Control arrangement for controlling an energy storage system

The control arrangement optimizes ESS operations for electrified mining/construction vehicles by using remote battery status messages and diverse data inputs to enhance charging efficiency and reduce grid impact.

WO2025183603A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-09-04EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/SE2024/050197
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-01
Publication Date
2025-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional charging solutions for electrified mining/construction vehicles lack effective planning and optimization, leading to inefficient use of energy storage systems (ESS) and potential impact on the power grid.

Method used

A control arrangement that receives battery status messages from vehicles remotely and controls ESS based on various data inputs, including battery status, power grid conditions, charging station data, and vehicle information, to optimize charging and reduce grid impact.

Benefits of technology

Enhances charging efficiency by forecasting charging needs, optimizing ESS use, and minimizing power grid impact through advanced control of ESS operations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to a control arrangement (100) for controlling at least one energy storage system, ESS, (310) electrically connected to at least one charging station (300) The charging station (300) is located at a first position (P1) and configured to electrically charge mining / construction vehicles. The control arrangement (100) is configured to receive at least one battery status message (510) from at least one mining / construction vehicle (400) when the mining / construction vehicle (400) is located in a second position (P2) different to the first position (P1), the battery status message (510) indicating a status of a battery (410) of the mining / construction vehicle (400). The control arrangement (100) is further configured to control the ESS (310) based on the battery status message (510). Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a corresponding method.
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Description

[0001] CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING AN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure relates to a control arrangement for controlling an energy storage system (ESS) electrically connected to a charging station. Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to corresponding methods.

[0004] Background

[0005] Electrified mining / construction vehicles provide an opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint and create a healthier work environment in mining / construction environments. The electrified mining / construction vehicle is driven by one or more electric motors which in turn may be powered by an electric grid system and / or an onboard electrical storage system (ESS) comprising e.g., battery packs. Compared to diesel vehicles, the electrified mining / construction vehicles are emission free and can hence bring considerable savings, especially for ventilation and cooling in mining / construction environments.

[0006] As the electrified mining / construction vehicle travels around the mining / construction site performing one or more tasks, the charge level of the on-board electrical storage systems decreases, and the electrified mining / construction needs to be re-charged at regular intervals. The charging may be performed at a charging station and the mining / construction site typically comprises a number of charging stations in different location for this purpose. The charging station can be connected to an ESS which can be used for energy management and / or load levelling at the charging station.

[0007] Proper planning of tasks and charging schedules for electrified mining / construction vehicles at a mining / construction site can provide an effective utilization of a fleet of electrified mining / construction vehicles and ensure continuous operation at a mining / construction site.

[0008] Summary

[0009] An objective of embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks of conventional solutions. Another objective of embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution to optimized charging for mining / construction vehicles at a charging station which is connected to an EES.

[0010] The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the appended independent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a control arrangement for controlling at least one ESS being electrically connected to at least one charging station, wherein the charging station is located at a first position and configured to electrically charge mining / construction vehicles, the control arrangement being configured to: receive at least one battery status message from at least one mining / construction vehicle when the mining / construction vehicle is located in a second position different to the first position, the battery status message indicating a status of a battery of the mining / construction vehicle; and control the ESS based on the battery status message.

[0012] An advantage of the control arrangement according to the first aspect is that the ESS can be controlled based on battery status of mining / construction vehicles at a distance from the charging station, i.e., in the field. The charging need can thereby be forecasted providing lead time to optimize the charging performance at the charging station being connected to the ESS. Planning for charging with the EES or the power demand from the power grid can be restricted such that the quality of the charging power can be maintained and the impact of the charging on the power grid can be reduced. Thereby, improved charging is provided compared to conventional solutions.

[0013] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the mining / construction vehicle is in a non-attached state and in a non-charging state with the charging station when transmitting the battery status message.

