , 172, 173 with each other by one or more shafts, as illustrated with thick solid lines 171 , 172, 173 in figure 1 . The at least one internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140 and the hydraulic tramming system 160a are thus series coupled by the mechanical connections 171 , 172, 173 between them. The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a control device 180, which is configured to control the at least one internal combustion engine 110, and also the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140, the clutch 150 and / or the tramming system 160, based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine 110. Thus, the internal combustion engine 110 and one or more of the other system components 120, 140, 150, 160 being mechanically connected to the combustion engine 110 are controlled such that the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine 110 is taken into consideration by the control, i.e. such that the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine 110 is improved by the control.

[0108] According to some embodiments illustrated in figure 1 , the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is configured to, via the mechanic connections 172, 173, provide mechanic power to drive the hydraulic tramming system 160a and to charge the energy storage system 130. The electric motor and engine device 120 is then configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combution engine 110, via the mechanic connection 172, into electric power, and to charge, via the electric connections 174, 175, the energy storage system 130 with the converted electric power.

[0109] The electric motor and engine device 120 is also configured to convert electric power provided by the energy storage system 130, via electric connections 174, 175, into mechanic power. The electric motor and engine device 120 is further configured to drive the hydraulic tramming system 160a with the converted mechanic power.

[0110] Thus, in the hybrid engine and battery system 100 schematically illustrated in figure 1 , the hydraulic tramming system 160a may be driven by the energy storage device 130 via the electric motor and generator device 120 converting electric power into mechanic power and / or may be driven by the internal combusiton engine 110 providing mechanic power directly.

[0111] If the hydraulic tramming system 160a is driven by the internal combustion engine 110, i.e. is driven by the torque and shaft rotations provided by the internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120 may simultaneously also charge the energy storage device 130, i.e. may charge the one or more battery units of the energy storage device 130, while tramming of the drill rig is performed.

[0112] However, if the internal combustion engine 110 is controlled to not drive the hydraulic tramming system 160a, e.g. if the internal comnbustion engine 110 is controlled to stop / shut down, then the energy storage device 130 may provide electric power to the electric motor and generator device 120 to drive the hydraulic tramming system 160a alone. Thus, the hydraulic tramming system 160a may then be driven by the the energy storage device 130 and the electric motor and generator device 120 alone, without the aid of the internal combustion engine 110, since the electric motor and generator device 120 is configured to convert the electric power provided by the energy storage device 130 into mechanic power and to provide the converted mechanic power to the hydraulic tramming system 160a for tramming.

[0113] Thus, the presented the hybrid engine and battery system 100 provides a flexibility for driving the the hydraulic tramming system 160a, since one or more of the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120 may provide it with mechanic power.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the electric motor and generator device 120 shown in figure 1 is an alternating current (AC) motor and generator device. The electric connection 174, 175 between the alternating current motor and generator device 120, and the energy storage system 130 then comprises one or more electric converters 131 configured for conversion between alternating currents (AC) and direct currents (DC). Thus, if the electric motor and generator devices 120 is an alternating current electric motor and generator device, AC / DC converters are needed between the electric motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage device 130.

[0115] According to another embodiment, the electric motor and generator device 120 is a direct current motor and generator device. The electric connection 174, 175 between the direct current motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage system 130 then comprises one or more electric interface converters 131. Thus, if a direct current motor and generator device is used, there might be no need for AC / DC converters, and a simple interface 131 may suffice. Thus, only regular interface converters may be needed between the direct current electric motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage device 130. It should be noted that if the energy storage device 130 and / or the direct current electric motor and generator device 120 are optimized to each other, the converter 131 may not be needed at all and could be omitted, such that the the energy storage device 130 and the direct current electric motor and generator device 120 may be electrically connected directly to each other.

[0116] In an embodiment schematically shown in figure 1 , the compressor 140 and the clutch 150 are arranged to the right of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. However, the compressor 140 and the clutch 150, may in various other embodiments also be arranged to the left of the hydraulic tramming device 160a. The compressor 140 may be generally arranged / placed anywhere where it is mechanically connected, via the clutch 150, to the least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. The clutch should, however, only be able to mechanically connect and disconnect the compressor 140. Thus, only the compressor 140 should be mechanically connected to, and disconnected from, the least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120 by the clutch 150, but the hydraulic tramming system 160a should always be mechanically connected 172, 173 to the least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. In other words, the clutch 150 should not be arranged between the mechanically connected at least one internal combustion engine 110, electric motor and generator device 120, and hydraulic tramming system 160a. The at least one internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140, and the hydraulic tramming system 160a should thus all be mechanically connected with each other, the compressor 140 via the clutch 150.

