Inrush current controller for a mining / construction vehicle

The inrush current controller for mining/construction vehicles addresses inrush current issues by coordinating across vehicles and grid status, providing enhanced protection and reducing transformer sizing.

WO2025226194A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-30EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/SE2024/050406
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-26
Publication Date
2025-10-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Inrush currents in electrified mining/construction vehicles can damage equipment and cause voltage dips, necessitating effective mitigation to protect electrical components and reduce transformer sizing.

Method used

An inrush current controller with an input, output, inrush current limiter, and controller that receives information elements to manage inrush currents, allowing coordination and cooperation among multiple vehicles and grid status for improved protection.

Benefits of technology

Enhances inrush current protection, reduces equipment damage, and minimizes transformer sizing by coordinating inrush current controllers across vehicles and considering grid status, ensuring stable and efficient electrical operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to an inrush current controller for a mining / construction vehicle The inrush current controller (100) comprises: an input (102) configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid (200); an output (104) configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle (300); an inrush current limiter (110) connected between the input (102) and the output (104) and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated; and a controller (120) configured to: receive a first information element (IE1) indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle (300´); and control the inrush current limiter (110) based on the first information element (IE1). Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and a mining / construction vehicle comprising such an inrush current controller.
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Description

[0001] INRUSH CURRENT CONTROLLER FOR A MINING / CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure relates to an inrush current controller for a mining / construction vehicle. Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and a mining / construction vehicle comprising such an inrush current controller.

[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] However, electrified mining / construction vehicles need electrical power for their functioning. That is, for powering the electrical motors, batteries, etc. of the electrified mining / construction vehicles. In this respect a mining / construction vehicle may be connected to a power grid.

[0007] It is a well-known fact that when an electrical motor connected to the power grid is started up a so-called inrush current may arise in the electrical system. The inrush current is an instantaneous high input current drawn by a power supply or electrical equipment at turn-on. This arises due to the high initial currents required to charge the capacitors and inductors or transformers. These currents can be as high as 20 times the steady state currents. If the inrush current is not limited, the high currents can damage the equipment in addition to producing voltage dips in the supply line and causing malfunctioning of other equipment powered from the same supply.

[0008] Thus, an inrush current controller is installed in the electrified mining / construction vehicle for mitigating or eliminating the effects of inrush currents. Summary

[0009] An objective of embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks of conventional solutions.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with first inrush current controller comprising: an input configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid; an output configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle; an inrush current limiter connected between the input and the output and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated; and a controller configured to: receive a first information element indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle; and control the inrush current limiter based on the first information element.

[0011] An advantage of the first inrush current controller according to the first aspect is that by using the first information element, indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle when controlling the inrush current limiter, the performance of the first inrush current controller can be improved compared to conventional solutions. Especially, coordination between different inrush current controllers connected to different mining / construction vehicles which in turn is connected to the same power grid is possible with the use of the first information element. Thereby, effective inrush current protection is provided resulting in no or less harm or damage on electrical components and electrical devices of mining / construction vehicles. Furthermore, with the introduction of the first inrush current controller, it will help to significantly reduce the sizing of upstream supply transformer, and bring considerable savings.

[0012] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controller is configured to: receive the first information element when the second mining / construction vehicle is electrically connected to the electrical power grid or previous to being electrically connected to the electrical power grid.

[0013] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the first mining / construction vehicle is located at a first position and the second mining / construction vehicle is located at a second position different to the first position.

[0014] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controller is configured to: receive the first information element from a second inrush current controller.

[0015] An advantage with this embodiment is that multiple inrush current controllers can share first information elements for cooperation and improved inrush current protection for mining / construction vehicles connected to the same power grid.

[0016] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the inrush current event comprises any of: a start-up of an electrical power consumer connected to the electrical power grid, and connecting an electrical power storage unit to the electrical power grid.

[0017] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant inrush current events are considered for improved inrush current protection.

[0018] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controller is configured to: receive a second information element indicating an operational status of the electrical power grid; and control the inrush current limiter further based on the second information element.