[0014] The non-attached state and non-charging state may be understood such that the mining / construction vehicle is not electrically connected to the charging station. An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control the ESS based on the battery status of the mining / construction vehicle before the mining / construction vehicle is attached to and charging at the charging station. The use of the ESS can thereby be planned to optimize the charging performance.

[0015] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the battery status message comprises a status-of-charge and / or a state-of health of the battery.

[0016] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant indications of the battery status are used, thereby further optimizing the disclosed solution.

[0017] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the control arrangement is configured to: receive a power grid data associated with a power grid connected to the charging station; and control the ESS further based on the power grid message.

[0018] The power grid data may also be denoted power grid information and / or power grid measurement.

[0019] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement obtains additional information based on which the ESS can be controlled. Thereby, further improving the planning and optimization of the use of the ESS.

[0020] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the power grid data comprises a grid power measurement, a line voltage, a calculated remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and / or a scheduled maintenance event.

[0021] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant indications of power grid status are used, thereby further optimizing the disclosed solution.

[0022] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the control arrangement is configured to: receive a charging station data associated with the charging station; and control the ESS further based on the charging station data.

[0023] The charging station data may also be denoted charging station information and / or charging station measurement.

[0024] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement obtains additional information based on which the ESS can be controlled. Thereby, further improving the planning and optimization of the use of the ESS.

[0025] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the charging station data comprise a charging current, a charging state, and / or a charging voltage.

[0026] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant indications of charging station status are used, thereby further optimizing the disclosed solution.

[0027] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the control arrangement is configured to: receive a mining operator command associated with the charging station; and control the ESS further based on the mining operator command.

[0028] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement obtains mining operator commands based on which the ESS can be controlled. Thereby, further improving the planning and optimization of the use of the ESS.

[0029] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the control arrangement is configured to: receive a vehicle data associated with the mining / construction vehicle; and control the ESS further based on the vehicle data.

[0030] The vehicle data may also be denoted vehicle information.

[0031] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement obtains additional information based on which the ESS can be controlled. Thereby, further improving the planning and optimization of the use of the ESS. In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the vehicle data comprises a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and / or a scheduled service event.

[0032] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant indications of vehicle status are used, thereby further optimizing the disclosed solution.

[0033] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises any of: real and reactive power injection of the ESS, a voltage control by the ESS, and / or a frequency control by the ESS.

[0034] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control important aspects of the ESS such as whether the EES should provide charging power and which voltage and / or frequency to use. The use of the ESS can thereby be optimized and the charging at the charging station improved.

[0035] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises when the mining / construction vehicle is located in the second position: charge the ESS by a power grid, or discharge the ESS at the charging station.

[0036] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control the ESS into different modes of operation based on battery status of mining / construction vehicles in the field, i.e. , not attached to the charging station. The use of the ESS can thereby be optimized and the charging at the charging station improved.

[0037] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises when the mining / construction vehicle is located in the first position and attached to the charging station: charge the ESS by a power grid, or discharge the ESS at the charging station when the power grid is not connected to the charging station, or discharge the ESS at the charging station when the power grid is connected to the charging station.

[0038] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control the ESS to different modes of operation based on battery status of mining / construction vehicles in the field and use these modes for charging of the mining / construction vehicle when the mining / construction vehicle is connected to the charging station. The use of the ESS can thereby be optimized and the charging at the charging station improved.

[0039] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises: electrically switch the ESS from a first charging station to a second charging station, or vice versa.

[0040] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control the ESS to support different charging stations such that the ESS can be connected to a charging station with high charging needs. The use of the ESS can thereby be optimized and the charging at the first and second charging station improved.

[0041] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises: electrically switch the ESS from the grid connection input of the charging station to a charging module / DC bus of the charging station, or vice versa.

[0042] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control the ESS to support different connection modes. The use of the ESS can thereby be optimized and the charging can be improved.

[0043] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the controlling of the ESS comprises: disconnecting a first ESS from the charging station and connecting a second ESS to the charging station, or vice versa.

