Modular Trolley Relocation for Reusable Mine Haul Electrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mining trucks face high energy consumption and carbon footprint due to fixed trolley systems that are not reusable or relocatable, leading to wasted capital expenditures and emissions when hauling routes change.
Innovation Solution
A modular and relocatable trolley system with transportable elements, including a rectifier substation and wire-pole-assembly, that can be disconnected, transported, and reconnected at different locations using transport coupling sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed trolley system is installed to provide electrical power to mining trucks, then energy consumption is reduced and power supply is improved, but the system cannot be reused when hauling routes change, leading to capital expenditure waste and increased carbon footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley system is divided into modular components including rectifier substations, wire-pole assemblies, foundations, wire holding beams, and pole elements. Each module can be independently disconnected, transported, and reassembled at new locations, enabling the system to adapt to changing hauling routes while maintaining power supply efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed, static installation to a dynamic, relocatable configuration. Transport coupling sections enable the modules to be easily detached and repositioned, allowing the trolley system to move with the hauling routes and maintain its energy-efficient power supply function throughout the mine lifecycle
2Reliability
If a traditional fixed trolley system is used, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the system complexity increases and the equipment cannot be relocated, contributing to scope 3 emissions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the trolley system into standardized modular components with uniform transport coupling sections, the patent simplifies the relocation process. Each module maintains its functional integrity while being designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, reducing the overall complexity of relocation compared to traditional fixed systems
Solution Approach 2:
The modular modules are designed with universal transport coupling sections that can be used across different locations and configurations. This universality allows the same components to serve multiple functions - providing power supply reliability at one location and then being relocated to provide the same function at another location, reducing total system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If hauling routes are moved frequently to adapt to mine layout changes, then operational flexibility is improved, but fixed trolley systems become unused or must be scrapped, increasing carbon footprint and costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the trolley system when routes change, the modular design enables recovery and reuse of all major components. The rectifier substations, wire-pole assemblies, and supporting structures can be systematically disassembled, transported to new locations, and reinstalled, eliminating equipment waste and associated carbon footprint from manufacturing replacement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The modular modules are designed to be universally applicable across different route configurations. The same rectifier substation and wire-pole assembly modules can serve multiple hauling routes throughout the mine's operational life, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste while maintaining operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for relocating a modular trolley system for a mining truck in a mine are provided. The modular trolley system includes a rectifier substation and a wire-pole-assembly. At least parts of the rectifier substation and the wire-pole-assembly include a transport coupling section for coupling the trolley system element to a transport coupling tool and for transporting the trolley system element. The method includes disconnecting at least some of the transportable trolley system elements at a first location of the mine, and coupling the respective trolley system elements to the transport coupling tool via the transport coupling section. The method additionally includes transporting the trolley system elements to a second location different from the first location. The method further includes re-connecting the transported trolley system elements of the modular trolley system at the second location of the mine.