Battery electric machine, charging unit, and system for managing battery electric machines

Abstract

A system for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite includes a controller in communication with a first charging unit and / or the BEMs. A BEM may be assigned or enroute to a first target location within the work site to perform a first task. The controller is configured to monitor an operating condition at the first target location and redirect the BEM to the first charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. The controller is also configured to determine a release time of the redirected BEM from the first charging unit. Further, the controller is configured to identify a second task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. Furthermore, the controller is configured to dispatch the redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the second task.

Description

BATTERY ELECTRIC MACHINE, CHARGING UNIT, AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING BATTERY ELECTRIC MACHINESTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to machine management, and more particularly to, a battery electric machine (BEM), a charging unit, and a computer-implemented system for managing the BEMs at a worksite.Background

[0002] At electrified worksites, for example, an electrified mine site, several battery electric machines (BEMs) may be deployed at different locations to perform different tasks such as, but not limited to, material crushing, loading, and dumping. Oftentimes, multiple BEMs operating at a single location within the worksite may result in over-crowding and queuing of the BEMs at the location. The queuing of BEMs for extended time periods at the location may, in turn, result in loss of productivity as well as depletion of battery charge of the BEMs during idle time. Consequently, managing the battery charge of the BEMs required to execute the various tasks in a predictable manner may become difficult, thereby resulting in undesirable deviations from a production plan due to unplanned diversions of the BEMs to charging stations for charging. In addition, execution of several other priority tasks at other locations may also be affected as a result of unavailability of the queued BEMs or the unplanned diversions and subsequent delay in charging of the BEMs. Also, an overall efficiency of the electrified worksites may be impacted due to energy losses associated with irregular charging and discharging of BEM batteries.

[0003] US Patent 9,440,550, herein referred to as ‘the ’550 patent’, discloses a system for the management of a fleet of battery powered vehicles using a paradigm of a reserve pool of vehicles as opposed to a reserve fleet of batteries. In the system of the ‘550 patent, a reserve pool of vehicles is always maintained in a ready state such that vehicles being returned with depleted batteries may be replaced with a vehicle having a fully-charged battery. The system of the ‘550 patent maintains abalance between reserve fleet size and charging time to provide optimal performance and cost savings. However, addition of the reserve pool of vehicles only adds to the problem of crowding and queuing of vehicles at a particular location within a worksite. Furthermore, managing the reserve pool of vehicles together with an existing fleet of vehicles already deployed at the worksite may become cumbersome, cost-intensive, and time-consuming.

[0004] Hence, there is a need for managing the BEMs in a planned manner at the worksite to improve productivity and reduce downtime.Summary

[0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite is disclosed. The system includes at least one controller in communication with a first charging unit and / or the BEMs. At least one BEM of the BEMs may be assigned or enroute to a first target location within the worksite to perform a first task. The controller is configured to monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite or at the first target location and redirect the BEM to the first charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. Further, the controller is configured to determine a release time of the redirected BEM from the first charging unit based on a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location. In addition, the controller is configured to identify a second task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. The identified second task may be same as or different from the first task. The second target location may be same as or different from the first target location. Furthermore, the controller is configured to dispatch the redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery electric machine (BEM) is disclosed. The BEM includes at least one controller in communicationwith a first charging unit and / or at least one additional BEM. The BEM may be assigned or enroute to a first target location within the worksite to perform a first task. The controller is configured to monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite or at the first target location and redirect the BEM to the first charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. The BEM to be redirected may be assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task. Further, the controller is configured to detect the additional BEM connected to the first charging unit. The additional BEM may be assigned to a second target location to perform a second task. The controller is configured to determine a first release time of the redirected BEM and a second release time of the additional BEM from the first charging unit based on a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the redirected BEM and the additional BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first or second target location. In addition, the controller is configured to identify a third task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a third target location at the determined first release time, and a fourth task to be performed by the additional BEM at a fourth target location at the determined second release time. The identified third task and the identified fourth task may be same as or different from the first task and / or the second task. The first, second, third, and fourth target locations may be same or different. Furthermore, the controller is configured to dispatch the redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the third target location at the determined first release time to perform the third task.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging unit for battery electric machines (BEMs) is disclosed. The charging unit includes at least one controller in communication with the at least one BEM of the BEMs. The BEM may be assigned or enroute to a first target location within the worksite to perform a first task. The controller may be configured to monitor at least one operating condition within a worksite or at the first target location and redirect the BEM to the charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. The BEM to be redirected may be assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task. Further, thecontroller may be configured to determine a release time of the redirected BEM from the charging unit based on a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the redirected BEM for transit between the charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location. In addition, the controller may be configured to identify a second task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. The identified second task may be same as or different from the first task and the second target location may be same as or different from the first target location. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM from the charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite is disclosed. At least one BEM of the BEMs may be assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task. The method includes a step of monitoring at least one operating condition within the worksite or at the first target location. The method also includes a step of redirecting at least one BEM of the BEMs to the first charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. The BEM to be redirected may be assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task. Further, the method includes a step of determining a release time of the redirected BEM from the first charging unit based on a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location. In addition, the method includes a step of identifying second task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. The second task may be same as or different from the first task. The second target location may be same as or different from the first target location. Furthermore, the method includes a step of dispatching the redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of a system of managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a server corresponding to the system of FIG. 1 for managing the BEMs at the worksite, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of a BEM system corresponding to the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of communication between the BEM systems of FIG. 3 at a charging unit, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of a charging system corresponding to the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for managing BEMs at the worksite, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of communication between charging systems of FIG. 5 for managing the BEMs, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1', 1", 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary diagrammatic illustration of a system 100 for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) 105-130 at a worksite 101 isdisclosed. Examples of the worksite 101 include, but are not limited to, an electrified mining site, quarry, construction site, and / or warehouse. Examples of the BEMs 105-130 include, but are not limited to, haul trucks, water trucks, loaders, excavators, shovels, and tractors. In embodiments, the BEMs 105-130 may include a battery or multiple batteries or battery packs to power and drive the BEMs 105-130 respectively. In embodiments, the system 100 may include at least one controller 135 in communication with the BEMs 105-130 and / or at least one charging unit of the charging units 145-170 via a network 140. Examples of the network 140 include, but are not limited to, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Small Area Network (SAN), a Wi-Fi Direct Network and a telecommunication network including, but not limited to, a fourth generation (4G) and a fifth generation (5G) cellular network. In embodiments, the controller 135 may correspond to, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) or a processor, a module of the processor, or a combination of the processor and at least one hardware or software component, such as a memory, a transceiver, and / or a communication interface. In embodiments, the controller 135 may also be provided in the charging units 145-170 and / or the BEMs 105-130 respectively. In embodiments, each charging unit of the charging units 145-170 may include at least one charging rail, for example, Cl and / or C2, or at least one charging point (not shown). In embodiments, one or more of the charging units 145-170 may be arranged in series or in a sequence. For example, the charging units 155-170 may be arranged in a sequential order including the charging 155 positioned at a beginning of the sequence and the charging unit 170 positioned at an end of the sequence.