[0044] An advantage with this embodiment is that the control arrangement can control two or more different ESSs to support one charging stations. The most suitable ESS can thereby be connected to the charging station. The use of the ESSs can thereby be optimized and the charging at the charging station improved.

[0045] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the control arrangement is arranged in the charging station or in the mining / construction vehicle.

[0046] An advantage with this embodiment is that a flexible solution can be provided, allowing the ESS to be controlled from the charging station or the mining / construction vehicle.

[0047] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the ESS is connected to a charging module / DC bus of the charging station.

[0048] An advantage with this embodiment is that the ESS can be connected to the charging station in a flexible way and thus control the DC bus voltage.

[0049] In an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the first aspect, the ESS is connected to the charging station via an AC / DC line.

[0050] An advantage with this embodiment is that the ESS can be connected to the charging station in a flexible way and may connect to a charging station which is not at the same location as the ESS.

[0051] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a control arrangement for controlling at least one ESS electrically connected to at least one charging station located at a first position, the method comprises: receiving at least one battery status message from at least one mining / construction vehicle when the mining / construction vehicle is located in a second position different to the first position, the battery status message indicating a status of a battery of the mining / construction vehicle; and controlling the ESS based on the battery status message.

[0052] The method may be adapted in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments of the control arrangement. The advantages of the method are the same as the advantages of the corresponding embodiments of the control arrangement.

[0053] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the herein described methods are implemented by use of computer program products comprising instructions which, when the programs are executed by a computer, such as e.g., a herein mentioned control unit, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the methods according to any one of the herein described embodiments.

[0054] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0055] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

[0057] - Fig. 1 shows a control arrangement controlling an ESS connected to a charging station according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0058] - Fig. 2 shows a control arrangement controlling an ESS connected to a charging station according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0059] - Fig. 3 shows a control arrangement controlling an ESS connected to two charging stations according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0060] - Fig. 4 shows a control arrangement controlling an ESS connected to different sides of a charging station according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0061] - Fig. 5 shows an example when an ESS connected to two different DC busses;

[0062] - Fig. 6 shows a control arrangement controlling two ESSs according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0063] - Fig. 7a and 7b show examples when the charging module is arranged in a vehicle or in a charging station; - Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of a method for a control arrangement according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0064] - Fig. 9 shows non-limiting examples of mining / construction vehicles according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0065] Detailed Description

[0066] According to embodiments of the disclosure a control arrangement 100 for controlling at least one ESS 310 electrically connected to at least one charging station 300 is provided. Fig. 1 shows the control arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure where the control arrangement 100 controls one ESS 310 electrically connected to one charging station 300 located at a first position P1. The charging station 300 is configured to electrically charge mining / construction vehicles.

[0067] The ESS 310 may be electrically connected to the charging station 300 in a number of different ways. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the ESS 310 is connected to the charging station 300 via an AC / DC line 326. In embodiments, the ESS 310 may be electrically connected to an input side and / or an output side of the charging station 300. The ESS 310 may e.g., be connected to a grid connection input 322 of the charging station 300 and / or a charging module / DC bus 324 of the charging station 300, as shown in Fig. 4. The electrical connection between the ESS 310 and the charging station 300 may comprise conventional power electronics and / or one or more switches / breakers (not shown in the Figs.). Furthermore, each ESS 310 controlled by the control arrangement 100 may in embodiments be electrically connected to two or more charging stations 300, 300', as described below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0068] The control arrangement 100 herein disclosed is configured to receive at least one battery status message 510 from at least one mining / construction vehicle 400 when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in a second position P2 different to the first position P1 . The battery status message 510 indicating a status of a battery 410 of the mining / construction vehicle 400. The control arrangement 100 is further configured to control the ESS 310 based on the battery status message 510.

