Efficiency management of mining and construction machines

Abstract

A method for operating a mining or construction machine (100). The method comprises measuring (221) a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100), comparing (222) the current value to a predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a correlation between the operation parameter and an efficiency parameter, based on the comparison, adjusting or suggesting an adjustment (223) to the ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100) to decrease a difference between the current value and the predetermined value, thereby increasing efficiency.

Description

EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT OF MINING AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINESTechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to operation and control of mining and construction machines.Background art

[0002] Technological advancements in the field of connectivity, digitalization and communication have drastically increased the possibility to gather and process information, and one of many benefits is the improved and more conscious control of operations of heavy machines. This has among other things led to safer working environments and more effective use of resources.

[0003] Furthermore, for work in environment with heavy machines, such as mining environments and construction sites, a shift to electrically powered machines and vehicles is underway. This shift also aims at improving the working environment as well as a step to lessen a dependence on fossil fuel. Using electrically powered machines naturally also presents challenges, for example related to the batteries arranged to provide energy for the operation of the mining machines. It is commonly known that batteries contain rare earth metals and other non-abundant materials. Therefore, it is desirable that batteries are durable and last for as long as possible, such that they do not have to be exchanged as often. This is especially relevant in the case of mining or extraction processes, which are sometimes already associated with less sustainable methods.

[0004] Battery packs for machines are not only used for transportation, but for performing processes, for example in the mining cycle such as loading, hauling and dumping. As such, the battery packs need to be both very large, and a have a high capacity. Additionally, machines travel on uneven surfaces, causing wear on the battery, and are in several ways exposed to a more extreme environment than for example regular passenger cars. As such, there is a need for solutions for extending the lifetime of batteries in machines, especially large batteries exposed to more extreme environments. Extending the lifetime of batteries is one way ofoperating machines more efficiently, as it is time and energy consuming to exchange batteries, and it is furthermore a more efficient use of the planet’s resources.

[0005] Furthermore, there is a general need for using heavy machines more efficiently, such that energy and resources are not wasted. For example, it is desirable that a battery charge lasts longer, that is, it is desirable to charge machines less often.

[0006] Today, when analyses regarding how the machines could be operated more efficiently are performed, there is a problem with the implementation of the results of such analyses since it would require providing feedback and making changes to a large system of interconnected machines and operators. Furthermore, it is not straight forward to understand how operating one machine differently affects the operation of another, which additionally makes it difficult to optimize the system.

[0007] As such there is a need for solutions for operating machines more efficiently.Summary of invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the problems outlined above.

[0009] This and other objects are achieved by providing, in a first aspect of the disclosure, a method for operating a mining or construction machine. The method comprises measuring a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine, comparing the current value to a predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a correlation between the operation parameter and an efficiency parameter, based on the comparison, adjusting or suggesting an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine to decrease a difference between the current value and the predetermined value, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, real time feedback is provided such that the operation of the machine may be adjusted when it is detected that the machine may operate more efficiently. The adjustment can be made in real time because a correlation between the operation and an efficiency parameter is utilized. The correlation provides that information regarding what is the most efficient way to operate the machine is available as the machine is being operated.

[0011] Efficiency is an important factor which can relate to both the efficiency of the machine (such as increasing output, using less energy, efor decreasing wear), but also to the general efficiency of the environment in which the machine operates (such relative positions of machines, availability of charging or service stations). As such, the correlation between the operation of the machine and the efficiency of the machine, gives the possibility to actively operate the machine to be more efficient and contribute to the efficiency of the environment.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the efficiency parameter is indicative of a wear of a battery or battery pack of the mining / construction machine.