[0019] An advantage with this embodiment is that further relevant information is considered, i.e., the second information element which relates to the operational status of the electrical power grid, for improved inrush current protection. In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the operational status of the electrical power grid comprises any of: a transient measurement of the electrical power grid, a grid disturbance of the electrical power grid, and a black start of the electrical power grid.

[0020] An advantage with this embodiment is that relevant operational status of the electrical power grid is considered for improved inrush current protection.

[0021] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controller is configured to: transmit a first control command to a second inrush current controller, the first control command indicating an activation / deactivation of an inrush current limiter of the second inrush current controller.

[0022] An advantage with this embodiment is that interoperability and cooperation between multiple inrush current controllers is provided. Further, the second inrush current can be controlled by an external signal.

[0023] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controller is configured to: receive a second control command indicating an activation / deactivation of the inrush current limiter; and control the inrush current limiter further based on the second control command.

[0024] An advantage with this embodiment is that interoperability and cooperation between multiple inrush current controllers is provided. Further, the first inrush current can be controlled by an external signal.

[0025] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the controlling of the inrush current limiter comprises activating / deactivating the inrush current limiter. In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the inrush current controller comprises two or more inrush current limiters coupled in series with each other, and wherein the controller is configured to: activate / deactivate the two or more inrush current limiters in a sequential order.

[0026] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first inrush current controller can operate current limiters sequentially in segments thus performing inrush current limitation in stages thereby improve system stability.

[0027] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the inrush current controller comprises two or more inrush current limiters coupled in parallel with each other between the input and two or more outputs.

[0028] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first inrush current controller can be used for protecting multiple different mining / construction vehicles connected to the same power grid.

[0029] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the input comprises an input plug-in / plug-out means for connecting or disconnecting the input to or from the power grid, and the output comprises an output plug-in / plug-out means for connecting or disconnecting the output to or from the first mining / construction vehicle.

[0030] An advantage with this embodiment is that the first inrush current controller is a standalone device that may be moved to locations and applications where an inrush current controller is needed. Thereby, improving the flexibility of the first inrush current controller.

[0031] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the inrush current limiter is connected between the input and the output by means of at least one bypass swich configured to connect or disconnect the first inrush current controller to the electrical power grid and the first mining / construction vehicle. An advantage with this embodiment is that the inrush current limiter can be bypassed when necessary, e.g., during operation, maintenance etc.

[0032] In an embodiment of a first inrush current controller according to the first aspect, the first inrush current limiter is an electrical storage unit of the first mining / construction vehicle and / or a grid connecting converter connected between the input and the output.

[0033] An advantage with this embodiment is that existing electrical units and electrical devices of the first mining / construction can be used as inrush current limiter for easier and cost-effective implementation.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a first mining / construction vehicle comprising a first inrush current controller according to any embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a first inrush current controller, the first inrush current controller comprising: an input configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid, an output configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle, an inrush current limiter connected between the input and the output and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated, and a controller; the method comprising: receiving a first information element indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle; and controlling the inrush current limiter based on the first information element.

[0036] The method may be adapted in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments of the first inrush current controller according to the first aspect. The advantages of the method are the same as the advantages of the corresponding embodiments of the first inrush current controller.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

[0041] - Fig. 1 shows a first inrush current controller according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0042] - Fig. 2 shows a first inrush current controller receiving a first information element from a second inrush current controller according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0043] - Fig. 3 shows a first inrush current controller receiving a first information element from a second inrush current controller and a second information element from a power grid according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0044] - Fig. 4 shows a first inrush current controller exchanging control commands with a second inrush current controller according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0045] - Fig. 5 shows a first inrush current controller comprising two or more inrush current limiters coupled in series with each other according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0046] - Fig. 6 shows a first inrush current controller comprising two or more inrush current limiters coupled in parallel with each other according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0047] - Fig. 7 shows a first inrush current controller comprising one or more bypass switches according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0048] - Fig. 8 illustrates different implementation examples of a first inrush current controller in relation to a mining / construction vehicle according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0049] - Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a method according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0050] - Fig. 10 illustrates examples of mining / construction vehicles. Detailed Description

