Battery Electric Machine Dispatch for Charging Station Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrified work environments, such as electrified mine sites, the underutilization of Battery Electric Machines (BEMs), operators, and charging stations occurs due to inadequate charging infrastructure, leading to decreased productivity and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch system that manages battery electric machines by receiving battery information, assigning and stationing machines for operation or charging, and selectively recalling and dispatching them to maintain a consistent number at each charging station, optimizing machine and operator utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple BEMs are deployed for continuous operation, then task completion capability is improved, but charging infrastructure demand increases leading to underutilization of charging stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of BEMs at each charging station based on real-time battery information and operational status. The processor continuously monitors battery levels and automatically recalls BEMs to charging stations when needed, and dispatches them when charging is complete, creating a dynamic balance that prevents both queuing and underutilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor receives battery information from BEMs, analyzes charging status, and automatically adjusts dispatch decisions. This closed-loop control ensures that charging station allocation is continuously optimized based on actual battery levels and operational requirements
2Reliability
If BEMs are queued at charging stations, then charging demand is met, but BEM utilization and operator productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively recalling BEMs to charging stations before their battery levels become critically low. The processor monitors battery information continuously and initiates charging sequences in advance, ensuring that BEMs are recharged before they need to be dispatched again, thereby eliminating queues and maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining an optimal number of BEMs in operation at all times. Through automatic recall and dispatch mechanisms, the system ensures that charging operations proceed smoothly without interruptions or queues, keeping BEMs and operators continuously productive
3Loss of time
If charging points are provided in excess of BEMs needing charging, then charging wait time is reduced, but charging station utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of charging stations by dynamically adjusting the number of BEMs allocated to each station based on real-time needs. Rather than providing a fixed excess of charging points, the processor modifies the allocation parameters continuously, ensuring that charging capacity matches actual demand and eliminating both wait times and underutilization
Data Source
AI summary
A dispatch system and method for battery electric machines is disclosed. The dispatch system includes a processor configured to receive battery information from the battery electric machines and assign first battery electric machines for operation based on the battery information. The processor is also configured to station second battery electric machines at one or more charging stations. Further, the processor is configured to selectively recall at least one assigned first battery electric machine to a designated charging station. In addition, the processor is configured to selectively dispatch at least one stationed second battery electric machine for operation from the charging stations. Furthermore, the processor is configured to maintain a number of the battery electric machines at each charging station substantially constant over time. The dispatch method includes steps performed by the dispatch system.