Mine power management system

This is a U.S. National Phase Application under U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2012/061826, filed on 9 May 2012, which claims priority to Japanese Application No. JP 2011-104938, filed on 10 May 2011.

The present invention relates to a mine power management system that manages electric power consumed by machines for transportation and digging in a mine.

In a mine, work machines such as an excavator digs, dug ore is loaded on a dump track, which is a haulage vehicle, and the dump track carries the ore, which is a product, to a hopper in a processing facility. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mine haulage system and a method for the purpose of improving a production amount in a mine.

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-102322

Technical Problem

Some of machines for use in the mine such as a dump track and a power shovel are operated with the supply of electric power. In the mine, since a large number of large-sized machines are used, electric power consumed by such machines using electric power becomes enormous. It is preferable to suppress power consumption in the mine also from the viewpoint of an environmental load. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention electric power management in the mine, and there is room for improvement. It is an object of the present invention to suppress power consumption in the mine.

Solution to Problem

According to the present invention, a mine power management system comprises: a first power line provided at an ascent and configured to exchange electric power with an ascending vehicle traveling on the ascent; a second power line provided at a descent and configured to exchange electric power with a descending vehicle traveling on the descent; and a power supply and storage apparatus configured to exchange electric power at least between the first power line and the second power line.

According to the present invention, the mine power management system further comprises an electric power control unit configured to control electric power allocation at least among a machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle so that a total electric power consumed by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle that exchange electric power with the power supply and storage apparatus is equal to or less than a total electric power generated by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle.

According to the present invention, the electric power control unit controls the electric power allocation by adjusting allocation between the number of a plurality of the ascending vehicles and the number of a plurality of the descending vehicles.

According to the present invention, when the total electric power consumed by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle is greater than the total electric power generated by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle, the electric power control unit reduces at least one of power consumption of at least a part of a plurality of the ascending vehicles, power consumption of at least a part of a plurality of the descending vehicles, and power consumption of at least a part of a plurality of the machines.

According to the present invention, the electric power control unit reduces at least one of the power consumption of the machines, the power consumption of the ascending vehicles, and the power consumption of the descending vehicles in order of lower priority levels.

According to the present invention, when the total electric power consumed by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle is greater than the total electric power generated by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle, the electric power control unit supplies a shortage in the electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus.

According to the present invention, when the descending vehicle includes a generator, the electric power control unit supplies a shortage in the electric power from the generator of the descending vehicle when the total electric power consumed by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle is greater than the total electric power generated by the machine, the ascending vehicle, and the descending vehicle.

According to the present invention, a sum total of heights of a plurality of the ascents where the first power line is provided and a sum total of heights of a plurality of the descents where the second power line is provided are within ±10% with respect to an average value of the sum totals.

According to the present invention, a sum total of heights of a plurality of the descents where the second power line is provided is greater than a sum total of heights of a plurality of the ascents where the first power line is provided.

The present invention can suppress power consumption in a mine.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a mine power management system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a machine.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the mine power management system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of control on electric power allocation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of control on electric power allocation in consideration of priority levels.

A mode (an embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the content described in the embodiment below. Moreover, components described below include ones that can be easily conceived by a person in the art and substantially equivalent ones. Furthermore, components described below can be appropriately combined with each other. In addition, components can be variously omitted, replaced, or modified within the scope not deviating from the teachings of the present invention.

<Mine Power Management System>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mine power management system according to an embodiment. A mine power management system 100 includes a first power line 1 , a second power line 2 , and a power supply and storage apparatus 3 . The first power line 1 is provided at an ascent RU, and exchanges electric power with an ascending vehicle 6 U traveling on the ascent RU. The second power line 2 is provided at a descent RD, and exchanges electric power with a descending vehicle 6 D traveling on a descent RD. The power supply and storage apparatus 3 exchanges electric power at least between the first power line 1 and the second power line 2 . In the following, the ascending vehicle 6 U is a vehicle traveling on the ascent RU, and the descending vehicle 6 D is a vehicle traveling on the descent RD. In a case where the ascending vehicle 6 U is not discriminated with the descending vehicle 6 D, the vehicles are simply referred to as vehicles 6 .

The vehicle 6 is a dump track, which is one of haulage vehicles, for example, and loads and transports mined ore or earth and sand, rocks, or the like produced in mining as a load L on a vessel 6 V. The vessel 6 V is a container (a carriage) on which the load L is loaded. It is noted that the vehicle 6 is not limited to a dump track, and is a vehicle that travels using external electric power and using electric power obtained through its internal combustion engine or the like. Since the vehicle 6 is a machine (a mine machine) used in a mine, the vehicle 6 travels on an unpaved road. Although the structure of the vehicle 6 will be described later, the vehicle 6 can travel by driving a motor with electric power obtained by driving a generator using an internal combustion engine as well as can travel by similarly driving the motor with the supply of electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 . The vehicle 6 includes a current collector 6 P for the supply of electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 .

