Mineral material processing plant with a direct current link

Abstract

A mobile mineral material processing plant, comprising at least two mobile mineral material processing machines comprising a mineral material processing device; wherein each of the at least two mobile mineral material processing machines comprises a link element configured to receive a connecting cable for connecting the mobile mineral material processing machine with at least one further mobile mineral material processing machine for forming a direct current, DC, connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines; wherein the direct current connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines is configured to balance the use of electric power within the mobile mineral material processing plant

Description

[0001] MINERAL MATERIAL PROCESSING PLANT WITH A DIRECT CURRENT LINK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a mineral material processing plant and a method of operating a mineral material processing plant. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a mobile mineral material processing plant with an electric drive. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a mobile mineral material processing plan with a direct current link

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0006] Mineral material processing is increasingly moving towards electric and hybrid power generation. Furthermore, a mobile mineral material processing plant comprises of a varying combination of mineral material processing machines, which combination might also change during operation at a site.

[0007] Previously, each mobile mineral material processing machine has been provided with a connection to a power grid and / or a generator driven for example by a diesel motor for generating electric power used to drive the actuators of the mineral material processing machine. In varying operating conditions, machine combinations and sites, it may be cumbersome to provide a grid connection to each machine and / or to operate the generator of each.

[0008] Accordingly, the present disclosure aims to provide a flexible power connection between mineral material processing machines that also provides for balancing of loads in varying operating situations.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The appended claims define the scope of protection. Any examples and technical descriptions of apparatuses, products and / or methods in the description and / or drawings not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as background art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

[0011] According to a first example aspect there is provided a mobile mineral material processing plant, comprising at least two mobile mineral material processing machines comprising a mineral material processing device; wherein each of the at least two mobile mineral material processing machines comprises a link element configured to receive a connecting cable for connecting the mobile mineral material processing machine with at least one further mobile mineral material processing machine for forming a direct current, DC, connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines; wherein the direct current connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines is configured to balance the use of electric power within the mobile mineral material processing plant.

[0012] Each of the at least two mineral material processing machines may further comprise a control element configured to control the electric power distribution of the mineral material processing machine.

[0013] The direct current connection may comprise a high voltage of about 300 - 1500 V direct current connection.

[0014] At least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines may further comprise a generator for generating electric power and / or an energy storage system and / or a connection to an external power source.

[0015] The at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines may further comprise a switch configured to switch between internally generated electric power, the energy storage system and the external power source.

[0016] The connecting cable may comprise quick couplings for connecting with the link elements.

[0017] The link element may comprise a pre-charge circuitry for pre-charging the direct current connection.

[0018] According to a second example aspect there is provided a method for operating a mobile mineral material processing plant, comprising connecting at least two mobile mineral material processing machines with a direct current, DC, connection via link elements and connecting cable; providing electric power; supplying electric power to the at least two mobile mineral material processing machines; and balancing the use of electric power within the mobile mineral material processing plant via the direct current connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines.

[0019] The method for operating a mineral material processing plant may further comprise precharging the direct current connection prior to supplying electric power to the at least two mineral material processing machines.

[0020] Providing electric power may comprise at least one of the following: generating electric power with a generator of at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines and / or powering at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines by an external electric power source and / or powering at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines from an energy storage system of at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines.

[0021] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 schematically shows a block view of a mineral material processing machine according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 2 schematically shows a block view of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment; and

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically shows a block view of a mineral material processing machine 100 according to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing machine 100 comprises a mobile mineral material processing machine such as a mobile crusher or a mobile screen.

[0030] The mineral material processing machine 100 comprises a processing device 110. In an example embodiment, the processing device 110 comprises a crusher. In an example embodiment, the crusher is selected from the group of jaw crusher, cone crusher and gyratory crusher, horizontal shaft impactor, vertical shaft impactor, high pressure grinding roll crusher. In an example embodiment, the processing device 110 comprises a screen.

[0031] In a further example embodiment, the mineral material processing machine comprises more than one processing device 110, for example both a crusher and a screen.

[0032] The mineral material processing machine 100 comprises at least one further actuator, or device, 120 directly or indirectly participating in mineral material processing. The at least one further actuator, in an example embodiment, comprises a conveyor, a feed chute, a magnetic separator, air blower separator, hydraulically or electrically operated crawler tracks, and / or actuators for moving, e.g. raising and lowering, parts of the mineral material processing machine.

[0033] The mineral material processing machine 100, in an example embodiment, comprises a motor 140, for example a diesel motor, and a generator 150 coupled to the motor 140 for generating electric power.

[0034] The mineral material processing machine 100, in an example embodiment, comprises means for connecting the machine to an external source of electric power 10, such as power grid.

[0035] The mineral material processing machine 100, in an example embodiment, comprises at least one energy storage system 160, such as a battery, a battery module, a supercondensator and / or a large capacity capacitive element for storing and providing electric power.