[0018] In embodiments, the system 100 may correspond to a server 100-1 including the controller 135 that is independent of the BEMs 105-130 and the charging units 145-170. Examples of the server 100-1 include, but is not limited to, computers, laptops, mobile devices, handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet personal computers, digital notebook, automatic teller machines (ATMs), wearables, and other electronic devices known to persons skilled in the art for performing functions consistent with the present disclosure. In embodiments, the system 100 may also correspond to the BEMs 105-130 provided with the controller135 and is referred to herein as ‘BEM system 100-2’. In embodiments, the system 100 may also correspond to the charging units 145-170 provided with the controller 135 and is referred to herein as ‘charging system 100-3’. In embodiments, the controller 135 provided in the standalone server 100-1, the BEMs 105-130, and / or the charging units 155-170 respectively may be in communication with each other via the network 140.

[0019] In embodiments, the BEMs 105-130 may be assigned to different target locations, for example, 175, 180, 185, within the worksite 101 via different paths to perform different tasks based on production requirements. For example, the BEMs 110, 115 operating at a target location 175 may be assigned to the target location 180 via a first path 190 and the BEMs 120, 125 may be assigned to the target location 175 via a second path 195. In embodiments, the first path 190 and the second path 195 may be same or different. Examples of the target locations include, but are not limited to, locations designated for loading / unloading, crushing, excavating, BEM charging, battery swapping, and / or BEM lay-by. Accordingly, in embodiments, the target locations may also correspond to loading and / or unloading target locations such as the target locations 175, 180, and / or 185, or BEM charging target locations such as the charging units 145-170. In embodiments, the target locations may be at a higher or lower elevation with respect to each other or from a current location of the BEMs 105-130 respectively. Accordingly, in embodiments, the BEMs 105-130 may be assigned to a target location at a higher or lower elevation from a current location of the BEMs 105-130 via the different paths such as, but not limited to, paths 190 and 195. In embodiments, the BEMs 105-130 may also be enroute to or travelling between the different target locations, for example, 175, 180, 185, within the worksite 101 via the different paths, for example, 190, 195. In embodiments, the target location may also correspond to one of the target locations, for example, 145- 170, 175-185 of a production circuit. Each production circuit may include a combination, or a group of the target locations assigned to one or more BEMs to sequentially or selectively move to. In embodiments, a first and a last target location of the combination or group of target locations in each production circuit may be same or different. For example, the target location 175, the charging stations 145-170, and the target location 180 located along the paths 190 and / or 195 may together correspond to a first production circuit and the BEMs 105-115 may be configured to move from the target location 175 for loading material to the target location 180 for unloading material, and back to the target location 175 for loading the material via the charging units 145-170 along the paths 190 and / or 195 to complete the first production circuit once.

[0020] In embodiments, the server 100-1 may be configured to communicate with the BEMs 105-130 via the network 140 and determine the target location assigned to the BEMs 105-130. In embodiments, the BEMs 105-130 may also be configured to provide location information related to the target location to the server 100-1. In embodiments, the server 100-1 may be configured to monitor at least one operating condition at or proximate to the determined target location assigned to the BEMs 105-130 in real-time or periodically. In embodiments, the server 100-1 may be configured to redirect at least one BEM of the BEMs 105-130 to an intermediate charging unit located between a current location of the BEMs and the target location based on the monitored operating condition. For example, the BEMs 110, 115 may be operational at the target location 175 and assigned to the target location 180 to perform a first task. In embodiments, the server 100-1 may be configured to communicate with the BEMs 110, 115 via the network 140 and determine the target location assigned to the BEMs 110, 115. In embodiments, the BEMs 110, 115 may also be configured to communicate with the server 100-1 and provide the location information related to the target location. The server 100-1 may be configured to monitor the operating condition at the target location 180 and redirect the BEMs 110, 115 from the target location 175 to a first charging unit, for example, 145 based on the monitored operating condition at the target location 180. In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit, for example, the first charging unit 145, may be located proximate to, remote from, or in between the target locations or other charging units, for example, 150, 155-170, identified as the target locations. In embodiments, for instances when the target location is at a higher elevation from a current location of the BEMs, the intermediate charging unit may be located proximate to the current location of the BEMs. For example, the target location 180 may be at a higherelevation from the current location of the BEMs 110, 115 operating at the target location 175 and the first charging unit 145 may be located proximate to the target location 175. Similarly, for instances when the target location is at a lower elevation from a current location of the BEMs, the intermediate unit may be located remote from the current location of the BEMs. For example, the target location 175 may be at a lower elevation from the current location of the BEMs 120, 125 operating at the target location 180 and the first charging unit 145 may be located remote from the target location 180. In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit, for example, the first charging unit 145, may be located remote from the target location, for example, 180, at the higher elevation since the BEMs, for example, 120 and 125, operating at the higher elevation may require or consume lesser electrical energy while moving towards the target location, for example, 175, at the lower elevation in comparison to the electrical energy required while moving towards the target location at the higher elevation.

[0021] The redirected BEM(s) may be configured to connect to the one or more charging rails, or the charging points provided at the intermediate charging unit. For example, the redirected BEMs 110, 15 may be configured to connect to the charging rails Cl and / or C2 provided at the first charging unit 145 respectively. The charging rail, for example, Cl or C2, may be configured to charge the battery or battery pack on board the redirected BEM(s) when connected to the charging rail. In embodiments, the redirected BEMs may be sequentially connected to the charging rail or randomly connected to an available charging point (not shown) at the intermediate charging unit. For example, the redirected BEMs 105, 110 may be connected to the charging rail Cl at the first charging unit 145 in series. In embodiments, the redirected BEM(s), for example, 110 and / or 115, may be configured to move along the charging rail, for example, Cl, while being connected to and charged by the charging rail, for example, Cl. In embodiments, multiple redirected BEMs, for example, 110 and 115, may move along the charging rail, for example, Cl in series, or parallelly along different charging rails, for example, Cl and C2.

[0022] The server 100-1 may also be configured to determine a release time of each redirected BEM from the intermediate charging unit. For example, the server 100-1 may be configured to determine the release times of the redirected BEMs 110, 115 respectively from the first charging unit 145. Further, the server 100-1 may also be configured to identify a second task to be performed by each redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. The identified second task may be same as or different from the first task assigned to each redirected BEM. The identified second target location for performing the identified second task may be same as or different from the first target location. For example, the redirected BEM 110 may have been previously assigned to the target location 180 to perform the first task, and the server 100-1 may be configured to identify a second task to be performed by the redirected BEM 110 at the target location 185 at the determined release time based on production requirements or a short-interval control (SIC) plan. The server 100-1 may also be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM from the intermediate charging unit to a second target location to perform the identified second task at the determined release time. For example, the server 100-1 may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM 110 from the intermediate charging unit, for example, the first charging unit 145 to one of the other charging target locations including a second charging unit 150 or a sequence of third charging units 155-170 for charging the redirected BEM 110. Similarly, the server 100-1 may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM 115 from the first charging unit 145 to one of the unloading target locations including the target location 180 or the target location 185 for material unloading.

[0023] It may be apparent that the functions performed by the sever 100-1 as disclosed in the present disclosure may also be implemented and performed by the BEM system 100-2 including the BEM, for example 110, provided with the controller 135 and / or the charging system 100-3 including the intermediate charging unit, for example, 145 provided with the controller 135.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a schematic illustration of the server 100-1 of FIG. 1 for managing the BEMs is disclosed. The server 100-1 includes a bus 205 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 210coupled with the bus 205 for processing information. The server 100-1 also includes a memory 215, such as a random-access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 205 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 210. The memory 215 can be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 210. The server 100-1 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 220 or other static storage device coupled to bus 205 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 210.