In the mine, machines 7 a , 7 b , and the like are operated in addition to the vehicle 6 . In the embodiment, the machines (the mine machines) 7 a and 7 b are power-driven excavators that are loading machines to load ore or the like on the dump track. A machine 7 is a machine operated using external electric power. In the embodiment, the machines 7 a and 7 b are also operated using electric power with the supply of electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 . The machines 7 a and 7 b are supplied with electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 through power supply cables 20 a and 20 b included in power supply relay vehicles 8 a and 8 b . It is noted that in the embodiment, the power supply relay vehicles 8 a and 8 b may not be used. In the following, the machines 7 a and 7 b , the power supply relay vehicles 8 a and 8 b , or the power supply cables 20 a and 20 b are simply referred to as machines 7 , power supply relay vehicles 8 , or power supply cables 20 , in a case where it is unnecessary to discriminate between them.

The power supply and storage apparatus 3 includes an electric power supply device 3 D and a storage device 3 B. The electric power supply device 3 D transforms or rectifies alternating-current power transmitted from a power plant 4 to allocate the alternating-current power to a plurality of breakers 5 U, 5 D, 5 Sa, and 5 Sb. In a case where the vehicle 6 , the machine 7 , and the like use direct current power, the electric power supply device 3 D includes a transformer and a rectifier. In a case where the vehicle 6 , the machine 7 , and the like use alternating-current power, the electric power supply device 3 D may not include a rectifier while including a transformer.

In the mine power management system 100 , the sum of electric power generated by the regeneration of the vehicles 6 or the machines 7 and electric power transmitted from the power plant 4 is sometimes greater than electric power consumed by the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 . In this case, excess electric power is produced. However, the storage device 3 B stores this excess electric power. Moreover, electric power consumed by the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 is sometimes greater than the sun of electric power generated by the regeneration of the vehicles 6 or the machines 7 and electric power transmitted from the power plant 4 . In this case, electric power shortage occurs. However, the storage device 3 B complements electric power shortage by discharging. In this manner, the mine power management system 100 can flexibly meet a changing electric power demand. Furthermore, although it is difficult for the power plant 4 to follow a sudden load change, the mine power management system 100 includes the storage device 3 B, so that the mine rower management system 100 can meet a change even though an electric power demand in the mine is suddenly changed. For example, a rechargeable battery, en electric double layer capacitor, or the like can be used for the storage device 3 B. It is noted that in addition to the storage device 3 B, the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 may also include a device to store electric power such as a rechargeable battery and an electric double layer capacitor, for example). The device to store electric power may store electric power with the supply of excess electric power from the first power line 1 or the second power line 2 . With this configuration, the size (dimensions or capacity) of the storage device 3 B can be reduced, so that such advantages are exerted that manufacturing costs of the mine power management system 100 are suppressed and the degree of freedom of the installation space for the storage device 3 B is improved.

In the embodiment, the mine power management system 100 , more specifically, the power supply and storage apparatus 3 includes the power plant 4 . Namely, the power plant 4 is constructed in the mine. However, the power supply and storage apparatus 3 may be supplied with electric power through a power transmission line from the power plant 4 at a location apart from the mine. Namely, the mine power management system 100 may not include the power plant 4 .

The breakers 5 U, 5 D, 5 Sa, and 5 Sb are switches that switch on and off a load current in the normal operation of a power circuit and a power device and that break an accident current such as a short-circuit current in cooperation with a protective relay. The breaker 5 U is connected to the first power line 1 through a transmission line 21 , and the breaker 5 D is connected to the second power line 2 through a transmission line 22 . The breaker 5 Sa is connected to the power supply cable 20 a of the power supply relay vehicle 8 a , and the breaker 5 Sb is connected to the power supply cable 20 b of the power supply relay vehicle 8 b . With this structure, the first power line 1 , the second power line 2 , and the power supply relay vehicles 8 a and 8 b can exchange electric power with the power supply and storage apparatus 3 . Moreover, the first power line 1 and the second power line 2 are connected to the machines 7 a and 7 b through the power supply and storage apparatus 3 .