[0117] Further, the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120 may, in some embodiments, be installed as one unit. The hydraulic tramming system 160a and the compressor 140 comprising the clutch 150 may then be arranged on either side of, and being mechanically connected with, the unit comprising the mechanically connected at least one internal combustion engine 110 and electric motor and generator device 120.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the electric motor and generator device 120 may be arranged between, and being mechanically connected with, the at least one internal conbustion engine 110 and the clutch 150 of the compressor 140. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid engine and battery system 100 of a drill rig 400, 410. The system setup is similar to the hybrid engine and battery system 100 showed in figure 1 , but comprises an electrical tramming system 160b instead of the hydraulic tramming system 160a of the hybrid engine and battery system 100 shown in figure 1 .

[0119] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 comprises at least one internal combustion engine 110. The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises an electric motor and generator device 120, which is mechanically connected 172 to the at least one internal combustion engine 110, as explained above.

[0120] The electric motor and generator device 120 is further electrically connected 176, 179 to an energy storage system 130, and is configured for charging and discharging the energy storage system 130. The electrical connections 176, 179 between the electric motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage system 130 may comprise one or more electric converters 132, as explained below.

[0121] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a compressor 140, which is configured to drive the drilling equipment of the drill rig. The compressor 140 is mechanically connected 171 , via a clutch 150, to the at least one internal combustion engine 110, and is also mechanically connected 172 to the electric motor and generator device 120, as explained above. When the clutch 150 is closed, the compressor 140 is mechanically connected to the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. Conversely, when the clutch 150 is open, the compressor 140 is mechanically disconnected from the internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. Thus, the at least one internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120 and the compressor 140 are series coupled by the mechanical connections 171 , 172 between them.

[0122] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a tramming system 160, which according to an embodiment showed in figure 2, is an electric tramming system 160b. The drill rig 400, 410 may, when the clutch 150 is closed, perform drilling activities or may, the clutch 150 is open, be moved by the electric tramming system 160b. The electric tramming system 160b is electrically connected 176, 177, 178 to the electric motor and generator device 120, and is electrically connected 178, 177, 179 to the energy storage system 130. Thus, according to this embodiment, the electric motor and generator device 120, the at least one internal combustion engine 110, the clutch 150, and the compressor 140 are mechanically connected 171 , 172 with each other by one or more shafts, as illustrated with thick solid lines 171 , 172 in figure 2. However, the electric tramming system 160b is electrically connected 176, 177, 178 to the electric motor and generator device 120, as illustrated with thinner lines in figure 2.

[0123] The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a control device 180, which is configured to control the at least one internal combustion engine 110, and also the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140, the clutch 150 and / or the electric tramming system 160b, based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine 110. Thus, the internal combustion engine 110 and one or more of the other components 120, 140, 150, 160b of the hybrid engine and battery system 100 are controlled such that the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine 110 is taken into consideration by the control, i.e. such that the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine 110 is improved by the control.

[0124] According to some embodiments illustrated in figure 2, the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is configured to, via the mechanic connection 172, provide mechanic power to charge the energy storage system 130. The electric motor and engine device 120 is then configured to convert the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combution engine 110 into electric power. The electric motor and engine device 120 is further configured to drive, via the electric connections 176, 177, 178, the electric tramming system 160b with the converted electric power and / or to charge, via the electric connections 176, 177, 179 the energy storage system 130 with the converted electric power. The electric motor and engine device 120 is thus configured to utilize at least a portion of the converted electric power for driving the electric tramming system 160b and / or for charging the energy storage system 130.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the energy storage system 130 is configured to drive the electric tramming system 160b by providing electric power to the electric tramming system 160b. If the electric tramming system 160b is driven by electric power converted from mecanic power provided by the internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120 may simultaneously also charge the energy storage device 130, i.e. may charge the one or more battery units of the energy storage device 130, while tramming the drill rig.

[0126] However, if the internal combustion engine 110 is controlled to stop / shut down, then the energy storage device 130 may provide electric power to the hydraulic tramming system 160a in order to drive the hydraulic tramming system 160a alone. Thus, the electric tramming system 160b may be driven by the energy storage device 130 alone, without the aid of converted electric power from the internal combustion engine 110.