[0025] A storage unit 225, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to the bus 205. The storage unit 225 may store predefined machine related information corresponding to the BEMs, for example, 105-130 respectively. The predefined machine related information corresponding to each BEM may include, but is not limited to, a type of the BEM, a utility associated with the BEM, one or more planned tasks to be performed by the BEM, a current location of the BEM, a target location assigned to the BEM, a time required to complete the tasks by the BEM at the target location, a criticality or priority associated with the tasks, a state of charge (SoC) of the BEM, a target charge of the BEM determined based on the SoC, and the short interval control (SIC) plan including multiple planned tasks at different target locations over a short-interval timeline. In embodiments, the SIC plan may also include a status of the planned tasks, a target location associated with the respective planned tasks, estimated time associated with each planned task, available tasks, completed tasks, and actual time taken corresponding to the completed tasks. In embodiments, the storage unit 225 may also store a position of each target location, a number of the target locations, a distance or an elevation of each target location with respect to other target locations, a threshold number of the BEMs desirable at each target location, and / or a current speed of the BEMs. In embodiments, the storage unit 225 may also store one or more machine learning, artificial intelligence, logical, and / or conditional modules, algorithms, and / or models. It may be understood that the information stored in the storage unit 225 may be accessed by the processor 210 via the memory 215 to perform one or more functions.

[0026] The server 100-1 can be coupled via the bus 205 to a display 230, such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying information to a controller, such as a supervisor. An input device 235 is coupled to bus 205 for communicating information and command selections to the processor 210. The input device 235 may be included in the display 230, for example a touch screen that facilitates detection of multi-touch inputs from the user via the display 230. The input device 235 may also correspond to peripheral input devices that may be paired with the server 100-1 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, or as a hardware connection such a USB peripheral to the server 100-1. Examples of the peripheral input devices include, but are not limited to, a joystick, a gamepad, a keyboard, a mouse, a gesture-controlled device, or a wearable device such as, for example, a smart watch. In embodiments, the input device 235 may also correspond to a microphone (not shown) provided in the server 100-1 that is configured to received audio inputs or instructions from one or more work supervisors. In embodiments, the input device 235 may also include alphanumeric and other keys. Another type of user input device is an input control 240, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 210 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 230.

[0027] Various embodiments are related to the use of server 100-1 for implementing the techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the techniques are performed by the server 100-1 in response to the processor 210 executing instructions included in the memory 215. Such instructions can be read into the memory 215 from another machine -readable medium, such as the storage unit 225. Execution of the instructions included in the memory 215 causes the processor 210 to perform the process steps described herein.

[0028] The term “machine-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific fashion. In an embodiment implemented using the server 100-1, various machine- readable medium is involved, for example, in providing instructions to the processor 210 for execution. The machine-readable medium can be a storage media. Storage media includes both non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile mediaincludes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage unit 225. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the memory 215. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine. Common forms of machine- readable medium include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper-tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip, or cartridge.

[0029] In another embodiment, the machine-readable medium can be a transmission media including coaxial cables, copper wire and fibre optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 205. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. Examples of machine-readable medium may include, but are not limited, to a carrier wave as described hereinafter or any other medium from which the server 100-1 can read, for example online software, download links, installation links, and online links. For example, the instructions can initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the server 100-1 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on the bus 205. The bus 205 carries the data to the memory 215, from which the processor 210 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the memory 215 can optionally be stored in the storage unit 225 either before or after execution by the processor 210.

[0030] The server 100-1 also includes a transceiver 245 coupled to the bus 205. The transceiver 245 provides a two-way data communication coupling with the BEMs 105-130 and / or the charging units 145-170. For example, the transceiver 245 can be an integrated service digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. Asanother example, the transceiver 245 can be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, the transceiver 245 sends and receives radio, electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0031] In embodiments, the processor 210 may be capable of executing the computer instructions stored in the memory 215 to perform one or more functions. In embodiments, the processor 210 may include one or more modules 250-265 to perform the one or more functions. For example, the processor 210 may include a redirection module 250, a release time module 255, a task identification module 260, and a dispatch module 265. It may be understood that the modules 250-265 may correspond to and / or include hardware and / or software components respectively and may be configured to perform respective functions. It may also be understood that, in embodiments, the modules 250-265 may implement one or more machine learning, artificial intelligence, logical, and / or conditional operations, modules, algorithms, and / or models to perform respective functions. Furthermore, it may be understood that the processor 210, the modules 250-265 of the processor 210, and / or additional hardware components such as, but not limited to, the transceiver 245, may together correspond to the controller 135 of FIG. 1 throughout the present disclosure.

[0032] In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may be configured to communicate with each BEM of the BEMs 105-130 and / or identify a current location or position each BEM within the worksite 101 via the network 140. In embodiments, an assignment module, or an assignment server (not shown) may be configured to assign the first target location for each BEM and each BEM may be configured by the assignment module / server to move to the assigned first target location from the current location of each BEM. In embodiments, the assignment module may also be an additional processor module in the server 100-1 of the present disclosure. In embodiments, upon assignment, the redirection module 250 may be configured to receive location information related the first target location assigned to each BEM from each BEM or from the assignment module or server via the network 140. The location information may include, but is not limited to, such as, but not limited to,location co-ordinates, a location name, and / or a distance and / or an elevation of the first target location from the current location of each BEM. In embodiments, one or more BEMs, for example, 110, 115 may also be enroute to the assigned target location. The redirection module 250 may be configured to communicate with the enroute BEMs and receive the location information of the target location from the enroute BEMs via the network 140. The redirection module 250 may then be configured to determine at least one operating condition within the worksite 101, or at or proximate to the assigned first target location within the work site 101. As an example, the BEMs 105, 110 may be assigned to the first target location 180 by the assignment module / server. The redirection module 250 may be configured to receive the location information associated with the first target location 180 assigned to the BEMs 105, 110 by the assignment module / server or the BEMs 105, 110 respectively. The redirection module 250 may then be configured to monitor the operation condition(s) at or proximate to the first target location 180.

[0033] In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may be configured to monitor the operating conditions by determining a count and / or a current speed of the BEMs located at or proximate to the first target location. In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may also be configured to detect one or more BEM related events, one or more worksite related events, and / or one or more transit related events at or proximate to the first target location, or between the current position of the BEMs and the assigned first target location, inclusively. In embodiments, the monitored operating condition(s) may correspond to, but not limited to, the determined count or current speed of the BEMs located at the first target location, and / or the detected BEM, worksite, and / or transit related events. Examples of the BEM related event may include, but not limited to, a break-down or an abnormal functioning of one or more BEMs at the first target location. Examples of the worksite related event may include, but not limited to, accidents or mishaps at one or more locations within the worksite 101. Examples of the transit related event include, but are not limited to, unexpected halting or slowing down of the BEMs along one or more BEM transit paths such as, but not limited to, the paths 190 or 195 within the worksite 101, or a roadblock or a change in the transit paths assigned to the BEMs. For example, theredirection module 250 may be configured to determine whether the number of the BEMs, for example 120-130, are less than, equal to, or greater than the threshold number of BEMs assigned to and / or operating at the first target location 180. Similarly, in another example, the redirection module 250 may be configured to determine whether the current speed of the BEMs 110, 115 moving at the second charging unit 150 assigned as the target location for the BEMs 110, 115 is less than, equal to, or greater than a predefined threshold speed for the BEMs at the second charging unit 150.