The mine power management system 100 includes a management apparatus 10 . The management apparatus 10 performs power management in the mine as well as operation schedule management, management of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 such as operation status, and production management, for example. The management apparatus 10 is a computer, for example, that executes various management programs for the managements described above, collects information from the vehicles 6 , the machines 7 , and the power supply and storage apparatus 3 , and the like in cooperation with a communication device, or control them. In a case where the mine power management system 100 includes the power plant 4 , the management apparatus 10 manages the operation status of the power plant 4 , or controls the power plant 4 . It is noted that the management apparatus 10 may not manage the operation status of the power plant 4 or control the power plant 4 in some cases (for example, in a case where the management organization of the mine is different from the management organization of the power plant 4 ). Namely, in the embodiment, the management apparatus 10 may not manage the operation status of the power plant 4 and control the power plant 4 .

The vehicle 6 and the machine 7 include a function that receives radio waves from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites 9 a and 9 b to grasp their positions. The positions of the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 grasped by the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 are sent to the management apparatus 10 , and used for controlling or managing the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 . It is noted that in the embodiment, the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 are unattended devices, and the operations are controlled by the management apparatus 10 . However, the mine power management system 100 is applicable not only to the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 operated in an unattended manner but also to the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 operated by the manipulation of operators. Moreover, in the embodiment, the mine power management system 100 is also applicable to a case where the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 operated in an unattended manner are combined with the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 operated by manipulations of operators. Next, the vehicle 6 and the machine 7 will be described.

<Vehicle>

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a vehicle. As described above, the vehicle 6 is a dump track. The vehicle 6 includes a vehicle controller 60 , a plurality of wheels 61 (four wheels 61 in the embodiment), motors 62 that individually drive the wheels 61 , an internal combustion engine 63 , a generator 64 , a motor controller 65 , a wireless communication antenna 66 , a GPS antenna 67 , the current collector 6 P, and the vessel 6 V illustrated in FIG. 1 .

The drive type of the vehicle 6 is a so-called in-wheel motor type in which the motor 62 is disposed on the inner radius side of the wheel 61 . However, the drive type is not limited to the in-wheel motor type. Moreover, the vehicle 6 includes the motors 62 for all the wheels 61 . However, the motor 62 may be provided only on two rear wheels or on two front wheels, for example. The vehicle 6 has at least two steering wheels among four wheels 61 , and all the wheels 61 may be steering wheels. The motors 62 are individually driven by electric power generated from the generator 64 driven by the internal combustion engine 63 .

Electric power (alternating-current power) generated by the generator 64 is inputted to the motor controller 65 including an inverter, and then supplied to a plurality of the motors 62 for driving the motors 62 . The vehicle controller 60 controls the motor controller 65 to control the drive or the regeneration of the motors 62 . The motor controller 65 is also connected to the current collector 6 P. It is also possible that the motor controller 65 is supplied with electric power from the first power line 1 or the second power line 2 through the current collector 6 P to drive the motor 62 . Moreover, the motor 62 is used as a generator in a case where the vehicle 6 is to be braked, so that the motor 62 can generate (regenerate) electric power while braking the vehicle 6 . Electric power generated at this time is returned to the second power line 2 or the first power line 1 through the motor controller 65 and the current collector 6 P. Electric power returned to the second power line 2 is supplied to the first power line 1 or the second power line 2 through the power supply and storage apparatus 3 , for example. As described above, since the first power line 1 is provided at the ascent RU and the second power line 2 is provided at the descent RD, the vehicle 6 does not exchange electric power simultaneously with the first power line 1 and the second power line 2 .

The first power line 1 is provided at the ascent RU to supply electric power mainly to the ascending vehicle 6 U. However, the first power line 1 is sometimes supplied with electric power generated by the regeneration of the ascending vehicle 6 U. Moreover, the second power line 2 is provided at the descent RD, and mainly supplied with electric power generated by the regeneration of the descending vehicle 6 D. However, the second power line 2 sometimes supplies electric power to the descending vehicle 6 D. As described above, both of the first power line 1 and the second power line 2 can supply electric power to the vehicle 6 as well as can be supplied with electric power from the vehicle 6 .

The vehicle controller 60 drives the motor 62 with electric power from the first power line 1 , or drives the motor 62 with electric power obtained from the internal combustion engine 63 driving the generator 64 . Furthermore, the vehicle controller 60 exchanges information with the management apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 through the wireless communication antenna 66 .

In controlling the motor 62 , the vehicle controller 60 finds its position from radio waves from the GPS satellites 9 a and 9 b obtained through the GPS antenna 67 , for example, and raises the current collector 6 P when the vehicle 6 reaches the position of the first power line 1 on the ascent RD. The vehicle controller 60 then contacts the current collector 62 with the first power line 1 , drives the motor 62 with the supply of electric power, and stops the internal combustion engine 63 .