[0127] Thus, the presented the hybrid engine and battery system 100 provides a flexibility for driving the the electric tramming system 160b, since it may be provided by electric power from the energy storage device 130 and / or may be provided with converted electric power originating from mechanic power from the internal combustion engine 110.

[0128] In other words, for the hybrid engine and battery system 100 illustrated in figure 2, the electrical tramming system 160b is driven by the energy storage device 130 and / or by the internal combusiton engine 110, via the electric motor and generator device 120. The electric motor and generator device 120 is configured to convert the mechanical power conveyed / transferred by the one or more shafts of the mechanical connection 172 into electrial power. The converted electric power may be provided to the electrical tramming system 160b. If the electric tramming system 160b is driven by the internal combustion engine 110, then the electric motor and generator device 120 may also charge the energy storage device 130 with the converted electric power. Alternatively, if the internal combustion engine 110 is off, then the energy storage device 130 can drive the electric tramming system 160b itself.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the electric motor and generator device 120 and the electric tramming system 160b shown in figure 2 are alternating current (AC) devices. The electric connection 176, 177, 179 between the alternating current motor and generator device 120, and the energy storage system 130 then comprises one or more electric converters 132 configured for conversion between alternating currents (AC) and direct currents (DC). Also, the electrical connection 178, 177, 179 between the energy storage system 130 and the electric tramming system 160b comprises one or more electric converters 133 configured for conversion between alternating currents (AC) and direct currents (DC). For example, the electric power may be provided on the electric connection 176 by the electric motor and generator devices 120 as a three phase alternating current. This three phase alternating current electric power is converted to a direct current by an AC / DC converter 132, such that it may be stored in the direct current energy storage system 130. The direct current electric power in the connection 177 between the AC / DC converter 132 and the energy storage system 130 is converted by a DC / AC converter 133 into a three phase alternating current provided by the electric connection 178 to the three phase alternating current electric tramming system 160b.

[0130] According to another embodiment, the electric motor and generator device 120 is a direct current motor and generator device. The electric connection 176, 177, 179 between the direct current motor and generator device 120 and the energy storage system 130 then comprises one or more electric interface converters 132. Thus, if a direct current motor and generator device is used, there might be no need for AC / DC converters, and a simple interface 132 may suffice for charging the energy storage system 130.

[0131] In the embodiment schematically shown in figure 2, the compressor 140 and the clutch 150 are arranged to the right of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. However, the compressor 140 and the clutch 150, may in various other embodiments also be arranged to the left of the the electric motor and generator device 120. The compressor 140 may be generally placed anywhere where it is mechanically connected, via the clutch 150, to the least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. The clutch should, however, only be able to mechanically connect and disconnect the compressor 140. Thus, only the compressor 140 should be mechanically connected to, and disconnected from, the least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120 by the clutch 150. In other words, the clutch 150 should not be arranged between the mechanically connected at least one internal combustion engine 110 and electric motor and generator device 120. The at least one internal combustion engine 110, the electric motor and generator device 120, and the compressor 140 should thus all be mechanically connected with each other, the compressor 140 via the clutch 150.

[0132] Further, the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120 may, in some embodiments, be installed as one unit. The compressor 140 and the clutch 150 may then be placed on either side of, and being mechanically connected with, the unit comprising the mechanically connected at least one internal combustion engine 110 and electric motor and generator device 120.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the electric motor and generator device 120 may be arranged between, and being mechanically connected with, the at least one internal conbustion engine 110 and the clutch 150 of the compressor 140.

[0134] Figure 3 shows a flow sheet diagram for a method 200 for the above described hybrid engine and battery system 100 of a drill rig 400, 410, which comprises at least one internal combustion engine 110 and an electric motor and generator device 120. The electric motor and generator device 120 is mechanically connected 172 to the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and is electrically connected 174, 175, 176, 177, 179 to an energy storage system 130 for charging and discharging the energy storage system 130. The hybrid engine and battery system 100 further comprises a compressor 140, which is mechanically connected 171 , 172, via a clutch 150, to the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and the electric motor and generator device 120. The hybrid engine and battery system 100 also comprises a tramming system 160 connected 173, 176, 177, 178 to the electric motor and generator device 120 and a control device 180, which is configured to perform the method 200.

[0135] In a first step 210 of the method, the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and one or more of the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140, the clutch 150 and the tramming system 160 are controlled based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine 110, by utilization of the control device 180.