[0069] With reference to Fig. 1 , the control arrangement 100 receives the battery status message 510 from the mining / construction vehicle 400 when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in the second position P2 at a distance from the charging station 300 which is located at the first position P1 , i.e. , when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in the field. The mining / construction vehicle 400 may e.g., be traveling at a mining or construction site performing tasks. Thus, the mining / construction vehicle 400 may be in a non-attached state and in a non-charging state with the charging station 300 when transmitting the battery status message 510 which implies that the mining / construction vehicle 400 is not electrically connected to the charging station 300.

[0070] In embodiments, the battery status message 510 comprises a status-of-charge and / or a state-of health of the battery 410 of the mining / construction vehicle 400. From the battery status message 510, the control arrangement 100 may hence obtain / derive a status-of-charge and / or a state-of health of the battery 410 of the mining / construction vehicle 400, i.e., information indicating the battery status so as to control the ESS 310.

[0071] Based on the battery status message 510, the control arrangement 100 controls the ESS 310. The controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise control of e.g., an operation mode of the ESS 310, voltage and / or frequency of the ESS 310, a connection of the ESS 310 etc., as will be further described below with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0072] When the control arrangement 100 controls the ESS 310 based on the battery status message 510 from the mining / construction vehicle 400 (which may be denoted first mining / construction vehicle 400), another mining / construction vehicle 400' (which may be denoted second mining / construction vehicle 400') may or may not be in an attached state and / or in a charging state with the charging station 300. When the second mining / construction vehicle 400' is in an attached state and / or in a charging state with the charging station 300, the control arrangement 100 may control the ESS 310 based on the battery status message 510 from the first mining / construction vehicle 400, as well as the battery status and charging status of the second mining / construction vehicle 400'. The control arrangement 100 may e.g., receive this information from the charging station 300 and / or the second mining / construction vehicle 400' depending on the application. In addition to the battery status message 510, the control arrangement 100 may control the ESS 310 based on further relevant information such as e.g., information associated with a power grid 320, the charging station 300 and / or the mining / construction vehicle 400. The control arrangement 100 may obtain the further information from one or more sources / nodes.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment where the control arrangement 100 receives a number of different data / information types indicating information based on which the control arrangement 100 may further control the ESS 310.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 2, the control arrangement 100 may receive a power grid data 520 associated with a power grid 320 connected to the charging station 300 and control the ESS 310 further based on the power grid data 520. The power grid data 520 may comprise a grid power measurement, a line voltage, a calculated remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and / or a scheduled maintenance event. In other words, the power grid data 520 may indicate current and forecasted status of the power grid and its availability and capacity to provide charging power. The power grid data 520 may be received from a node in the power grid 320 and / or a node in communication with the power grid 320. The power grid 320 may comprise one or more electrical power sources for providing charging power. Each power source may be AC power sources, DC power sources and / or renewable power sources such as e.g., wind power and solar power.

[0075] With further reference to Fig. 2, the control arrangement 100 may also receive a charging station data 530 associated with the charging station 300 and control the ESS 310 further based on the charging station data 530. The charging station data 530 may comprise a charging current, a charging state, and / or a charging voltage. Thus, the charging station data 530 may indicate a status of the charging station 300, e.g., whether it is currently charging a mining / construction vehicle, provided charging current and / or voltage, etc. The charging station data 530 may be received from the charging station 300 and / or a communication node in communication with the charging station 300, e.g., another mining / construction vehicle 400' attached and / or charging at the charging station 300. In embodiments, the control arrangement 100 may further receive a mining operator command 540 associated with the charging station 300 and control the ESS 310 further based on the mining operator command 540. The mining operator command 540 may e.g., be a command to charge the ESS 310 and stop charging a battery at the charging station 300 or discharge the ESS 310 to charge a battery at the charging station 300. The mining operator command 540 may be received from a mining operator control system e.g., through a communication network. The mining operator command 540 may be based on user input into the mining operator control system and allows a mining operator to a set or adjust the control of the ESS 310 by the control arrangement 100.