[0036] In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing machine 100 comprises a switch 15 configured to select at least one of internally generated electric power, energy storage system and the external electric power source 10 to provide power to at least one mineral material processing machine.

[0037] The mineral material processing machine 100, in an example embodiment, comprises a control element 130. The control element 130 is configured to control the power distribution of the mineral material processing machine 100. The control element 130 is connected via a direct current, DC, connection to the electric components of the mineral material processing machine, such as the drives of the mineral material processing device 110 and the at least one actuator 120 in order to provide electric power and to control the drives.

[0038] In an example embodiment, the control element 130 is further configured to control the motor 140 and the generator 150. In an example embodiment, the control element 130 is further configured to operate the switch 15, i.e. configured to choose and change the source of electric power.

[0039] The mineral material processing machine 100, in an example embodiment, comprises a link element 20. The link element 20 is configured to receive a connecting cable, or link, for connecting the mineral material processing machine 100 with at least one further mineral material processing machine for forming a direct current, DC, connection between the mineral material processing machines, as shown in Fig. 2

[0040] Fig. 2 schematically shows a block view of a mobile mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment. The mineral material processing plant comprises, in an example embodiment, a first mobile mineral material processing machine 100, a second mobile mineral material processing machine 200 and a third mobile mineral material processing machine 300. While Fig. 2 shows a mineral material processing plant comprising three machines, the number of machines may, in a further example embodiment, also be two or more than three. In an example embodiment, the first mineral material processing machine 100 comprises a mobile primary crusher, the second mineral material processing machine 200 comprises a mobile secondary crusher and the third mineral material processing machine 300 comprises a mobile screen.

[0041] Each of the first 100, second 200 and third 300 mobile mineral material processing machine shown in Fig. 2 comprises the parts as explained hereinbefore with reference to Fig. 1. In an example embodiment, one or some of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprise further elements (not shown) or do not comprise all of the same elements.

[0042] In an example embodiment, at least one of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprises the motor 140,240,340 and the generator 150,250,350 and one other or all the others do not. Similarly, in an example embodiment, one or more of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprise the energy storage system 160,260,360 and / or the connection to an external power source 10. That is, the mineral material processing plant is, in an example embodiment, set up in such a way that not all the mineral material processing machines need to be able to generate electric power, have a power storage or a connection to an external power source 10.

[0043] The link elements 20 of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 are connected with a connecting cable 25 to each other, in the example embodiment shown, the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 are connected in series, i.e. the first 100 is connected to the second 200 and the second is then connected to the third 300. In a further example embodiment, the mineral material processing machines are connected in a way, for example each to each or the first connected to both the second and the third, i.e. the link elements are configured to allow connecting one or more cables for creating the direct current link between the machines 100,200,300.

[0044] In an example embodiment the link elements 20 of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprise protective circuitry configured to protect from excess currents, such as a protective fuse. In an example embodiment the link elements 20 of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprise protective circuitry configured to protect from over- or undervoltage configured to sever the connection in case of unexpected voltage fluctuations.

[0045] In a further example embodiment the link elements 20 of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprise a high voltage inter loop, HVIL, arrangement configured to monitor the state of the coupling of the connecting cable 25 to the link element 20, for example that the connecting cable 25 is properly attached to the link element. The high voltage inter loop, HVIL, arrangement is further configured to render the connection voltage free in case the cable 25 is disconnected in order to avoid any security risks, such as electric arcs.

[0046] In an example embodiment, the link element 20 of each mineral material processing machine 100,200,300 is configured to pre-charge the direct current connection formed with the cable prior to operation in order to prevent the current in the direct current connection from rising too high for the cable. Accordingly, the link element 20 comprises a pre-charge circuitry for pre-charging the direct current connection.

[0047] In an example embodiment, the link element 20 comprises a voltage monitoring arrangement configured to monitor the voltage difference between two connected mineral material processing machines with energy generation or storage in such a way that the voltage difference between the mineral material processing machines is small enough for the connection. in order to prevent overly large balancing currents. In an example embodiment, the link elements 20 comprises wired or wireless data transfer means for communicating with the control element 130 and with each other.

[0048] In an example embodiment, the direct current connection formed between the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 comprises a high voltage direct current connection. In an example embodiment, the voltage used is between about 300 and 1500 V. In an example embodiment, the voltage used is about 400V. In an example embodiment, the direct current connection between the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 is configured to balance the load, i.e. the use of electric power, within the mineral material processing plant. The direct current connection is configured to transfer electric energy in both directions, i.e. the direction of energy transfer changes in accordance with the power required during operation of the mineral material processing plant.

[0049] Examples of the balancing operation of the direct current connection according to an example embodiment are as follows. During operation of the mineral material processing plant situations arise in which a mineral material processing machine 100,200,300 requires more power than usual. Such a situation may arise for example in case of the material being processed being more difficult to crush. In such a situation, the power intake of said machine rises and the voltage of the electric connection within the machine may decrease. The direct current connection between the machines is configured to transfer energy to the machine requiring more power, i.e. to balance the load between the machines and to stabilize the voltage between the machines.