[0136] Figure 4 shows a flow sheet diagram for various embodiments for performing the above described first step 210 of the method, i.e. the control of the at least one internal combustion engine 110 and one or more of the electric motor and generator device 120, the compressor 140, the clutch 150 and the tramming system 160 based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine 110.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to determine 220 an current operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. Then, the control device 180 is configured to control 230 the electric motor and generator device 120, based on the determined operation point, to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system 130 during operation of the compressor 140, such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is moved towards a sweet spot for the at least one internal combustion engine 110, i.e. towards minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine 110.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to, if a power need of the compressor 140 is reduced, control 231 the electric motor and generator device 120 to increase the charging of the energy storage system 130. Hereby, the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110 may stay in the sweet spot of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. And the surpus power is utilized for charging of the energy storage system 130.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to, if a power need of the compressor 140 is reduced to zero, open 232 the clutch 150. Hereby, no power is unnecessarily consumed by the compressor 140 since it is disconnected from the at least one internal combustion engine 110.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to determine 220 an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. The control device 180 is further configured, if a power need of the compressor 140 exceeds a power providable by the at least one internal combustion engine 110, control 240 the electric motor and generator device 120 to discharge 241 the energy storage system 130, convert 242 the electric power provided by the discharged energy storage system 130 into mechanic power, and provide 243 the converted mechanic power to the compressor 140. Hereby, the energy storage system 130 can help the at least one internal combustion engine 110 to provide the power needed by the compressor 140, i.e. can contribute with additional power needed for driving the compressor 140. According to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to determine 220 an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110. The control device 180 is further configured to control 250 the electric motor and generator device 120 to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system 130 during operation of the tramming system 160. The charging and discharging of the energy storage system 130 is hereby adapted such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is moved towards a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine 110, i.e. towards a sweetspot for the at least one internal combustion engine 110.

[0141] Thus, according to an embodiment, the control device 180 is configured to, if a power need of the tramming system 160 is reduced, control the electric motor and generator device 120 to increase the charging of the energy storage system 130. Conversely, if if a power need of the tramming system 160 is increased, the control device 180 is configured to control the electric motor and generator device 120 to decrease the charging of the energy storage system 130. Hereby, the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine 110 may continue to stay in the sweet spot of the at least one internal combustion engine 110.

[0142] According to an embodiment, as long as the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is running, it is controlled towards operating in its sweetspot by the control device 180. However, if the at least one internal combustion engine 110 is shut off, the energy storage system 130 is driving the tramming 160, either via the electric motor and generator device 120 for the system 100 having a hydraulic tramming system 160a illustrated in figure 1 , or directly for the system 100 having an electric tramming system 160b illustrated in figure 2.

[0143] Figures 6-7 schematically illustrate drill rigs 400, 410 comprising the herein described hybrid engine and battery system 100 and control device 180.

[0144] More in detail, figure 6 schematically illustrates an example drill rig 400 for performing a drilling process, such as drilling of holes, e.g. during tunnelling or mining, in which the aspects and / or embodiments herein described may be implemented. The drill rig 400 includes a boom 401 , one end 401 a of which being attached, according to the present example, in such a way that it can pivot in relation to a carrier 402, such as a vehicle, via one or more articulated connections (not shown). A feeder 403 that carries a drilling machine 404 is attached to the other end 401 b of the boom 401 via one or more articulated connections, such as one or more rotators (not shown). The drilling machine 404 may be movable along the feeder 403 such that the drill string, and thus also the drill bit at the end of it, continues creating a hole in the rock. The drilling machine 404 may, according to some embodiments, be hydraulically driven by a hydraulic system comprising hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic system may be driven by one or more compressors 140, which in turn are driven by one or more electric motors 120 and / or combustion engines 110, also in a manner known per se. The carrier 402 further comprises crawlers and / or wheels 405 facilitating tramming of the drill rig 400, i.e. facilitating the drill rig 400 to move from one position to another, for example between holes to be drilled, driven by a tramming system 160.

[0145] The drill rig 400 may comprise two or more booms 401 , feeders 403, drilling machines 403, and hydraulic systems. To enhance readability, however, only one boom 401 , feeder 403 and drilling machine 403 are illustrated. The disclosure herein may be extended to any number of booms 401 , feeders 403, drilling machines 403, and hydraulic systems.