[0034] In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may also be configured to redirect at least one BEM of the BEMs 105-130 to the intermediate charging unit based on the monitored operating condition at the first target location. For example, the BEM 105 may correspond to the excavator and the BEMs 110-115 may correspond to the loaders. The BEMs 110-115 may be operating at the target location 175 and upon completion of material loading, may be assigned to the target location 180 to perform the first task of unloading the loaded material. The redirection module 250 may be configured to monitor the operating condition at the target location 180, including, but not limited to, a queuing of the BEMs, for example, the BEMs 125-130, at the target location determined based on the determined count of the BEMs at the target location 180. Accordingly, based on the monitored operating condition, the redirection module 250 may be configured to redirect the BEMs 110, 115 to the first charging unit 145 or any one of the other charging units 150-70 for charging the BEMs 110, 115 and to avoid additional queuing at the target location 180.

[0035] In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit may be located between the current location of each BEM to be redirected and the first target location. In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit may be located proximate to, distant from, or at a higher or lower elevation from each BEM to be redirected and / or the first target location. In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may be configured to determine a current state of charge (SoC) of each BEM to be redirected. In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may be configured to identify the intermediate charging unit based on a distance of each BEM to be redirected fromeach charging unit of the charging units 145-170, an estimated time taken by each BEM to be redirected to reach each charging unit, a battery range of each BEM to be redirected, and / or the determined current state of charge (SoC) of each BEM to be redirected. The battery range may correspond to a distance the BEM may be capable of travelling before the SoC of the BEM becomes equal to zero percent. In embodiments, the redirection module 250 may be configured to determine the battery range of each BEM based on the current SoC of each BEM. As an example, the redirection module 250 may determine that the current SoC the BEM 110 to be redirected is thirty percent and is closer to the first charging unit 145 in distance in comparison to the other charging units 150-170. Accordingly, the redirection module 250 may be configured to redirect the BEM 110 to the first charging unit 145 located between the BEM 110 and the target location 180 assigned to the BEM 110. In another example, the redirection module 250 may determine that the current SoC the BEM 115 to be redirected is sixty percent and the second charging unit 150 is within the battery range of the BEM 115. Accordingly, the redirection module 250 may be configured to redirect the BEM 115 to the second charging unit 150 located between the BEM 110 and the target location 180 assigned to the BEM 110.

[0036] In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit may be configured to charge the redirected BEM(s) connected to the intermediate charging unit. In embodiments, at least one power unit 196 may be configured to provide electrical power to the charging units 145-170. In embodiments, a single power unit may provide electrical power to two or more of the charging units 145-170. In embodiments, each charging unit may be powered by a respective power unit 196. In embodiments, a rated output power and a peak power for each power unit 196 may be predefined. The rated output power may correspond to a maximum permissible amount of electrical power to be generated by the power unit 196 under predefined normal operating conditions of the power unit. The peak power may correspond to sustained supply maximum electrical power for a short-time interval.

[0037] In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to communicate with the intermediate charging unit and / or the corresponding power unit 196 providing electrical power to the intermediate charging unit via the network140 and determine the rated output power and / or the peak power of the corresponding power unit 196. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine a maximum count of BEMs that can be charged simultaneously and a battery charging rate for each BEM at each charging unit based on the determined rated output power and / or the peak power of the corresponding power unit 196. The battery charging rate may correspond to an amount of electrical charge added to the battery or battery pack of each BEM per unit time. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to communicate with and / or provide instructions to the intermediate charging unit via the network 140 to charge each redirected BEM based on the determined count of the BEMs, the determined battery charging rate, the determined rated output power and / or the determined peak power of the corresponding power unit 196 providing electrical power to the intermediate charging unit. In embodiments, the intermediate charging unit may be configured to charge each redirected BEM at the determined charging rate based on the instructions received from the release time module 255. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may also be configured to determine a target SoC for each redirected BEM based on the determined current SoC of each BEM and communicate the determined target SoC to the intermediate charging unit.

[0038] In embodiments, the release time module 255 may also be configured to determine a release time of each redirected BEM from the intermediate charging unit. The release time may correspond to a given point time when each redirected BEM is to be disconnected from charging at the intermediate charging unit and / or released from the charging rail, for example Cl, or charging point (not shown) of the intermediate charging unit. In embodiments, the determined release time for each redirected BEM may be same or different from each other. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release time for each BEM based on production requirements including, but not limited to, a change in the monitored operating condition at the first target location, a load carried by each redirected BEM, the current state of charge (SoC) of each redirected BEM, the determined target SoC for each redirected BEM, the distance, elevation, or a count of additional charging units available between the intermediate charging unit andthe first target location, an expected BEM arrival time determined at the first target location, a predicted energy consumption of each redirected BEM for transit between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location, a predicted energy consumption of each redirected BEM for completion of each production circuit, and / or a change of the first target location. In embodiments, the predicted energy consumption may correspond to a predicted amount of battery energy consumed by each redirected BEM for transit between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location, between target locations, and / or for completion of each production circuit. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to communicate with the BEMs operating and / or located at the first target location and determine a change in BEM operations including, but not limited to, a change of target location assigned to each BEM and / or a change of a location / position of each BEM. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the expected BEM time of arrival at the first target location based on the determined change of assigned target location and / or the location of each BEM. Accordingly, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release time for each redirected BEM from the intermediate charging unit based on the expected BEM time of arrival. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to predict energy consumption of each redirected BEM for transit between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location, or for completion each production circuit based on one or more prediction parameters. Examples of the prediction parameters include, but are not limited to, the count of additional charging units available between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location, and an expected percentage of regenerative charging of the battery or battery packs of each redirected BEM during transit between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location or during transit in each production circuit.

[0039] In one example, the release time module 255 may determine the current SoC of the redirected BEM 110 connected to the first charging unit 145 to be less than the current SoC of the redirected BEM 115 connected to the first charging unit 145. Accordingly, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine a first release time for the redirected BEM 110 and a second release time, prior to thefirst release time, for the redirected BEM 115 from the first charging unit 145 based on the determined SoC of the BEMs 110, 115. In another example, the release time module 255 may determine a change in the monitored operation condition at the first target location, for example, 180 or 185, including, but not limited to, a lesser count of the BEMs, for example, 125-130 located or operating at the first target location 180 or 185, in comparison to a previously determined count of the BEMs 120-130 located at the first target location 180 or 185. Accordingly, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release times for the redirected BEMs 110 and 115 respectively, based on the determined SoC and the distance or elevation of the first target location 180 or 185 from the first charging unit 145. In yet another example, the release time module 255 may determine a charging time for the redirected BEM 110 to reach the target SoC from the current SoC of the redirected BEM 110. Accordingly, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release time for the redirected BEM 110 based on the determined charging time. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may also be configured to provide instructions to the intermediate charging unit to charge each redirected BEM connected to the intermediate charging unit until the SoC of each redirected BEM is equal to the determined target SoC of each redirected BEM. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may also be configured to provide instructions to the intermediate charging unit to maintain the SoC of each redirected BEM at the target SoC until the determined release time.