[0013] The correlation between the operation of the machine and the wear of a battery of the machine provides information on how the operation of the machine affects wear of the battery and thus how the machine actively can be operated in a way which prologs the lifetime of the battery. Decreasing wear increases efficiency in several ways. For example, a battery having higher wear consumes more energy. Furthermore, a battery having higher wear generally has a lower charging capacity, thus needs to be charged more often. This is especially inefficient in an environment such as a mine, where charging stations are not always readily available. Furthermore, exchanging worn out batteries is a costly and timeconsuming process, thus, doing so less often is more efficient. Especially in an environment such as a mine, where service stations for exchange of batteries are not readily available.

[0014] Since an adjustment to the operation of the machine can be made in real time, the wear can be decreased continuously during operation and / or as soon as it is detected that the battery may utilized in a less damaging way.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the efficiency parameter is at least one of: a charging capacity, a temperature of the battery / battery pack, a cooling or heating input need of the battery / battery pack during operation or charging.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the efficiency parameter is indicative of the production rate of the mining / construction machine.

[0017] The correlation between the operation of the machine and a production rate provides information on how the operation of the machine affects the production rate, and thus how the machine actively can be operated in a way which increases the production rate. Since an adjustment to the operation of the machine can be made in real time, the production rate can be increased continuously during operation and / or as soon as it is detected that the machine may operate with a higher production rate.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the operation parameter is: a traction speed, a speed at which the machine is performing a mining operation, a loading weight, a loading speed.

[0019] For example, when the operation parameter is a traction speed, decreasing a difference between the current value and the predetermined value may comprise increasing or decreasing the traction speed. The same is applicable for the speed at which the machine is performing a mining operation, the loading speed. For example, when the operation parameter is a loading weight, decreasing a difference between the current value and the predetermined value may comprise increasing or decreasing a loaded weight on the mining / construction machine.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises collecting a first set of data comprising measurements of the operation parameter, collecting a second set of data comprising measurements of the efficiency parameter, processing the first set of data and the second set of data to determine a correlation between the operation of the at least one mining / construction machine and the efficiency of the at least one mining / construction machine, determining,based on the correlation, the predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is correlated to an indication of high efficiency.

[0021] By collecting large amounts of data, it is possible to establish how the operation of a machine effects efficiency. This information may in turn be utilized to control the machines to operate in a more efficient way.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, processing is performed by means of a machine learning method.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the correlation between the first set of data and the second set of data is further utilized in a planning system for planning operations of mining / construction machines.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, suggesting an adjustment comprises displaying the suggested adjustment to an operator of the mining / construction machine.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting comprises automatically adjusting the operation of the mining / construction machine.

[0026] In a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the disclosure.

[0027] In a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a computer to carry out the method according to the disclosure.

[0028] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a system for operating a mining or construction machine. The system comprises a control unit comprising processing circuitry and a memory, wherein said memory contains instructions executable by said processing circuitry. The system is operative for measuring a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine, comparing the current value to a predetermined value of the least one operation parameter, wherein thepredetermined value is determined based on a correlation between the operation parameter and an efficiency parameter, based on the comparison, adjust or suggest an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine such that the current value is closer to the predetermined value thereby increasing efficiency.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the system is operative for performing the method according to the disclosure.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit is a remote-control unit configured to communicate with a plurality of mining / construction machines.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises at least one transmitter and receiver pair, wherein the transmitter is operative for transmitting data relating to an operation of the mining / construction machine and data relating to an efficiency of the mining / construction machine, and the receiver is operative for receiving an instruction relating to an adjustment or suggested adjustment of the operation of the mining / construction machine.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter and receiver pair is arranged in a handheld unit arranged to be mounted on the mining / construction machine.