[0146] Figure 7 schematically illustrates another example drill rig 410, which may be utilized e.g. for drilling holes of a drill bench. The drill rig 410 is a surface drill rig 100 being used to drill vertical or substantially vertical holes using a drill tool attached to a drilling machine via a drill string. The drilling machine may be slidably arranged along a feed beam. These elements are conventional and not explicitly illustrated. The conventional elements are in figure 7 instead commonly represented by a drill tower 412 and a schematically indicated drill string 413 illustrating an indicating ongoing drilling. The drilling may, according to some embodiments, be hydraulically driven by a hydraulic system comprising hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic system may be driven by one or more compressors 140, which in turn are driven by one or more electric motors 120 and / or combustion engines 110, in a manner known per se. The general technology used when drilling using a drill rig 410 is well known as such. The drill tower 412 and the drill string 413 are carried by a carrier 411 , comprising crawlers and / or wheels 414 facilitating tramming of the drill rig 410, i.e. facilitating the drill rig 410 to move from one position to another, for example between holes to be drilled.

[0147] The drilling process may be controlled by an operator positioned in a cabin comprising an operation station. Alternatively, the drill rigs 400, 410 may be remotely controlled or may be configured to operate autonomously, i.e. to be controlled by an autonomous system. Drill rigs 400, 410 of the disclosed kind are known per se. It is to be understood that the illustrated example drill rigs 400, 410 are presented for describing the disclosure. The illustrated drill rigs 400, 410 are thus only exemplary drill rigs, and the herein presented disclosures may be implemented using various kinds of drill rigs of various designs, i.e. may be implemented in essentially any type of drill rig, such as e.g. a surface drill rig or and underground drill rig.

[0148] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a control unit 300, 180. The drill rigs 400, 410 shown in figures 1 , 2, 6 and 7 comprise a control system comprising at least one control unit 300, 180, which controls various functions of the drill rig 400, 410, e.g., by suitable control of various actuators / motors / pumps etc. Drill rigs of the disclosed kind may comprise more than one control unit, where each control unit, respectively, may be arranged to be responsible for different functions of the drill rig 100. According to examples of the disclosure, the herein described method steps 210, 220, 230, 231 , 232, 240, 241 , 242, 243, 250 may be controlled by any suitable control unit of the drill rigs 400, 410, such as the control unit 300, 180. Correspondingly control entities 310, 320, 330, 331 , 332, 340, 341 , 342, 343, 350 may be implemented in any suitable control unit of the drill rigs 400, 410, such as the control unit 300, 180, possibly as one or more sections of programming code. The functionality of the disclosure may also be divided among more than one control units. According to examples of the disclosure, one control unit may comprise functionality of some of the control entities, whereas another control unit may comprise functionality some of the other control entities.

[0149] The control unit 300, 180 comprises a data processing unit 301 which, based on received signals, and by means of suitable calculations, perform the steps according to the examples of the disclosure described herein. The processing unit 301 can, for example, be constituted by a processor, such as a digital signal processor. The control unit 300, 180 may be controlled by means of a computer program 302 which is, e.g., built into the processor or being connected thereto. The computer program may be generated by means of an appropriate programming language and be stored in a non-transitory computer memory 303 that is integrated in the processor or form a separate part of the control unit 300, 180. The control unit 300, 180 may further comprises a transceiver module 304 for receiving / transmitting signals. The transceiver module 304 may, e.g., also constitute an interface for other signals being received and / or transmitted by the control unit 300, 180.

[0150] The processing unit 301 may be referred to and / or may comprise one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more programmable logic devices, or any other one or more discrete or logic devices / components / circuits / chipsets. The computer memory 303 may be a readonly memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The transceiver module 304 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices. The transceiver module 304, computer memory 303 and / or processing unit 301 may be implemented in separate components or may be implemented in a common component.

[0151] As understood by a skilled person, the herein presented aspects and embodiments may be utilized in a number of ways / implentations for increasing the overall efficiency of drill rigs. The system schemes illustrated in figures 1 -2 are examples of such advantageous way / implementation.

[0152] Finally, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hybrid engine and battery system (100) of a drill rig (400, 410), the system (100) comprising:- at least one internal combustion engine (110);- an electric motor and generator device (120) mechanically connected (172) to the at least one internal combustion engine (110), and electrically connected (174, 175, 176, 177, 179) to an energy storage system (130) for charging and discharging the energy storage system (130);- a compressor (140) mechanically connected (171 , 172), via a clutch (150), to the at least one internal combustion engine (110) and the electric motor and generator device (120);- a tramming system (160) connected (173, 176, 177, 178) to the electric motor and generator device (120); and- a control device (180) configured to control (210) the at least one internal combustion engine (110) and one or more of the electric motor and generator device (120), the compressor (140), the clutch (150) and the tramming system (160) based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine (110).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein:- the tramming system (160) is a hydraulic tramming system (160a); and- the hydraulic tramming system (160a) is mechanically connected (172, 173) to the electric motor and generator device (120), and to the at least one internal combustion engine (110).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic tramming system (160a), the electric motor and generator device (120), the at least one internal combustion engine (110), the clutch (150), and the compressor (140) are mechanically connected (171 , 172, 173) with each other by one or more shafts.