[0051] Objectives for an inrush current controller are, among other things, high performance in respect of controlling the inrush current and flexible interconnectivity. Thus, it is herein disclosed an inrush current controller 100 which is also denoted a first inrush current controller to differentiate it from other inrush current controllers which may be denoted second inrush current controllers. The corresponding denotations also applies to a mining / construction vehicle 300 which may be denoted a first mining / construction vehicle to differentiate it from other mining / construction vehicles which may be denoted second mining / construction vehicles. Hence, the use of “first” and “second” labels in this regard as labels only does not imply any technical features.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a first inrush current controller 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The first inrush current controller 100 comprises an input 102 and an output 104. The input 102 is configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid 200, and the output 104 is configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle 300. The first inrush current controller 100 further comprises an inrush current limiter 110 connected between the input 102 and the output 104 and is configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated. The inrush current limiter 110 may be any suitable type of current limiters such as a circuit of passive electrical components, star delta connections, semiconductor switches, etc.

[0053] The first inrush current controller 100 further comprises a controller 120 configured to receive a first information element (IE1 ) indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle 300'. The controller 120 is configured to control the inrush current limiter 110 based on the first information element.

[0054] The second mining / construction vehicle 300' is another mining / construction vehicle compared to the first mining / construction vehicle 300. Thus, the controller 120 of the first inrush current controller 100 is informed about an inrush current event for the second mining / construction vehicle 300' when the first inrush current controller 100 is connected to a first mining / construction vehicle 300 different to the second mining / construction vehicle 300'. By using information about an inrush current event for a second mining / construction vehicle 300', the first inrush current controller 100 can improve the inrush current protection for the first mining / construction vehicle 300.

[0055] The controller 120 may be any suitable controller, control device or control arrangement for controlling components and devices of the first inrush current controller 100. Thus, the controller 120 may comprises control logic, processors, memory and communication lines, communication means and communication interfaces for performing its control functions. The communication means and interfaces may be standardized communication means and interfaces known in the art and are illustrated with dashed lines. The communication may be wired and / or wireless depending on the application. When communication is performed from / to the controller 120 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.

[0056] The controller 120 may use the first information element IE1 in a control algorithm to control the inrush current limiter 110 via suitable control lines which are illustrated with dotted lines. Thus, the first information element IE1 may be an input parameter or variable in such a control algorithm. It is noted that also other information or data e.g., in the form of variables and parameters may be used for controlling the inrush current limiter 110.

[0057] The controlling of the inrush current limiter 110 comprises activating / deactivating the inrush current limiter 110 in embodiments of the disclosure. For example, if the first information element indicates a critical event the inrush current limiter 110 is activated to protect electrical devices of the first mining / construction vehicle 300.

[0058] It may be recognized that the mentioned inrush current event may comprise any of a start-up of an electrical power consumer 310 connected to the electrical power grid 200, and connecting an electrical power storage unit 320 (see e.g., Fig. 8) to the electrical power grid 200. Thus, the first inrush current controller 100 is connected to the same power grid 200 as to which the second mining / construction vehicle 300'. The start-up of an electrical power consumer 310 connected to the electrical power grid 200 may cause an inrush current. Further, to connect an electrical power storage unit 320 may mean that there is an inrush current from the electrical power storage 320 as well e.g., when a battery has a certain state of charge.

[0059] The electrical power consumer 310 is any electrical device of a mining / construction vehicle that needs electrical power for its functioning such as electrical motors, compressors, pumps, actuators, etc. The electrical power storage unit 320 on the other hand is an electrical unit, an electrical component or an electrical device that is configured to and is capable of storing electrical energy such as batteries and capacitors.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a first inrush current controller 100 receiving a first information element IE1 from a second inrush current controller 100' according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the controller 120 of the first inrush current controller 100 may be configured to receive the first information element IE1 when the second mining / construction vehicle 300' is electrically connected to the electrical power grid 200 or previous to being electrically connected to the electrical power grid 200. The latter case means that the first information element IE1 is sent as a warning signal that an inrush current event may occur in the future. Thereby, the controller 120 can prepare to protect electrical devices by activating the inrush current limiter(s) 110.