[0050] In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing plant is powered by the external power source 10, such as the electric grid, via one or more of the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 so that no or less electric power is generated internally, and the electric power is provided to the mineral material processing machines via the direct current connection between the machines from the machine or machines connected to the external power source.

[0051] In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing plant is powered by the motor 140,240,340 and the generator 150,250,350, and / or by the energy storage system 160,260,360, of at least one mineral material processing machine 100,200,300 and the electric power is provided to the mineral material processing machines via the direct current connection between the machines from the machine or machines the generator of which is being used for power generation. In such an embodiment, at least one of the mineral material processing machines can be provided without the generator 150,250,350.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment.

[0053] At step 310, at least two mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 of a mineral material processing plant are connected with a direct current, DC, connection via link elements 20 and link cable 25. In an example embodiment, the link elements and the cables 25 are provided with quick coupling means for ease of connection and reconfiguration of connections. At step 320, electric power is provided for the mineral material processing plant. In an example embodiment, the electric power is generated at one or more mineral material processing machines using a motor 140,240,340 driving a generator 150,250,350. In an example embodiment, electric power is provided from an external power source 10, such as power grid, to which one or more of the mineral material processing machines is connected. In an example embodiment, electric power is provided from an energy storage system 160,260,360 of one or more mineral material processing machines.

[0054] At step 330, the direct current connection between the mineral material processing machines 100,200,300 is pre-charged in order to prevent currents that could damage electrical components. In an example embodiment, the pre-charge circuitry of the link element 20 is configured to carry out the pre-charging of the circuitry of a mineral material processing machine in case actuators of said mineral material processing machine are provided with power from another mineral material processing machine via the direct current connection in order to prevent damage due to excess currents.

[0055] At step 340, the mineral material processing plant is in operation and electric power is supplied to each mineral material processing machine 100,200,300.

[0056] At step 350, the load between the mineral material processing machines is balanced via the direct current link connecting the machines 100,200,300. In case a mineral material processing machine requires more electric power, the voltage thereof lowers, and the direct current link is configured to transfer energy in the direction of lower voltage to balance the load. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, each mineral material processing machine has at its use the entire electric energy provided to the mineral material processing plant that is not used by other actuators or devices.

[0057] Without in any way limiting the scope of the appended claims, some technical effects of the system according to example embodiment are explained in the following.

[0058] The mobile mineral material processing plant according to example embodiments is configured to provide a common energy network, or grid, for the mineral material plant in such a way that the energy requirements of mineral material processing can be met at various operating situations. The mobile mineral material processing plant according to example embodiments is further configured to enable to balance momentary differences in energy usage between processing machines by providing a larger shared energy reserve.

[0059] Accordingly, a technical effect of example embodiment of the invention is to provide more energy security during operation. A further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to enable various plant configurations. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to enable mineral material processing devices without own power generation also without a connection to the power grid. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is to enable load balancing between machines.

[0060] Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

[0061] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1.A mobile mineral material processing plant, comprising at least two mobile mineral material processing machines (100,200,300) comprising a mineral material processing device; characterized in that each of the at least two mobile mineral material processing machines comprises a link element (20) configured to receive a connecting cable (25) for connecting the mobile mineral material processing machine with at least one further mobile mineral material processing machine for forming a direct current, DC, connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines; wherein the direct current connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines is configured to balance the use of electric power within the mobile mineral material processing plant.

2. The mineral material processing plant of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two mineral material processing machines further comprises a control element (130) configured to control the electric power distribution of the mineral material processing machine.

3. The mineral material processing plant of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the direct current connection comprises a high voltage of about 300 - 1500 V direct current connection.

4. The mineral material processing plant of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines further comprises a generator (150) for generating electric power and / or an energy storage system (160) and / or a connection to an external power source (10).

5. The mineral material processing plant of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines further comprises a switch (15) configured to switch between internally generated electric power, the energy storage system (160) and the external power source (10).

6. The mineral material processing plant of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting cable (25) comprises quick couplings for connecting with the link elements (20).

7. The mineral material processing plant of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the link element (20) comprises a pre-charge circuitry for pre-charging the direct current connection.

8. A method for operating a mobile mineral material processing plant, comprisingconnecting at least two mobile mineral material processing machines (100,200,300) with a direct current, DC, connection via link elements (20) and connecting cable (25); providing electric power; supplying electric power to the at least two mobile mineral material processing machines; and balancing the use of electric power within the mobile mineral material processing plant via the direct current connection between the mobile mineral material processing machines.

9. The method for operating a mineral material processing plant of claim 8, further comprising pre-charging the direct current connection prior to supplying electric power to the at least two mineral material processing machines.

10. The method for operating a mineral material processing plant of claim 8 or 9, wherein providing electric power comprises at least one of the following; generating electric power with a generator of at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines and / or powering at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines by an external electric power source and / or powering at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines from an energy storage system of at least one of the at least two mineral material processing machines.

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