Mining Vehicle Power Electronics Current Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mining vehicles in mines face challenges with combustion engines, including noise, space occupation, maintenance needs, and fire safety concerns, as well as limitations with continuous electrical connections that restrict movement and power adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A mining vehicle equipped with an AC electric motor, an auxiliary energy source, and a power electronics device that manages current flow from a supply cable and grid, allowing for efficient reactive current compensation and charging without exceeding maximum current values, enabling effective charging without limiting full power drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combustion engine is used for transfer drives, then driving energy is obtained without cable restrictions, but exhaust gases and noise cause problems and fire safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion engine (mechanical system) with an electric motor powered by an auxiliary energy source. This substitution eliminates exhaust gases and noise while maintaining movement freedom during transfer drives between work sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (combustion engine) to electrical energy (electric motor with auxiliary energy source). This parameter change resolves the harmful effects of exhaust gases and noise while preserving operational flexibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the maximum value for power electronics device current is reduced, then supply cable and power electronics device size are minimized, but charging effectiveness may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the current distribution between reactive current compensation and auxiliary energy source charging based on real-time operational conditions. The control unit adjusts the current allocation to ensure that the total current does not exceed the maximum value, while still providing sufficient charging during periods when full power drilling is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic charging cycles during which the power electronics device alternates between reactive current compensation and charging the auxiliary energy source. This periodic action allows the system to maintain small component sizes while ensuring the auxiliary energy source is adequately charged over time.
3Reliability
If reactive current compensation is reduced to avoid current overshoot, then power electronics device current limits are not exceeded, but charging current may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the reactive current compensation level based on the charging state of the auxiliary energy source and current operational requirements. When charging is needed, the control unit reduces reactive current compensation to prioritize charging current, ensuring current limits are not exceeded while still providing adequate charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors the current draw, auxiliary energy source charge state, and drilling power requirements. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the current allocation between reactive compensation and charging to maintain reliability while ensuring sufficient charging current is provided.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary energy source is added to the mining vehicle, then energy supply flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronics device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides reactive current compensation for the AC electric motor, charges the auxiliary energy source, and controls current distribution between these functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving energy supply flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the need for large infrastructure, minimizes overheating and power fluctuations, and ensures efficient energy use, enhancing safety and operational flexibility while maintaining full power drilling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a power electronics device for charging the auxiliary energy source, and a connecting device connectable to a supply cable for supplying electric current to the mining vehicle from a supply grid
Implementation Method 2
at least one AC electric motor for powering the at least one mining work device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a mining vehicle and to a method for an energy supply of the mining vehicle. The mining vehicle comprises at least one mining work device, at least one AC electric motor for powering the at least one mining work device, and an auxiliary energy source. The mining vehicle further comprises a power electronics device that is used for supplying reactive current and for charging or discharging the auxiliary energy source. The amount of the reactive current supplied by the power electronics device and the amount of the effective charging current for charging or discharging the auxiliary energy source are controlled such that the maximum value for the current of the supply cable and the maximum value for the current of the power electronics device are not exceeded.