[0061] It may also be noted from Fig. 2 that the first mining / construction vehicle 300 is located at a first position P1 and the second mining / construction vehicle 300' is located at a second position P2 different to the first position P1 in embodiments of the disclosure. The second position P2 may be an adjacent position, a remote position or a position between an adjacent position and a remote position in relation to the first position P1 . The first P1 and second position P2 may be at a charging station at which mining / construction vehicles are charged by the power grid 200. However, the first P1 and second position P2 may also be a power grid connection point at which mining / construction vehicles are provided / fed with power from the power grid 200 via suitable power interfaces, power cables, mechanical attachment interfaces, etc. The first information element IE1 may be received from the second mining / construction vehicle 300' itself or from a power grid connection point to which the second mining / construction vehicle 300' is connected to the power grid 200. The power grid connection point may be integrated with a charging station. However, in embodiments of the disclosure the controller 120 is configured to receive the first information element IE1 from a second inrush current controller 100' different to the first inrush current controller 100. The second inrush current controller 100' may be co-located with the second mining / construction vehicle 300' and e.g., being attached thereto. For example, the first information element IE1 may be processed and transmitted by a controller 120' of the second inrush current controller 100'.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows a first inrush current controller 100 receiving a first information element IE1 from a second inrush current controller 100' and also receiving a second information element IE2 from a power grid 200 according to embodiments of the disclosure. Hence, in these embodiments of the disclosure, information / data about the electrical power grid 200 is further considered for controlling the inrush current limiter 110 for improved inrush current protection. The operational status of the electrical power grid 200 includes information that may be of importance for controlling inrush currents. Therefore, the controller 120 is in such examples configured to receive a second information element IE2 indicating an operational status of the electrical power grid 200, and to control the inrush current limiter 110 further based on the second information element IE2. Mentioned second information element IE2 may be used in a control algorithm for controlling the inrush current limiter 110.

[0063] The operational status of the electrical power grid 200 may comprises any of: a transient measurement of the electrical power grid 200, a grid disturbance of the electrical power grid 200, and a black start of the electrical power grid 200. More specifically the operational status hereby mentioned may be:

[0064] • Transient measurement of the electrical power grid 200 - this may include grid disturbance measurement, etc.; and / or

[0065] • Grid disturbance of the electrical power grid 200 - this may include inrush current to energize a new power line of the electrical power grid 200; and / or

[0066] • Black start of the electrical power grid 200 - this may include inrush current during grid forming of the electrical power grid 200. Fig. 4 shows a first inrush current controller 100 exchanging control commands with a second inrush current controller 100' according to embodiments of the disclosure. Thereby, different inrush current controllers can cooperate and communicate with each other and provide useful control commands therebetween for efficient inrush current control. Thus, a novel inrush current controller architecture or system is hereby provided where external commands / signals can activate and deactivate inrush current limiters.

[0067] Hence, in embodiments of the invention, the controller 120 of the first inrush current controller 100 is configured to transmit a first control command CC1 to a second inrush current controller 100'. The first control command CC1 indicates an activation / deactivation of an inrush current limiter 110' of the second inrush current controller 100'. Upon reception of the first control command CC1 , the second inrush current controller 100' may use the first control command CC1 as an activation parameter or signal for controlling its inrush current limiter 110 in a control algorithm.