[0040] In yet another example, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine a change of the first target location, for example, 180 assigned to each redirected BEM to another target location, for example, 185. In embodiments, the assignment module / server (not shown) may be configured to change the target location assigned to each redirected BEM and communicate the change of the target location to each redirected BEM, the intermediate charging unit, and / or the release time module 255. In embodiments, an operator of each redirected BEM and / or work supervisor monitoring each redirected BEM may also be configured to change the first target location for each redirected BEM, and each redirected BEM may be configured to communicate the change of the target location to the intermediatecharging unit and / or the release time module 255. It may be understood that, in response to determining the change of the target location for each redirected BEM, the redirection module 250 may also be configured to monitor and / or determine the operating condition(s) at the changed target location and redirect each redirected BEM currently positioned at the intermediate charging unit to another charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. The release time module 255 may then be configured to determine the release time of each redirected BEM from another charging unit based on the production requirements.

[0041] In embodiments, the release time module 255 may also be configured to determine one or more additional charging units located between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location. In embodiments, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release time for each redirected BEM based on a count and / or a distance of each additional charging unit between the intermediate charging unit and the first target location. For example, the release time module 255 may determine an additional second charging unit 150 and / or a sequence of third charging units 155-170 available between the first charging unit 145 and the target location 180. Accordingly, the release time module 255 may be configured to determine the release times for the redirected BEMs 110 and 115 respectively from each charging unit based on the determined SoC, the battery range of the BEMs 110 and 115, and the expected BEM arrival time at the target location 180. Accordingly, a travel time for the BEMsl lO, 115 to reach the target location 180 at the expected BEM arrival time and the distance between the BEMs 110, 115 and the target location 180 from the first charging unit 145 may be managed and / or coordinated in a planned manner such that the BEMs 110, 115 may arrive at the target location 180 at the expected BEM arrival time.

[0042] In embodiments, the task identification module 260 may be configured to identify a second task to be performed by each redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time. In embodiments, the task identification module 260 may be configured to the identify the second task based on a compatibility of the second task with each redirected BEM. The compatibility of the second task with each redirected BEM may correspond to an operating capability orfunction of each redirected BEM that allows each redirected BEM to perform the identified second task. For example, the BEM 105 may be an excavator assigned to the target location 180 and when redirected to the first charging unit 145 by the redirection module 250, the task identification module 260 may be configured to identify the second task that corresponds to an excavation requirement at the second target location and thereby, is compatible with the operating capability and / or function of the BEM 105. In embodiments, the identified second task may be same as or different from the first task previously assigned to each redirected BEM. In embodiments, the identified second task for each redirected BEM may be same as or different from each other. In embodiments, the second target location may be same as or different from the first target location previously assigned to each redirected BEM. In embodiments, the second task identified by the task identification module 260 may correspond to a next available pending task with a higher priority in comparison to other available pending tasks at the determined release time. In embodiments, the task identification module 260 may also be configured to identify the second task based the short-interval control (SIC) plan. The SIC plan may comprise multiple planned tasks to be performed at a plurality of target locations over a short-interval timeline spanning more than a minute, and not exceeding twenty-four hours. The task identification module 260 may be configured to identify at least one planned task of the multiple planned tasks as the second task to be performed based on the predefined task priority for each short interval of time. In embodiments, each planned task in the SIC plan may be assigned a priority such as, but not limited to, low, medium, and high for each short interval of time. In embodiments, the task identification module 260 may also be configured to identify the second task prior to an actual release time of each redirected BEM for instances when an availability of the second task at the determined release time may be identified by the task identification module 260 using the SIC plan.

[0043] As an example, the redirected BEMs 110, 115 may be previously assigned to the target location 180 to perform the first task of unloading loaded material. Based on the determined release time by the release time module 255 for the redirected BEM 110 from the first charging unit 145, the second task identified bythe task identification module 260 for the BEM 110 may correspond to moving to another charging unit, for example, 150. Similarly, based on the determined release time by the release time module 255 for the redirected BEM 115 from the first charging unit 145, the second task identified by the task identification module 260 for the BEM 115 may correspond to moving to a beginning of the sequence of charging units, 155-170, i.e., the charging unit 155. As another example, based on the determined release times by the release time module 255 for the redirected BEMs 110, 115 respectively from the first charging unit 145, the second task identified by the task identification module 260 for the BEMs 110, 115 may correspond to moving to the previously assigned target location 180 of the BEMs 110, 115, or to another target location 185.

[0044] The dispatch module 265 may be configured to dispatch each redirected BEM from the intermediate charging unit at the determined release time to the second target station to perform the identified second task. For example, the dispatch module 265 may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM 110 from the first charging unit 145 at the determined release time to the target station 180 to perform the identified second task. For instances when the second target location corresponds to the second charging unit 150 and / or the sequence of third charging units 155-170, the dispatch module 265 may also be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM(s), for example, 110 and / or 115, from the first charging unit 145 to the second charging unit 150 and / or the sequence of third charging units 155-170. In embodiments, the dispatch module 265 may be configured to dispatch each BEM sequentially or selectively from the intermediate charging unit. For example, the dispatch module 265 may be configured to sequentially dispatch the redirected BEMs 110, 115 one after another, i.e., the dispatch module 265 may first dispatch the BEM 110 from the charging rails, for example, Cl and / or C2, of the first charging unit 145 at the determined release time and thereafter dispatch the BEM 115 from the first charging unit 145. Similarly, dispatch module 265 may be configured to selectively dispatch the redirected BEMs 110, 115, i.e., the dispatch module 265 may selectively dispatch the BEM 115 from a first charging point (not shown) of the first charging unit 145 at the determined release time first and thereafter dispatch the BEM 110 from thesecond charging point (not shown) of the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the redirected BEMs, for example, 110 and / or 115, may be sequentially dispatched from the intermediate charging unit based on a time or sequence of arrival of the redirected BEMs 110 and 115 at the intermediate charging unit. For example, the redirected BEM 115 may be positioned ahead of or trailing the redirected BEM 110 at the first charging unit 145 for instances when the redirected BEM 115 may arrive prior to or after the redirected BEM 110 at the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the redirected BEMs dispatched from the intermediate charging unit may arrive at the second target location at the expected BEM arrival time determined for the second target location, and thereby, avoid overcrowding and / or queuing at the second target location. In embodiments, the dispatch module 265 may also be configured to define a minimum, maximum, and / or an average speed of each dispatched BEM to be maintained until the dispatched BEMs reach the second target location. In embodiments, each dispatched BEM may be configured to move at the minimum, maximum, and / or an average speed as defined by the dispatch module 265.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the BEM system 100-2 including the BEM, for example, 105, provided with the controller 135, 210 and / or the BEMs 105-130 provided with the controller 135, 210 respectively is disclosed. It may be apparent that the BEM system 100-2 may also be configured to perform the functions the server 100-1 as disclosed in the present disclosure. In such embodiments, each BEM provided with the controller 135, 210 may be configured to communicate with other BEMs with respective controllers 135, 210 and / or the charging units 145-170 via the network 140. Further, in such embodiments, the BEM system 100-2 may also include the different hardware components including, but not limited to, the bus 205, the processor 210 corresponding to the controller 135, the memory 215, the randomaccess-memory (ROM) 220, the storage unit(s) 225, the display 230, the input device 235, the input control 240, and the transceiver 245, of the server 100-1. Similarly, in such embodiments, the BEM system 100-2 may also include the different software components and / or processor modules including, but not limited to, the redirection module 250, the release time module 255, the task identification module 260, andthe dispatch module 265, of the server 100-1. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the server 100-1 may be optionally provided and the BEM system 100-2 may be optionally in communication with the server 100-1 via the network 140. For purposes of clarity, the BEM system 100-2 including the BEM 105 provided with the first controller 135, 210 and configured to perform the functions similar to the functions of the server 100-1 is disclosed herein. It may be understood each BEM provided with the controller 135, 210 may also be configured to perform similar functions.