[0076] In embodiments, the control arrangement 100 may further receive a vehicle data / information 550 associated with the mining / construction vehicle 400 and control the ESS 310 further based on the vehicle data 550. The vehicle data 550 may comprise a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and / or a scheduled service event. The vehicle data 550 may hence indicate a current and forecasted status and / or position of the mining / construction vehicle 400, e.g., how far the mining / construction vehicle 400 is from the charging station 300, when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is expected to arrive at the charging station, etc. With reference to Fig. 2, the vehicle data 550 may be received from the mining / construction vehicle 400. However, the vehicle data 550 may in embodiments instead be received from a communication node in communication with the mining / construction vehicle 400, e.g., a control node of the mining / construction vehicle 400 and / or a fleet of mining / construction vehicles 400.

[0077] Based on the obtained information, i.e., one or more of mentioned battery status message 510, power grid data 520, charging station data 530, mining operator command 540 and vehicle data 550, the control arrangement 100 controls the ESS 310. The controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise any of: real and reactive power injection of the ESS 310, a voltage control by the ESS 310, and / or a frequency control by the ESS 310. The control arrangement 100 is hence able to control the ESS 310 to provide charging power, as well as the current and / or voltage to provide. In embodiments, the controlling of the ESS 310 may further comprise charge the ESS 310 by a power grid 320 or discharge the ESS 310 at the charging station 300. The control arrangement 100 may hence control a mode of operation of the ESS 310, i.e., the control arrangement 100 may determine whether to charge or discharge the ESS 310 based on the battery status message 510 and other available data / information 520, 530, 540, 550.

[0078] In addition, the control arrangement 100 may control the mode of operation of the ESS 310 based on the location of the mining / construction vehicle 400. For example, when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in the second position P2 remote from the first position P1 , the control arrangement 100 may control the ESS 310 to charge the ESS 310 by the power grid 320 or discharge the ESS 310 at the charging station 300. The control arrangement 100 may e.g., determine to charge the ESS 310 by the power grid 320, if the battery status message 510 indicates that the status-of-charge and / or the state-of health of the battery 410 is low, e.g., lower than a threshold vale. In this way, the ESS 310 may later provide real or reactive power injection to the charging station 300, when the mining / construction vehicle 400 has travelled to the charging station 300 for charging.

[0079] When the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in the first position P1 and attached to the charging station 300, the control arrangement 100 may control the ESS 310 to charge the ESS 310 by the power grid 320. Alternatively, the control arrangement 100 may control the ESS 310 to discharge the ESS 310 at the charging station 300 when the power grid 320 is not connected to the charging station 300 or discharge the ESS 310 at the charging station 300 when the power grid 320 is connected to the charging station 300. The control arrangement 100 may hence control the ESS 310 to provide charging power on its own or together with the power grid 320.

[0080] In embodiments, the controlling of the ESS 310 may further comprise changing an electrical connection of the ESS 310, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the ESS 310 may be electrically connectable to a first charging station 300, a second charging station 300' or further charging stations (not shown). The control arrangement 100 may control which charging station 300, 300' the ESS 310 is electrically connected to. Thus, the controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise electrically switch the ESS 310 from the first charging station 300 to the second charging station 300', or vice versa. In Fig. 3, the ESS 310 is assumed to be connected to the first charging station 300, as indicated with a solid line. When the control arrangement 100 receives the battery status message 510 and possibly further data / information about e.g., power grid, charging station, and vehicle as previously mentioned, the control arrangement 100 may electrically switch the ESS 310 from the first charging station 300 to the second charging station 300'.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the charging station 300 comprises a grid connection input 322 connected to the power grid 320 and a charging module / DC bus 324 connected to a vehicle charging point 330. The EES 310 may be connected to the grid connection input 322 or the charging module / DC bus 324, as indicated in Fig. 4. The control arrangement 100 may control which side of the charging station 300 the EES 310 is connected to. Thus, the controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise electrically switch the ESS 310 from the grid connection input 322 of the charging station 300 to the charging module / DC bus 324 of the charging station 300, or vice versa. In Fig. 4, the ESS 310 is assumed to be connected to the grid connection input 322, as indicated with a solid line. When the control arrangement 100 receives the battery status message 510, the control arrangement 100 may electrically switch the ESS 310 from the grid connection input 322 to the charging module / DC bus 324.