[0068] Correspondingly, the controller 120 of the first inrush current controller 100 may also be configured to receive a second control command CC2 indicating an activation / deactivation of the inrush current limiter 110 of the first inrush current controller 100, and to control the inrush current limiter 110 of the first inrush current controller 100 further based on the second control command CC2. Upon reception of the second control command CC2, the first inrush current controller 100 can directly obey activation / deactivation indicated by the second control command CC2. The first CC1 and the second CC2 control commands may be a recommendation or an instruction. For example, if the control command is a recommendation a controller 120 may also use other information and data when controlling an inrush current limiter 110. However, if the control command is a direct instruction, the controller 120 directly follows what is indicated by the control command e.g., activation or deactivation of a inrush current limiter.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a first inrush current controller 100 comprising two or more inrush current limiters coupled in series with each other according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, only two inrush current limiters are illustrated in Fig. 5 but the first inrush current controller 100 may comprise any number of serially coupled inrush current limiters. The controller 120 is configured to activate / deactivate the two or more inrush current limiters 110, 110' in a sequential order according to examples of the disclosure. The sequential operation of the current limiters 110, 110' limits the current in stages and that improves the stability of the first inrush current controller 100.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows a first inrush current controller 100 comprising two or more inrush current limiters 110, 110' coupled in parallel with each other according to embodiments of the disclosure. The two or more inrush current limiters 110, 110' are coupled in parallel with each other between the input 102 and two or more outputs 104. However, only two inrush current limiters are illustrated in Fig. 6 but the first inrush current controller 100 may comprise any number of parallel coupled inrush current limiters. The controller 120 is configured to control the two or more parallel coupled inrush current limiters 110, 110'. It may further be noted that the two or more outputs 104, 104' may be connected to different vehicles, e.g., connected to a first mining / construction vehicle 300, a second mining / construction vehicle 300' as shown in Fig. 6, or to a third mining / construction vehicle not shown in Fig. 6. Thereby, flexibility is possible for inrush current protection.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a first inrush current controller 100 comprising one or more bypass switches according to embodiments of the disclosure. A bypassing mechanism for inrush current limiters 1 10 may e.g., be useful and even necessary during operation, maintenance, etc. Therefore, the inrush current limiter 110 is connected between the input 102 and the output 104 by means of at least one bypass swich 130 configured to connect or disconnect the first inrush current controller 100 to the electrical power grid 200 and the first mining / construction vehicle 300. The first inrush current controller 100 in Fig. 7 comprises a bypass switch 130 which is connected between the input 102 and the output 104 and in parallel to the inrush current limiter 110. Furthermore, two circuit breakers or disconnectors 132a, 132b are connected in series with the inrush current limiter 110 where a first circuit breaker or disconnector 132a is connected between the input 102 and the inrush current limiter 110 and a second circuit breaker or disconnector 132b is connected between the inrush current limiter 110 and the output 104. When the bypass swich 130 is conductive the power from the power grid 200 can pass directly through the bypass switch 130a However, when the first 132a and the second 132b circuit breaker or disconnector are active, the current limiter 110 does not carry any current.

[0072] Fig. 8 illustrates different implementation architectures of a first inrush current controller 100 in relation to a mining / construction vehicle according to embodiments of the disclosure. Generally, the first inrush current controller 100 may be a standalone device which may be connected and disconnected to the power grid 200 and the first mining / construction vehicle 300, respectively. Thus, the input 102 may comprise an input plug-in / plug-out means 106 for connecting or disconnecting the input 102 to or from the power grid 200, and the output 104 comprises an output plug-in / plug-out means 108 for connecting or disconnecting the output 104 to or from the first mining / construction vehicle 300.

[0073] However, in other embodiments of the disclosure, one or more components or devices of the first inrush current controller 100 may be partially integrated with the first mining / construction vehicle 300. In such examples, the first inrush current limiter 110 may be an electrical storage unit 320 of the first mining / construction vehicle 300 and / or a grid connecting converter 210 connected between the input 102 and the output 104. For example, the electrical storage unit 320 can e.g., at start-up control voltage of a DC bus to control inrush currents. Furthermore, the grid connected convertor 210 can be controlled to control inrush currents. The grid connected convertor 210 may be connected between the input and the output of the first inrush current controller 100 and act as an inrush current limiter.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of a method according to embodiments of the disclosure. The method 400 relates to an inrush current controller such as the first inrush current controller 100 previously described. Thus, the inrush current controller 100 comprises: an input 102 configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid 200, an output 104 configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle 300, an inrush current limiter 110 connected between the input 102 and the output 104 and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated, and a controller 120. The method 400 comprises the steps of: receiving 402 a first information element IE1 indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle 300'; and controlling 404 the inrush current limiter 110 based on the first information element IE1 .

