Worksite Power Control With Relocatable Portable Supply Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tethered-electric machines in construction sites are limited by the range of the tether and proximity to a power source, restricting their operating flexibility and duration due to lower energy density of batteries and hydrogen compared to diesel-powered machines.
Innovation Solution
A control system manages electrical power at a worksite by monitoring power requirements and relocating a portable power supply to ensure continuous operation, using a combination of grid and portable power sources, and regenerative capture systems to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tethered-electric machines are used to reduce emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but operating range and flexibility are limited by tether length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple independent portable power supply units distributed across the worksite. Each unit can independently serve different zones, allowing machines to operate in multiple locations without being constrained by a single tether length, thus expanding the effective operating range while maintaining electric power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable power supplies as intermediary units between the electric machine and the main power source. These intermediaries can be relocated to extend the machine's operational reach, effectively mediating the constraint of tether length and enabling broader operating range while maintaining zero-emission operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable power supplies are relocated to extend operating range, then operating flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors power requirements, determines optimal locations for portable power supplies, and directs their relocation without manual intervention. This self-service capability manages the complexity of coordinating multiple power sources and their movement, allowing the system to maintain high operating flexibility while automating the complex coordination tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors machine location, power consumption, and portable power supply positions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust power supply allocation and relocation decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the complex multi-unit system to adapt efficiently to changing conditions, maintaining operational flexibility while managing complexity through real-time information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing electrical power at a worksite are described herein. A control system determines available sources of electrical power at the worksite. The control system establishes communications with one or more work machines at the worksite and commences monitor power usage of the one or more work machines. Upon receiving an indication that a work machine requires power, the control system determines the type of power to be used by the work machine. The types of power can include a grid power supply and a portable power supply. If the portable power supply is required, the control system transmits an instruction to move the portable power supply to the location where the electrical power is to be used.