[0033] In a fifth aspect of the disclosure there is provided an electrically operated mining or construction machine. The mining / construction machine comprises at least one battery for powering an operation of the mining / construction machine, at least one transmitter and receiver pair comprised in the system according to the disclosure.Brief description of drawings

[0034] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 displays a machine according to the disclosure.Fig. 2 displays a method according to the disclosure.Description of embodiments

[0035] In the following, a detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention is disclosed under reference to the accompanying drawings. All examples herein should be seen as part of the general description and are therefore possible to combine in any way in general terms. Individual features of the various embodiments may be combined or exchanged unless such combination or exchange is clearly contradictory.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 1 there is displayed an exemplary embodiment of a machine 100. In Fig. 1 , the machine 100 is exemplified as a mining machine, specifically a front loader. When reference is made to a mining machine, this will be understood as a machine arranged to operate, including travelling, in a mining environment. Thus, the machine may for example perform operations specifically related to the mining cycle, such as drilling, loading, hauling and dumping, or other operations necessary for the operations in a mining environment, such as related to construction. The mining environment may be, but is not limited to, an underground mine, a surface mine, or an open-pit mine. The mining environment may be an area adjacent to or in connection to a mine. As such, the mining environment could be seen as any area where the machine 100 may normally be operating. According to other embodiments, the machine 100 may for example be a truck, such as a mine truck or a dump truck, a hauler, a machine for drilling, or another machine suitable for operation in a mining environment.

[0037] In one embodiment, the machine 100 is a construction machine. When reference is made to a construction machine, this will be understood as a machine arranged to operate in an environment such as a construction site, for example for construction of roads or powerplants.

[0038] In one embodiment, the machine 100 is a quarry machine, arranged to operate in an environment such as a quarry.

[0039] The machine 100 may be operated by an operator sitting inside the machine 100, operated by a remote operator or autonomously operated.

[0040] The machine 100 displayed in Fig. 1 is an electrically powered machine and comprises at least one battery for powering the operation of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the machine 100 comprises a plurality of batteries arranged in a battery pack. Each battery of the battery pack may be separately exchanged.

[0041] The machine 100 is communicatively connected to a system according to the disclosure. The system comprises a control unit having processing circuitry and a memory. The system may be arranged comprised in the machine 100 or remote from the machine 100. The system may comprise parts arranged in the machine 100 and parts arranged remote from the machine 100. The system may furthermore be communicatively connected to a plurality of machines operating in the same environment.

[0042] The system is arranged to collect parameter data relating to the machine 100. In one embodiment the system furthermore measures parameters relating to the machine 100, the measurements resulting in said parameter data. In an alternative embodiment, the parameters relating to the machine 100 are measured by an on-board unit of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the system comprises the on-board unit of the machine 100.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment the system is arranged to measure at least one first parameter, being an operation parameter of the machine 100. An operation parameter should be understood as a parameter relating to the operation of the machine 100. The operation of the machine 100 may be quantified by measuring the operation parameter. In one embodiment, a value of the operation parameter may be directly affected by an operator of the machine 100.

[0044] In one embodiment the operation parameter is a traction speed of the machine 100. In one embodiment the operation parameter is a speed at which the machine 100 is performing a mining operation. In one embodiment the operationparameter is a loading weight of the machine 100. In one embodiment the operation parameter is a loading speed of the machine 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, the operation parameter is associated with a position of the machine 100. To this end, the system may comprise means for positioning the machine 100. In one embodiment, the operation parameter is associated with a time at which the parameter was collected and / or measured. The operation parameter may be associated with a time span during which the parameter was collected and / or measured.

[0046] By associating the operation parameter with a position and time, it’s possible to compare measurements of the operation parameter measured at different times but at the same position, or, at the same time but at different positions. By associating the operation parameter with a position and / or time, it’s possible to relate the operation parameter to another parameter collected / measured at the same position / time.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment the system is arranged to measure at least one second parameter being an efficiency parameter indicative of how efficiently the machine 100 is operating. Efficiency may refer to the efficiency of the machine 100, such as increasing output, using less resources, or decreasing wear. In one embodiment, the machine 100 is one of a plurality of machines operating in the same environment, and the efficiency of one machine thus inevitably effects the efficiency of the plurality of machines. As such, efficiency of the machine 100 may refer to the efficiency in the environment, such as the efficiency of a mine. In one embodiment, a value of the efficiency parameter may be directly affected by an operator of the machine 100, such as when the efficiency parameter relates to a specific machine which the operator is operating. In one embodiment, a value of the efficiency parameter may only be indirectly affected by an operator of the machine 100, such as when the efficiency parameter relates to an efficiency of the environment.