[0083] In the embodiments, the charging station 300 may comprise two or more DC busses 324, 324' as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise electrically switch the EES 310 between two different DC busses 324, 324' of the charging station 300. The different DC busses 324 may be configured to feed different charging ports of one or more charging stations 300.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the control arrangement 100 controls a first ESS 310 and a second ESS 310' which are both electrically connectable to the same charging station 300. The control arrangement 100 may control which of the first ESS 310 and the second ESS 310' is to be connected to the charging station 300. Thus, the controlling of the ESS 310 may comprise disconnecting the first ESS 310 from the charging station 300 and connecting the second ESS 310' to the charging station 300, or vice versa. In Fig. 6, the first ESS 310 is assumed to be connected to the charging station 300, as indicated with a solid line. When the control arrangement 100 receives the battery status message 510, the control arrangement 100 may disconnecting the first ESS 310 from the charging station 300 and connecting the second ESS 310' to the charging station 300.

[0085] The controlling of the ESS 310 described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6 may in addition to the battery status message 510 be based on one or more of the power grid data 520, the charging station data 530, the mining operator command 540 and the vehicle data 550.

[0086] In the shown embodiments, the control arrangement 100 is shown as a separate device / unit. However, the control arrangement 100 may in embodiments be arranged in the charging station 300 or in the mining / construction vehicle 400. Thus, the control arrangement 100 may an independent node / device or integrated with the charging station 300 or the mining / construction vehicle 400. The control arrangement 100 may e.g., be connected to or comprised in a control arrangement of the charging station 300 or the mining / construction vehicle 400.

[0087] In embodiments, the ESS 310 may be electrically connected to an on-board charger, e.g., a charging module in the mining / construction vehicle 400 as shown in Fig. 7a. The ESS 310 may e.g., be connected to a variable DC supply of the mining / construction vehicle 400 either directly or via an electrical connection of the charging station 300. The ESS 310 may further be electrically connected to an off- board charger, e.g., a charging module of the charging station 300 as shown in Fig. 7b. Furthermore, the ESS 310 may be electrically connected to a hybrid charging station or at least two charging stations.

[0088] According to an aspect of the disclosure a method 200 for a control arrangement 100 according to any of the herein described embodiments is also disclosed. Thus, Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of the method 200. The method 200 comprises receiving 202 at least one battery status message 510 from at least one mining / construction vehicle 400 when the mining / construction vehicle 400 is located in a second position P2 different to the first position P1 , the battery status message 510 indicating a status of a battery 410 of the mining / construction vehicle 400. The method further comprises controlling 204 the ESS 310 based on the battery status message 510.

[0089] According to embodiments of the disclosure the control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more control devices / units arranged / configured / programmed with instruction to carry out one or more of the steps of the method 200. The control arrangement 100 may further be an independent control arrangement for controlling the ESS 310 according to any of the herein described embodiments or be comprised in or connected to control arrangements providing other control functions for the ESS 310, the charging station 300 and / or the mining / construction vehicle 400.

[0090] The control arrangement 100 also comprises suitable communication means and interfaces such that the control arrangement 100 can obtain / receive the herein mentioned information and to control the ESS 310. The communication means and interfaces may be standardized communications known in the art. The communication may be wired and / or wireless depending on the application.