4. The system (100) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein- the at least one internal combustion engine (110) is configured to provide mechanic power to drive the hydraulic tramming system (160a) and to charge the energy storage system (130); and- the electric motor and engine device (120) is configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combution engine (110)into electric power, and to charge the energy storage system (130) with the converted electric power.

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the electric motor and engine device (120) is configured to:- convert electric power provided by the energy storage system (130) into mechanic power; and- drive the hydraulic tramming system (160a) with the converted mechanic power.

6. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein:- the tramming system (160) is an electric tramming system (160b); and- the electric tramming system (160b) is electrically connected (176, 177, 178, 179) to the electric motor and generator device (120), and to the energy storage system (130).

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the electric motor and generator device (120), the at least one internal combustion engine (110), the clutch (150), and the compressor (140) are mechanically connected (171 , 172) by one or more shafts.

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein- the energy storage system (130) is configured to drive the electric tramming system (160b).

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the electric motor and engine device (120) is configured to:- convert mechanic power provided by the at least one internal combustion engine (110) into electric power;- drive the electric tramming system (160b) with the converted electric power; and- charge the energy storage system (130) with at least a portion of the converted electric power.

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein- the electric motor and generator device (120) is an alternating current motor and generator device; and- an electric connection (174, 175, 176, 177, 179) between the alternating current motor and generator device (120), and the energy storage system (130) comprisesone or more electric converters (131 ,132) configured for conversion between alternating currents and direct currents.11 . The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein- the electric motor and generator device (120) is a direct current motor and generator device; and- an electric connection (174, 175, 176, 177, 179) between the direct current motor and generator device (120), and the energy storage system (130) comprises one or more electric interface converters (131 , 132).

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 -11 , wherein the control device (180) is configured to:- determine (220) an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine (110); and- control (230) the electric motor and generator device (120) to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system (130) during operation of the compressor (140), such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine (110) is moved towards a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine (110).

13. The system (100) according to claim 12, wherein, if a power need of the compressor (140) is reduced, the control device (180) is configured to:- control (231 ) the electric motor and generator device (120) to increase the charging of the energy storage system (130).

14. The system (100) according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein, if a power need of the compressor (140) is reduced to zero, the control device (180) is configured to:- open (232) the clutch (150).

15. The system (100) according to claim 12, wherein, if a power need of the compressor (140) exceeds a power providable by the at least one internal combustion engine (110), the control device (180) is configured to- control (240) the electric motor and generator device (120) to: -- discharge (241 ) the energy storage system (130);- convert (242) electric power provided by the discharged energy storage system(130) into mechanic power; and-- provide (243) the converted mechanic power to the compressor (140).

16. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the control device (180) is configured to;- determine (220) an operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine (110); and- control (250) the electric motor and generator device (120) to adapt the charging and discharging of the energy storage system (130) during operation of the tramming system (160), such that the operation point of the at least one internal combustion engine (110) is moved towards a minimal fuel consumption per output mechanical power for the at least one internal combustion engine (110).

17. A drill rig (400, 410) comprising the system (100) according to any one of claims 1 -16.

18. A method (200) for a hybrid engine and battery system (100) of a drill rig (400, 410), the system (100) comprising:- at least one internal combustion engine (110);- an electric motor and generator device (120) mechanically connected (172) to the at least one internal combustion engine (110), and electrically connected (174, 175, 176, 177, 179) to an energy storage system (130) for charging and discharging the energy storage system (130);- a compressor (140) mechanically connected (171 , 172), via a clutch (150), to the at least one internal combustion engine (110) and the electric motor and generator device (120);- a tramming system (160) connected (173, 176, 177, 178) to the electric motor and generator device (120); and- a control device (180); the method (200) comprising:- controlling (210), by utilization of the control device (180), the at least one internal combustion engine (110) and one or more of the electric motor and generator device (120), the compressor (140), the clutch (150) and the tramming system (160) based on a fuel efficiency for the at least one internal combustion engine (110).

19. Computer program (302) comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any claim 18.

20. Computer-readable medium (302) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claim 18.

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