[0048] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a production rate of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a number ofperformed tasks per time unit. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is weight per time unit, such as loaded / mined / transported tons per hour. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is an energy consumption of the machine 100 per weight, such as energy consumption per loaded / mined / transported ton.

[0049] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is an efficiency of environment in which the machine 100 operates. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter comprises positions of a plurality of machines. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter comprises positions of, or availability of, items or functionalities such as charging stations in the environment. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a status of another machine co-working with the machine 100, such as a remaining time of an ongoing operation of the other machine.

[0050] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is associated with a wear of the battery, or battery pack, of the machine 100. Generally, the wear on the battery affects when a battery needs to be exchanged, that is, increases or decreases the lifetime of the battery. The wear may for example depend on how often the battery is charged and at what charging level charging is initiated, or how the battery is discharged, that is, how the machine 100 is operated. An increased wear is an indication that the machine 100 is not operating efficiently.

[0051] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a charging capacity of the battery. It is known that the charging capacity decreases with time. Furthermore, how the machine 100 is operated affects how fast the charging capacity decreases. A decreased charging capacity is an indication that there is a high wear on the battery. It is thus desirable to minimize a charging capacity decrease, to increase the lifetime of the battery.

[0052] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a temperature of the battery. It is known that operating the machine 100 within an optimal temperature span of the battery increases the lifetime of the battery. Furthermore, how the machine 100 is operated may affect the temperature of the battery. For example, the temperature being outside the optimal temperature span, is an indication thatthere is a high wear on the battery. Furthermore, the temperature being outside the optimal temperature span for a time period longer than a predetermined time period, is an indication that there is a high wear on the battery. Furthermore, a significant increase or decrease in temperature, is an indication that there is a high wear on the battery.

[0053] In one embodiment, the battery comprises an integrated cooling system and the efficiency parameter is a parameter relating to the cooling system, such as a cooling or heating input need during operation of the machine 100. In other words, the efficiency parameter is a parameter relating to the level of activity of the cooling system. A more active cooling system is an indication that there is a high wear on the battery.

[0054] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is a cooling or heating input need during charging of the battery. In one embodiment, a significantly increased need for cooling / heating is an indication that there is a high wear on the battery.

[0055] In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is associated with a position of the machine 100. To this end, the system may comprise means for positioning the machine 100. In one embodiment, the efficiency parameter is associated with a time or time span at / during which the parameter was collected and / or measured.

[0056] By associating the efficiency parameter with a position and time, it’s possible to compare measurements of the efficiency parameter measured at different times but at the same position, or, at the same time but at different positions. By associating the efficiency parameter with a position and time, it’s possible to compare measurements of different efficiency parameters measured at same position and / or time. By associating the efficiency parameter with a position and / or time, it’s possible to relate the efficiency parameter to an operation parameter collected / measured at the same position / time.

[0057] The system is arranged to collect information relating to the environment in which the machine 100 operates, wherein the information may be associatedwith a position of the machine 100. In one embodiment, the information comprises road characteristics such as road quality, evenness, or incline.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit of the system comprises a machine learning component. The machine learning component adds to the control unit the ability to “learn” i.e. , progressively improve the performance from new data, without being explicitly programmed.

[0059] In one embodiment, the system further comprises at least one transmitter and receiver pair. The transmitter is operative for transmitting the operation parameter data. The transmitter is furthermore operative for transmitting the efficiency parameter data. In one embodiment the transmitter is arranged in / on the machine 100. The receiver is operative for receiving an instruction relating to an adjustment or suggested adjustment of the operation of the machine 100. In one embodiment the receiver is arranged in / on the machine 100.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, there is provided a method for operating the machine 100 for increased efficiency. The method may be executed by the system according to the disclosure.