[0091] The mining / construction vehicle 400 may be any type of electrified vehicle used in a mining and / or construction environment / site such as e.g., a drill rig, a truck, a loader, a digging machine, etc. With reference to Fig. 9, the mining / construction vehicle 400 may e.g., be a drill rig, a loading, hauling and dumping (LHD) machine or a mine truck but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In embodiments of the disclosure when communication is performed from / to the control arrangement 100 any suitable communication protocols and communication interfaces may be used. The communication may be performed using wired and / or wireless communications and be based on standardised communication systems.

[0093] 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 control arrangement (100) for controlling at least one energy storage system, ESS, (310) being electrically connected to at least one charging station (300), wherein the charging station (300) is located at a first position (P1 ) and configured to electrically charge mining / construction vehicles, the control arrangement (100) being configured to: receive at least one battery status message (510) from at least one mining / construction vehicle (400) when the mining / construction vehicle (400) is located in a second position (P2) different to the first position (P1 ), the battery status message (510) indicating a status of a battery (410) of the mining / construction vehicle (400); and control the ESS (310) based on the battery status message (510).

2. The control arrangement (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the mining / construction vehicle (400) is in a non-attached state and in a non-charging state with the charging station (300) when transmitting the battery status message (510).

3. The control arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery status message comprises a status-of-charge and / or a state-of health of the battery (410).

4. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: receive a power grid data (520) associated with a power grid (320) connected to the charging station (300); and control the ESS (310) further based on the power grid data (520).

5. The control arrangement (100) according to claim 4, wherein the power grid data (520) comprises a grid power measurement, a line voltage, a calculated remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and / or a scheduled maintenance event.

6. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to:receive a charging station data (530) associated with the charging station (300); and control the ESS (310) further based on the charging station data (530).

7. The control arrangement (100) according to claim 6, wherein the charging station data (530) comprise a charging current, a charging state, and / or a charging voltage.

8. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: receive a mining operator command (540) associated with the charging station (300); and control the ESS (310) further based on the mining operator command (540).

9. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: receive a vehicle data (550) associated with the mining / construction vehicle (400); and control the ESS (310) further based on the vehicle data (550).

10. The control arrangement (100) according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle data (550) comprises a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and / or a scheduled service event.

11. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises any of: real and reactive power injection of the ESS (310), a voltage control by the ESS (310), and / or a frequency control by the ESS (310).

12. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises when the mining / construction vehicle (400) is located in the second position (P2): charge the ESS (310) by a power grid (320), or discharge the ESS (310) at the charging station (300).

13. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises when the mining / construction vehicle (400) is located in the first position (P1 ) and attached to the charging station (300): charge the ESS (310) by a power grid (320), or discharge the ESS (310) at the charging station (300) when the power grid (320) is not connected to the charging station (300), or discharge the ESS (310) at the charging station (300) when the power grid (320) is connected to the charging station (300).

14. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises: electrically switch the ESS (310) from a first charging station (300) to a second charging station (300'), or vice versa.

15. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises: electrically switch the ESS (310) from the grid connection input (322) of the charging station (300) to a charging module / DC bus (324) of the charging station (300), or vice versa.

16. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the ESS (310) comprises: disconnecting a first ESS (310) from the charging station (300) and connecting a second ESS (310') to the charging station (300), or vice versa.

17. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control arrangement (100) is arranged in the charging station (300) or in the mining / construction vehicle (400).

18. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ESS (310) is connected to a charging module / DC bus (324) of the charging station (300).

19. The control arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ESS (310) is connected to the charging station (300) via an AC / DC line (326).

20. A method (200) for a control arrangement (100) for controlling at least one ESS (310) electrically connected to at least one charging station (300) located at a first position (P1 ), the method (200) comprises: receiving (202) at least one battery status message (510) from at least one mining / construction vehicle (400) when the mining / construction vehicle (400) is located in a second position (P2) different to the first position (P1 ), the battery status message (510) indicating a status of a battery (410) of the mining / construction vehicle (400); and controlling (204) the ESS (310) based on the battery status message (510).

21. A computer program with a program code for performing a method according to claim 20 when the computer program runs on a computer.

Citation Information

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