[0046] The BEM 105 may be assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task. The first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite 101 or at the first target location assigned to the BEM 105 within the work site 101. The first controller 135, 210 may be configured to communicate with and / or redirect the BEM 105 to the intermediate charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. For purposes of clarity, the intermediate charging unit corresponding to the first charging unit 145 is disclosed herein and the functions performed by the other intermediate charging units 150-170 may be similar to the functions performed by the first charging unit 145. In an example, the BEM 105 may be assigned or enroute to the target location 180 to perform the first task. The first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to monitor the operating condition within the worksite 101 or at or proximate to the target location 180. In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to determine the count and / or a current speed of the BEMs, for example, 120-130, operating at the target location 180 by determining the location of the BEMs 120-130 operating at the target location 180. Accordingly, the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to determine a queuing and / or a movement of the BEMs 120-130 below an expected speed respectively at the target location 180 based on the determined count and / or the current speed of the BEMs 120-130 at the target location 180. Based on the monitored operating condition(s), the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may then be configured to redirect the BEM 105 to the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may beconfigured to determine the charging rate for the redirected BEM 105 and define an upper, lower, and / or an average limit of the electrical power to be received from the first charging unit 145 based on the determined charging rate. In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may be configured to detect at least one additional BEM connected to the first charging unit 145. For purposes of clarity, the additional BEM 110 connected to the intermediate charging unit is disclosed herein and the functions performed by other additional BEMs connected to the intermediate charging unit may be similar to the functions performed by the additional BEM 110. In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may be configured to communicate with the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 via the network 140 to determine the additional BEM 110 connected to the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may be configured to detect the additional BEM 110 based on proximity of the redirected BEM 105 with the additional BEM 110. In embodiments, first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may be configured to communicated with a second controller 135, 210 of the BEM 110. The additional BEM 110 may be assigned to a second target location to perform a second task. In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the redirected BEM 105 may be configured to determine a first release time of the redirected BEM 105 and a second release time of the additional BEM 110 from the first charging unit 145 based on the production requirements including, but not limited to, the change in the monitored operating condition, the current state of charge of the redirected BEM 105 and the additional BEM 110, a distance or an elevation between the first charging unit 145 and the first target location, or a change of the first and / or second target location. In embodiments, the second controller 135, 210 of the additional BEM 110 may be configured to determine the second release time and communicate the determined second release time to the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the server 100-1 may be configured to determine the second release time of the additional BEM 110 and communicate the determined second release time to the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105.

[0047] In embodiments, the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to identify a third task to be performed by the redirected BEM 105 at a third target location at the determined first release time, and a fourth task to be performed by the additional BEM 110 at a fourth target location at the determined second release time. The identified third task and the identified fourth task may be same as or different from the first task and / or the second task. In embodiments, the third task identified corresponding to the redirected BEM 105 may be the same as the second task or the fourth task identified corresponding to the additional BEM 110. Similarly, in embodiments, the fourth task identified corresponding to the redirected BEM 110 may be the same as the first task or third task identified corresponding to the additional BEM 105. The first, second, third, and fourth target locations may be same or different. The first, second, third, and / or fourth target locations may correspond to the unloading target locations, 175, 180, 185, and / or the charging target locations 145-170. In embodiments, the second controller 135, 210 of the additional BEM 110 may be configured to determine the fourth task to be performed by the additional BEM 110 at the fourth target location and communicate the determined fourth task and the fourth target location to the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the server 100-1 may be configured to determine and communicate the fourth task and the fourth target location corresponding to the additional BEM 110 to the first controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105. Furthermore, controller 135, 210 of the BEM 105 may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEM 105 from the first charging unit 145 to the third target location at the determined first release time to perform the third task.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the charging system 100-3 including the charging unit, for example, 145, provided with the controller 135, 210 and / or the charging units 150-170 provided with the controller 135 respectively is disclosed. In embodiments, the charging system 100-3 may also be configured to perform the functions the server 100-1 as disclosed in the present disclosure. In such embodiments, each charging unit provided with the controller 135, 210 may be configured to communicate with other charging units with respective controllers 135 and / or the BEMs 105-130 via the network 140. Further, in such embodiments, the charging system 100-3 may alsoinclude the different hardware components including, but not limited to, the bus 205, the processor 210 corresponding to the controller 135, the memory 215, the randomaccess-memory (ROM) 220, the storage unit(s) 225, the display 230, the input device 235, the input control 240, and the transceiver 245, of the server 100-1. Similarly, in such embodiments, the charging system 100-3 may also include the different software components or processor modules including, but not limited to, the redirection module 250, the release time module 255, the task identification module 260, and the dispatch module 265 of the server 100-1. In such embodiments, the charging system 100-3 may also be optionally in communication with the server 100- 1 and / or the BEM system 100-2 via the network 140. For purposes of clarity, the charging system 100-3 including the first charging unit 145 provided with the first controller 135, 210 and configured to perform the functions similar to the functions of the server 100-1 is disclosed herein. It may be understood each charging unit provided with the controller 135, 210, for example, the charging units 150-170, may also be configured to perform similar functions.

[0049] The controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite 101 or at or proximate to the first target location within the work site 101. The controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may also be configured to redirect at least one BEM, for example, 105, of the BEMs 105-130, assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task, to the intermediate charging unit based on the monitored operating condition. Similarly, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may also be configured to redirect at least one BEM, for example, 110, of the BEMs 105-130, assigned or enroute to a second target location to perform a second task, to the first charging unit 145 based on the monitored operating condition. For example, the BEMs 105 may be assigned to the target location 180 to perform the first task. The BEM 110 may be assigned to the target location 185 to perform a second task. The controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to monitor the operating condition within the worksite 101 or at or proximate to the target locations 180, 185. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to determine the count and / or a current speed of the BEMs,for example, 120-130, operating or located at the target locations 180, 185 by determining the location of the BEMs 120-130 operating at the target locations 180, 185. Accordingly, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to determine a queuing and / or a movement of the BEMs 120-130 below an expected speed respectively at the target locations 180, 185 based on the determined count and / or the current speed of the BEMs 120-130. Based on the monitored operating condition(s), the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may then be configured to communicate with and / or redirect the BEMs 105 and / or 110 to the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to determine the charging rate for the redirected BEMs 105, 110 and define an upper, lower, and / or an average limit of the electrical power to be supplied from the first charging unit 145 to the redirected BEMs 105, 110 respectively based on the determined charging rate.