[0061] The method comprises two parts. A first part 210 is concerned with collecting large amounts of data and processing the data to establish correlations between the data. A second part 220 is concerned with the real-time operation and control of the machine 100.

[0062] The first part 210 generally comprises the following steps:- 211 : collecting a first set of data,- 212: collecting a second set of data,- 213: processing the first set of data and the second set of data to determine a correlation,- 214: determining, based on the correlation, the predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is indicative of a high efficiency.

[0063] The method comprises collecting data. Collecting the first set of data comprises collecting data for the operation parameter. Collecting the second set of data comprises collecting data for the efficiency parameter. In one embodiment, collecting data comprises requesting the data. In one embodiment, collecting data comprises measuring parameter values. In one embodiment, the operation parameter data and the efficiency parameter data are collected at the same time. The same time may be interpreted as the same point in time, or within the same predetermined time period. It is not necessary that every single parameter value for the operation parameter are collected during the same time period as every single parameter value the parameter values for the efficiency parameter. In one embodiment, the operation parameter data and the efficiency parameter data are collected when the machine 100 is in the same position. The same position may be interpreted as the same specific position, or within the same predetermined area.

[0064] In one embodiment, collecting the second set of data comprises collecting data for a plurality of different efficiency parameters. The efficiency parameters may be weighted, such that a first efficiency parameter is valued higher than a second efficiency parameter. As such, if a value of the first efficiency parameter is above a predetermined value and a value the second efficiency parameter is below a predetermined value, this may be interpreted as an indication of a too low efficiency. Conversely, if a value the second efficiency parameter is above a predetermined value and a value first efficiency parameter is below a predetermined value, this is not necessarily interpreted as an indication of a too low efficiency.

[0065] The method comprises processing the collected data. The processing comprises correlating the first set of operation parameter data to the second set of efficiency parameter data. In one embodiment, a data point from the operationparameter data is correlated to a data point from the efficiency parameter data which has been measured or collected at the same time. In one embodiment, a data point from the operation parameter data is correlated to a data point from the efficiency parameter data which has been measured or collected at the same position.

[0066] The method comprises, based on the correlation between the operation parameter data and the efficiency parameter data, determining a predetermined value of the operation parameter. The predetermined value is a value of the operation parameter which is correlated to a value of the efficiency parameter indicative of a high efficiency. The predetermined value can thus be seen as an “optimal” value of the operation parameter for achieving a high efficiency. In one embodiment, the predetermined value is determined as the value of the operation parameter which is correlated to the value of the efficiency parameter indicating the highest efficiency. In one embodiment, the predetermined value is determined based on a calculation, such as a mean value calculation or a normal distribution calculation. In one embodiment, a respective predetermined value is determined for each of a plurality of positions in the environment.

[0067] The second part 220 generally comprises the following steps:- 221 : measuring a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the machine 100,- 222: comparing the current value to the predetermined value of the operation parameter,- 223: Based on the comparison, adjusting or suggesting an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the machine 100 to decrease a difference between the current value and the predetermined value, resulting in an increased efficiency of the machine 100.

[0068] The method comprises measuring a current value of the operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the machine 100. In one embodiment, measuring the current value comprises measuring a traction speed of the machine100. In one embodiment, measuring the current value comprises measuring a speed at which the machine 100 is performing a mining operation. In one embodiment, measuring the current value comprises measuring a loading weight of the machine 100. In one embodiment, measuring the current value comprises measuring a loading speed of the machine 100.

[0069] The method comprises comparing the current value of the operation parameter to the predetermined value of the operation parameter. In one embodiment, comparing comprises determining if the current value is above or below the predetermined value. In one embodiment, comparing comprises determining a difference between the current value and the predetermined value. In one embodiment, comparing comprises determining a position of the machine 100 and comparing the current value of the operation parameter to a predetermined value of the operation parameter value associated with that position.