[0075] According to embodiments of the disclosure the controller 120 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 400.

[0076] Fig. 10 illustrates examples of mining / construction vehicles that may be used with the first inrush current controller 100 or comprising the first inrush current controller 100. The mining / construction vehicle 300 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. 10, the mining / construction vehicle 300 may e.g., be a drill rig, a loading, hauling and dumping (LHD) machine or a mine truck but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Finally, it should be understood that the invention 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 first inrush current controller (100) comprising: an input (102) configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid (200); an output (104) configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle (300); an inrush current limiter (110) connected between the input (102) and the output (104) and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated; and a controller (120) configured to: receive a first information element (IE1 ) indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle (300'); and control the inrush current limiter (110) based on the first information element (IE1 ).

2. The first inrush current controller (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the controller (120) is configured to: receive the first information element (IE1 ) when the second mining / construction vehicle (300') is electrically connected to the electrical power grid (200) or previous to being electrically connected to the electrical power grid (200).

3. The first inrush current controller (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mining / construction vehicle (300) is located at a first position (P1 ) and the second mining / construction vehicle (300') is located at a second position (P2) different to the first position (P1 ).

4. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (120) is configured to: receive the first information element (IE1 ) from a second inrush current controller (100').

5. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inrush current event comprises any of: a start-up of an electrical powerconsumer (310) connected to the electrical power grid (200), and connecting an electrical power storage unit (320) to the electrical power grid (200).

6. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (120) is configured to: receive a second information element (IE2) indicating an operational status of the electrical power grid (200); and control the inrush current limiter (110) further based on the second information element (IE2).

7. The first inrush current controller (100) according to claim 6, wherein the operational status of the electrical power grid (200) comprises any of: a transient measurement of the electrical power grid (200), a grid disturbance of the electrical power grid (200), and a black start of the electrical power grid (200).

8. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (120) is configured to: transmit a first control command (CC1 ) to a second inrush current controller (100'), the first control command (CC1 ) indicating an activation / deactivation of an inrush current limiter (110') of the second inrush current controller (100').

9. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (120) is configured to: receive a second control command (CC2) indicating an activation / deactivation of the inrush current limiter (110); and control the inrush current limiter (110) further based on the second control command (CC2).

10. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlling of the inrush current limiter (110) comprises activating / deactivating the inrush current limiter (110).

11. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more inrush current limiters (110) coupled in series with each other, and wherein the controller (120) is configured to: activate / deactivate the two or more inrush current limiters (110) in a sequential order.

12. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more inrush current limiters (110) coupled in parallel with each other between the input (102) and two or more outputs (104).

13. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input (102) comprises an input plug-in / plug-out means (106) for connecting or disconnecting the input (102) to or from the power grid (200), and the output (104) comprises an output plug-in / plug-out means (108) for connecting or disconnecting the output (104) to or from the first mining / construction vehicle (300).

14. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inrush current limiter (110) is connected between the input (102) and the output (104) by means of at least one bypass swich (130) configured to connect or disconnect the first inrush current controller (100) to the electrical power grid (200) and the first mining / construction vehicle (300).

15. The first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inrush current limiter (110) is an electrical storage unit (320) of the first mining / construction vehicle (300) and / or a grid connecting converter (210) connected between the input (102) and the output (104).

16. A first mining / construction vehicle (300) comprising a first inrush current controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A method (400) for a first inrush current controller (100), the first inrush current controller (100) comprising: an input (102) configured to be electrically connected or disconnected to an electrical power grid (200), an output (104) configured to be iselectrically connected or disconnected to a first mining / construction vehicle (300), an inrush current limiter (110) connected between the input (102) and the output (104) and configured to limit or eliminate an inrush current when activated, and a controller (120); the method (400) comprising: receiving (402) a first information element (IE1 ) indicating an inrush current event associated with a second mining / construction vehicle (300'); and controlling (404) the inrush current limiter (110) based on the first information element (IE1 ).

18. A computer program with a program code for performing a method according to claim 17 when the computer program runs on a computer.

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