[0050] In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to determine a first release time of the redirected BEM 105 and a second release time of the redirected BEM 110 from the first charging unit 145 based on the production requirements including, but not limited to, the change in the monitored operating condition, the current state of charge of the redirected BEMs 105,110, the determined target SoC of the redirected BEMs 105, 110, a distance or an elevation between the first charging unit 145 and the first target location or the second target location, or a change of the first and / or second target location. In embodiments, the controllers 135, 210 of the redirected BEMs 105, 110 may be configured to determine the first and second release times respectively and communicate the determined first and second release times to the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the server 100-1 may be configured to determine the first and second release times of the redirected BEMs 105, 110 respectively and communicate the determined first and second release times to the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145.

[0051] In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to identify a third task to be performed by the redirected BEM 105 at a third target location at the determined first release time, and a fourth task to beperformed by the redirected BEM 110 at a fourth target location at the determined second release time. The identified third task and the identified fourth task may be same as or different from the first task and / or the second task. The first, second, third, and fourth target locations may be same or different. The first, second, third, and / or fourth target locations may correspond to the unloading target locations, 175, 180, 185, and / or the charging target locations 145-170. In embodiments, the controllers 135 of the redirected BEMs 105, 110 may be configured to determine the third and fourth tasks to be performed by the redirected BEMs 105, 110 at the third and fourth target location respectively. The controllers 135 of the redirected BEMs 105, 110 may then be configured to communicate the determined third and fourth tasks and the third and fourth target locations to the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145. In embodiments, the controller 135, 210 of the server 100-1 may also be configured to determine and communicate the third and fourth tasks, and the third and fourth target locations corresponding to the redirected BEMs 105, 110 to the controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145. Furthermore, controller 135, 210 of the first charging unit 145 may be configured to dispatch the redirected BEMs 105, 110 from the first charging unit 145 to the third and fourth target locations at the determined first and second release times to perform the third and fourth tasks respectively.Industrial Applicability

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 for managing the battery electric machines (BEMs) 105-130 at the worksite 101 of FIG. 1 is disclosed. At least one BEM of the BEMs 105-130 may be assigned or enroute to a first target location, for example, 180, within the worksite 101 to perform a first task. The method 600 includes a step 605 of monitoring at least one operating condition within the worksite 101 or at the first target location, for example, 180. The method 600 also includes a step 610 of redirecting at least one BEM, for example, 105, of the BEMs 105-130, to the first charging unit, for example, 145, based on the monitored operating condition. Further, the method 600 includes a step 615 of determining a release time of the redirected BEM, for example, 105, from the first charging unit based on achange in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge (SoC) of the redirected BEM, a target SoC of the redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of each redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location. In addition, the method 600 includes a step 620 of identifying second task to be performed by the redirected BEM, for example, 105, at a second target location at the determined release time. The second task may be same as or different from the first task. The second target location may be same as or different from the first target location. Furthermore, the method 600 includes a step 625 of dispatching the redirected BEM, for example, 105, from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the charging system 100-3 including the first charging unit 145 provided with the first controller 135, 210 is disclosed. The third charging unit 155 provided at the beginning of the sequence of the third charging units 155-170 may also be provided with the second controller 135, 210. The BEMs 105-130 may also be provided with the controller 135, 210 respectively. The charging system 100-3 may be in communication with the third charging unit 155 and the BEMs 105-130 via the network 140. In embodiments, the BEMs 105- 115 may be assigned or enroute to the first target location corresponding to the third charging unit 155 to perform the first task of charging the BEMs 105-115 via the third charging unit 155. The BEMs 105-115 may also be configured to provide location information related to the third charging unit 155 to the charging system 100-3. The charging system 100-3 may be configured to monitor the operating condition(s) at the third charging unit 155. For example, the charging system 100-3 may be configured to determine that the count of the BEMs located at the third charging unit 155 may be equal to the threshold count of the BEMs predefined for the third charging unit 155. Accordingly, the charging system 100-3 may be configured to redirect the BEMs 105-115, assigned or enroute to the third charging unit 155, to the first charging unit 145 of the charging system 100-3 to avoid queuing of the BEMs 105-115 at the third charging unit 155. The charging system 100-3 may also be configured to charge the redirected BEMs 105-115 connected to the firstcharging unit 145 at the determined charging rate and determine a release time for the redirected BEMs 105-115 respectively. The charging system 100-3 may also be configured to determine the release time based on the operating condition monitored at the third charging unit 155 in real-time or based on the current state of charge of the BEMs 105-115.

[0054] The charging system 100-3 may be configured to determine a second task to performed by the BEMs 105-115 at a second target location at the determined release time respectively. In embodiments, the identified second task corresponding to the BEM 105 at the determined release time may be different from the assigned first task of charging the BEM 105 at the third charging unit 155. For example, the identified second task corresponding to the BEM 105 at the determined release time may correspond to unloading loaded material in the BEM 105 at the target location 180. In embodiments, the identified second task corresponding to the BEMs 110- 115 at the determined release time may be same as the assigned first task of charging the BEMs 110-115 at the third charging unit 155. Accordingly, the charging system 100-3 may be configured to dispatch the BEM 105 to the target location 180 and the BEMs 110-115 to the third charging 155 at respective determined release times sequentially or selectively. For example, the determined release times for the BEMs 110-115 may be similar and the charging system 100-3 may first be configured to dispatch the BEMs 110-115 moving ahead of BEM 105 along the charging rail C2 to the third charging unit 155 at the determined release times of BEMs 110- 115. The charging system 100-3 may then configured to dispatch the BEM 105 to the target location 180 for unloading the loaded material at the determined release time of the BEM 105.

[0055] It may be apparent that system 100 corresponding to the server 100-1, the BEM system 100-2, and / or the charging system 100-3, and the method 600 of the present disclosure may enable the BEMs 105-130 operating at the worksite 101 to arrive at different target locations in a manner that prevents over-crowding and / or queuing of the BEMs 105-130 at the target locations. Further, system 100 and the method 600 of the present disclosure may also enable the BEMs 105-130 to remain in charge at different charging units 145-170 for durations of time that may haveotherwise been spent idling in queue at the target locations. Therefore, by maintaining the BEMs 105-130 continuously in charge, the system 100 and the method 600 of the present disclosure may avoid frequent cycles of charging and discharging of batteries of the BEMs 105-130. Furthermore, by maintaining the BEMs 105-130 continuously in charge, the system 100 and the method 600 of the present disclosure may also facilitate management of the BEMs 105-130 at the worksite 101 in a predictable manner to perform various tasks efficiently. In addition, by maintaining the BEMs 105-130 continuously in charge, the system 100 and the method 600 of the present disclosure may accommodate any change in the production requirements and enable different priority tasks to be performed at an expected time of execution at different target locations. Moreover, by maintaining the BEMs 105-130 continuously in charge, an overall efficiency of the electrified worksite 101 may be improved by minimizing energy losses associated with irregular charging and discharging of the BEM batteries.