[0070] The method comprises, based on the comparison, adjusting or suggesting an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the machine 100 to decrease the difference between the current value and the predetermined value. As the predetermined value is associated with a high efficiency, it is desired that the current value is as close to the predetermined value as possible.

[0071] In one embodiment, suggesting an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the machine 100 comprises displaying the current value of the operation parameter and the predetermined value of the operation parameter to an operator of the machine 100, and furthermore displaying the suggestion how the machine 100 may be operated differently such that the operation value becomes closer to the predetermined value to achieve a higher efficiency.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting an alarm to an operator when the difference between the current value of the operation parameter and the predetermined value of the operation parameter is too large.

[0073] In one embodiment, the machine 100 is autonomously operated, and the adjustment to the operation such that the operation value becomes closer to the predetermined value is implemented automatically.

[0074] Preferred embodiments of a machine, a system and a method have been disclosed above. However, a person skilled in the art realizes that this can be varied within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea.

[0075] All the described alternative embodiments above or parts of an embodiment can be freely combined or employed separately from each other without departing from the inventive idea as long as the combination is not contradictory.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for operating a mining or construction machine (100), the method comprising: measuring (221 ) a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100), comparing (222) the current value to a predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a correlation between the operation parameter and an efficiency parameter, based on the comparison, adjusting or suggesting an adjustment (223) to the ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100) to decrease a difference between the current value and the predetermined value, thereby increasing efficiency.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the efficiency parameter is indicative of a wear of a battery or battery pack of the mining / construction machine (100).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the efficiency parameter is at least one of: a charging capacity, a temperature of the battery / battery pack, a cooling or heating input need of the battery / battery pack during operation or charging.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the efficiency parameter is indicative of the production rate of the mining / construction machine (100).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operation parameter is: a traction speed, a speed at which the mining / construction machine (100) is performing a mining operation, a loading weight, a loading speed.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: collecting (211 ) a first set of data comprising measurements of theoperation parameter, collecting (212) a second set of data comprising measurements of the efficiency parameter, processing (213) the first set of data and the second set of data to determine a correlation between the operation of the at least one mining / construction machine (100) and the efficiency of the at least one mining / construction machine (100), determining (214), based on the correlation, the predetermined value of the operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is correlated to an indication of high efficiency.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein processing is performed by means of a machine learning method.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the correlation between the first set of data and the second set of data is further utilized in a planning system for planning operations of mining / construction machines.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein suggesting an adjustment comprises displaying the suggested adjustment to an operator of the mining / construction machine (100).

10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to any one of the preceding claims.11 . Computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a computer to carry out a method according to any one of the claims 1-9.

12. A system for operating a mining or construction machine (100), the system comprising: a control unit comprising processing circuitry and a memory, wherein said memory contains instructions executable by said processing circuitry, wherein the system is operative for:measuring a current value of an operation parameter during an ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100), comparing the current value to a predetermined value of the least one operation parameter, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a correlation between the operation parameter and an efficiency parameter, based on the comparison, adjust or suggest an adjustment to the ongoing operation of the mining / construction machine (100) such that the current value is closer to the predetermined value thereby increasing efficiency.

13. The system according to claim 12, further being operative for performing the method according to any one of the claims 2-9.

14. The system according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the control unit is a remote-control unit configured to communicate with a plurality of mining / construction machines.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12-14, further comprising at least one transmitter and receiver pair, wherein the transmitter is operative for transmitting data relating to an operation of the mining / construction machine (100) and data relating to an efficiency of the mining / construction machine (100), and the receiver is operative for receiving an instruction relating to an adjustment or suggested adjustment of the operation of the mining / construction machine (100).

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the transmitter and receiver pair is arranged in a handheld unit arranged to be mounted on the mining / construction machine (100).

17. An electrically operated mining or construction machine (100), comprising: at least one battery for powering an operation of the mining / construction machine (100), at least one transmitter and receiver pair comprised in a system foroperating the mining / construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 12-16.

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