Modular Power Center Segmentation for Mine Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mining power distribution systems face difficulties in relocating step-down units due to the need to reroute high-voltage cabling, making it cumbersome and costly to reconfigure power connections across large industrial sites.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system featuring interchangeable input/feed-through and output modules that can be easily connected and disconnected, allowing for daisy chaining of power distribution, reducing setup time and eliminating the need for multiple power systems per mine section by utilizing input/feed-through modules as permanent fixtures and output modules as portable units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power distribution systems use fixed step-down units with high-voltage cabling, then power can be reliably distributed to underground locations, but relocating step-down units becomes troublesome and time-consuming because the whole unit must be moved and high-voltage cabling rerouted
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into separate modules: an input/feed-through module containing the vacuum circuit breaker and high-voltage connections, and an output module containing the step-down transformer. This segmentation allows the output module to be easily relocated while the input module remains stationary, resolving the contradiction between reliable power distribution and ease of relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The input/feed-through module acts as an intermediary between the above-ground power supply and the mobile output module. It provides stable high-voltage power distribution through fixed cabling while enabling the output module to be moved to different underground locations without requiring cabling rerouting, thus maintaining reliability while improving relocation ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel power cables are run from above-ground power supply to distributed voltage step-down units, then power can be delivered to multiple underground locations, but the system complexity and cost increase due to needing multiple complete power systems
Solution Approach 1:
The input/feed-through module serves multiple functions: it acts as a power distribution point for multiple output modules, provides vacuum circuit breaker protection, and serves as a permanent mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate vacuum circuit breakers and mounting structures at each location, while maintaining the ability to serve multiple underground locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the vacuum circuit breaker, high-voltage input connections, and mounting structure into a single integrated input/feed-through module. This merging reduces the total number of components needed across the system, as one input module can support multiple output modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability to serve multiple locations.
3Reliability
If conventional power systems are purchased for each new mine section, then each section has complete power distribution capability, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into reusable input modules and mobile output modules. The expensive input modules with vacuum circuit breakers are purchased once and installed permanently, while cheaper output modules can be moved between mine sections. This segmentation allows a single input module to serve multiple output modules across different sections, reducing the total quantity of expensive equipment needed while maintaining independent power distribution capability at each location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If step-down units are relocated frequently to adapt to changing mine layouts, then the power system remains adaptable, but setup time increases due to moving entire units and rerouting cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into stationary input modules and mobile output modules. When relocation is needed, only the lightweight output module needs to be moved and reconnected to a different input module, rather than moving entire step-down units with integrated cabling. This segmentation dramatically reduces setup time while maintaining the adaptability to serve changing mine layouts.
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
Enables quick relocation and reconnection of power distribution nodes, reducing setup time and costs by allowing multiple kilovolt output modules to be interchanged with a single input/feed-through module, and eliminating the need for additional vacuum circuit breakers, thus simplifying power distribution across large industrial sites.
Implementation Method 1
The first transformer receives and steps down the supply voltage to a first output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A modular and adaptable power system may be used to provide electrical power connections in an industrial work site, such as a mine. The system provides a plug-and-play interchangeable output module that can be quickly and easily disconnected from and reconnected to a separate and independent input/feed-through module. This allows a user to daisy chain multiple input/feed-through modules together, thereby greatly reducing setup time. Output modules can be quickly disconnected and relocated and returned to previous locations and reconnected.