[0056] Unless explicitly stated, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar references herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; or A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0057] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and / or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method and / or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.LIST OF ELEMENTSBATTERY ELECTRIC MACHINE, CHARGING UNIT, AND SYSTEM FORMANAGING BATTERY ELECTRIC MACHINES100 system100-1 server100-2 battery electric machine (BEM) system100-3 charging system101 worksite105-130 battery electric machines (BEMs)135 controller140 network145-170 charging units145 first charging unit150 second charging unit155-170 sequence of third charging units175-185 target locations190 first path195 second path196 power unit205 bus210 processor215 memory220 random- access-memory (ROM)225 storage unit(s)230 display235 input device240 input control245 transceiver250 redirection module255 release time module260 task identification module265 dispatch module

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite, comprising: at least one controller in communication with a first charging unit, the BEMs, or both the first charging unit and the BEMs, wherein the at least one controller is configured to: monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite or at a first target location within the work site, wherein at least one BEM of the BEMs is assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task; redirect the at least one BEM to the first charging unit based on the at least one monitored operating condition; determine a release time of the at least one redirected BEM from the first charging unit based on at least one of a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the at least one redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the at least one redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location; identify a second task to be performed by the at least one redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time, wherein the identified second task is same as or different from the first task and the second target location is same as or different from the first target location; and dispatch the at least one redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one redirected BEM corresponds to at least two redirected BEMs and the at least two redirected BEMs are sequentially or selectively dispatched from the first charging unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first target location or the second target location corresponds to a second charging unit or a sequence of third charging units, and wherein the first charging unit, the second charging unit, or the sequence of third charging units comprise at least one charging point or at least one charging rail.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one controller is in communication with at least one power unit configured to provide electrical power to the first charging unit, the second charging unit, and the sequence of third charging units, and the at least one controller is configured to determine a rated output power and a peak power for each power unit of the at least one power unit.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine a target state of charge and a battery charging rate for each redirected BEM of the at least one redirected BEM connected to the first charging unit, the second charging unit, or a third charging unit of the sequence of third charging units based on at least one of the current state of charge of each redirected BEM, the rated output power, the peak power, a distance or an elevation of the target location from the first charging unit, or the identified second task to be performed.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first charging unit is located proximate to, distant from, or at a higher or lower elevation from the first target location or the second target location.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one controller is configured to at least one of: determine a count of the BEMs positioned at or proximate to the first target location; determine a current speed of each BEM of the BEMs positioned at, or proximate, to the first target location; ordetect at least one of a BEM related event associated with the BEMs at or proximate to the first target location, a worksite related event at or proximate to the first target location, or a transit related event between the at least one BEM and the first target location, inclusively.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one operating condition comprises at least one of the count, the current speed, the at least one BEM related event, the at least one worksite related event, or the at least one transit related event.

9. The system of claim 3, wherein the second target location corresponds to the sequence of third charging units and the at least one controller is configured to determine a time of entry of the at least one redirected BEM at a third charging unit positioned at a beginning of the sequence of third charging units, and the identified second task comprises an instruction for each redirected BEM of the at least one redirected BEM to move to the beginning of the sequence of third charging units at the determined time of entry.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is provided in each BEM of the BEMs, in the first charging unit, or as a standalone server independent of the BEMs and the first charging unit.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one redirected BEM corresponds to at least two redirected BEMs and the at least one controller corresponds to a first controller in communication with a first redirected BEM of the at least two redirected BEMs and a second controller in communication with a second redirected BEM of the at least two redirected BEMs.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first controller is configured to communicate with the second controller, or the second controller is configured to communicate with the first controller to determine the release time of thefirst redirected BEM or the second redirected BEM when connected to the first charging unit.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first controller is configured to communicate with the second controller, or the second controller is configured to communicate with the first controller to identify the second task to be performed by the first redirected BEM or the second redirected BEM, wherein the identified second task is same or different from a task previously assigned to the first redirected BEM or the second redirected BEM.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the identified second task corresponding to the first redirected BEM is same as the task previously assigned to the second redirected BEM, and the identified second task corresponding to the second redirected BEM is same as the task previously assigned to the first redirected BEM.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to identify the second task based on a priority of the second task at the determined release time and a compatibility of the second task with the at least one redirected BEM.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to: charge the at least one redirected BEM connected to the first charging unit until the current state of the charge of the at least one redirected BEM is equal to a target state of charge; and maintain the current state of charge of the at least one connected BEM at the target state of charge until the determined release time.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to identify the second task to be performed by the at least one redirected BEM based on a short interval control (SIC) plan comprising a plurality of plannedtasks to be performed at a plurality of target locations over a short-interval timeline spanning more than a minute and not exceeding twenty-four hours.

18. A battery electric machine (BEM) comprising: at least one controller in communication with a first charging unit, at least one additional BEM, or both the first charging unit and the additional BEM, wherein the at least one controller is configured to: monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite or at a first target location within the work site, wherein the BEM is assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task; redirect the BEM to the first charging unit based on the at least one monitored operating condition; detect the at least one additional BEM connected to the first charging unit, wherein the at least one additional BEM is assigned to a second target location to perform a second task; determine a first release time of the redirected BEM and a second release time of the at least one additional BEM from the first charging unit based on at least one of a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the at least one redirected BEM and the at least one additional BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the target location, or a change of the first target location; identify a third task to be performed by the redirected BEM at a third target location at the determined first release time, and a fourth task to be performed by the at least one additional BEM at a fourth target location at the determined second release time, wherein the identified third task and the identified fourth task are same as or different from the first task or the second task, and the first, second, third, and fourth target locations are same or different; anddispatch the redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the third target location at the determined first release time to perform the third task.

19. The BEM of claim 18, wherein the fourth task is same as the first task and the third task is same as the second task, and the fourth target location is same as the first target location and the third target location is same as the second target location.

20. A charging unit for battery electric machines (BEMs), comprising: at least one controller in communication with at least one BEM of the BEMs, wherein the at least one controller is configured to: monitor at least one operating condition within the worksite or at a first target location within the work site, wherein the at least one BEM is assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task; redirect the at least one BEM to the charging unit based on the at least one monitored operating condition; determine a release time of the at least one redirected BEM from the charging unit based on at least one of a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the at least one redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the at least one redirected BEM for transit between the charging unit and the first target location, or a change of the first target location; identify a second task to be performed by the at least one redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time, wherein the identified second task is same as or different from the first task and the second target location is same as or different from the first target location; anddispatch the at least one redirected BEM from the charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

21. The charging unit of claim 20, wherein the first target location or the second target location corresponds to another charging unit or another sequence of charging units.

22. A method for managing battery electric machines (BEMs) at a worksite, the method comprising: monitoring at least one operating condition within the worksite or at a first target location within the work site, wherein at least one BEM of the BEMs is assigned or enroute to the first target location to perform a first task; redirecting the at least one BEM to the first charging unit based on the at least one monitored operating condition; determining a release time of the at least one redirected BEM from the first charging unit based on at least one of a change in the monitored operating condition, a current state of charge of the at least one redirected BEM, a predicted energy consumption of the at least one redirected BEM for transit between the first charging unit and the target location, or a change of the first target location; identifying second task to be performed by the at least one redirected BEM at a second target location at the determined release time, wherein the second task is same as or different from the first task, and the second target location is same as or different from the first target location; and dispatching the at least one redirected BEM from the first charging unit to the second target location at the determined release time to perform the identified second task.

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