<Machine>

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a machine. As described above, the machine 7 is a power-driven power shovel. The machine 7 includes a machine controller 70 , a motor controller 71 , a pair of crawler belts 72 , two travel motors 73 , a swing motor 74 , a hydraulic pressure generation motor 75 , a hydraulic pump 76 , the wireless communication antenna 77 , and the GPS antenna 78 .

The machine 7 travels by driving the individual crawler belts 72 using two travel motors 73 . Moreover, the swing motor 74 swings the upper swing body of the machine 7 . The hydraulic pressure generation motor 75 drives the hydraulic pump 76 to generate a hydraulic pressure necessary to drive a work machine (a device including a boom, an arm, and a bucket) included in the machine 7 . The motor controller 71 is supplied with electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 through the power supply relay vehicle 8 . The motor controller 71 then supplies electric power to the travel motor 73 , the swing motor 74 , and the hydraulic pressure generation motor 75 by an instruction from the machine controller 70 for driving them.

The machine controller 70 controls the motor controller 71 to control the drive or the regeneration of the travel motor 73 , the swing motor 74 , and the hydraulic pressure generation motor 75 . The travel motor 73 and the swing motor 74 generate (regenerate) electric power by braking the machine 7 and stopping the upper swing body included in the machine 7 . The machine controller 70 controls the motor controller 65 to return electric power generated by the travel motor 73 and the swing motor 74 to the power supply and storage apparatus 3 through the power supply relay vehicle 8 . Furthermore, the machine controller 70 exchanges information with the management apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 through a wireless communication antenna 77 , or finds its position from radio waves from the GPS satellites 9 a and 9 b obtained through the GPS antenna 67 , and sends the position to the management apparatus 10 .

In the embodiment, the components of the machine 7 driven by the motor are not limited to one described above. For example, the machine 7 may use the motor only for driving the crawler belts 72 , may use the motor only for driving the work machine, or may use the motor only for swinging the upper swing body. Moreover, the machine 7 may use the motor only for driving at least one of the crawler belts 72 , the work machine, and the upper swing body. For example, in a case where the motor is used for driving the work machine, the motor is driven when the boom is lowered, and then electric power can be generated.

<Operation of the Vehicle and the Machine>

Generally, in the mine, a mining site is often located at the bottom of a hole produced by digging for mining ore. Thus, the load L such as ore or earth and sand is loaded on the vessel 6 V of the vehicle 6 at the bottom of the hole. The vehicle 6 having the load L loaded on the vessel 67 then travels on the ascent RU toward the exit of the hole. Namely, the ascending vehicle 6 U is generally in the state in which the load is loaded on the vessel 6 V. When the ascending vehicle 6 U travels to a hopper P located at the upper part of the ascent RU, the ascending vehicle 6 U raises one end of the vessels 6 V to throw the load L loaded on the vessel 6 V into the hopper P.

The vehicle 6 transporting the load L has the largest load when traveling on the hill RU. Namely, the ascending vehicle 6 U loaded with the load L has the largest energy for use in traveling. Thus, when the ascending vehicle 6 U travels on the ascent RU, the ascending vehicle 6 U raises and contacts the current collector 6 P with the First power line 1 provided at the ascent RU for the supply of electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 through the first power line 1 . With this configuration, the ascending vehicle 6 U can be supplied with a sufficient amount of electric power from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 , so that the ascending vehicle 6 U can reliably climb up the ascent RU even in the state in which the load L is loaded. It is noted that when the ascending vehicle 6 U travels on the ascent RD, the ascending vehicle 6 U may use electric power generated by the internal combustion engine 63 and the generator 64 in combination, or may stop the internal combustion engine 63 .

It is noted that in the embodiment, the ascending vehicle 6 U travels on the ascent RU as the current collector 6 P is placed toward the front, that is, the current collector 6 P is directed in the traveling direction side. In a case where the load L is dropped from the vessel 6 V, the load L is dropped on the rear side, that is, in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. The current collector 6 P is placed toward the front when the current collector 6 P is used, so that, such an event can be avoided that the load L dropped from the vessel 6 V collides against the current collector 6 P. As a result, a problem caused on the current collector 6 P can be suppressed.

After throwing the load L into the hopper P, the vehicle 6 has an empty vessel 6 V, and travels on the descent RD to go to the mining site of ore. The vehicle 6 traveling on the descent RD, that is, the descending vehicle 6 D travels in the state in which the current collector 6 P contacts the second power line 2 . When the descending vehicle 6 D travels on the descent RU, the potential energy of the descending vehicle 6 D is converted into kinetic energy. In the mine power management system 100 , the descending vehicle 6 D uses the motor 62 as a generator, and generates (regenerates) electric power using kinetic energy into which potential energy is converted. With this configuration, the motor 62 of the descending vehicle 6 D generates electric power as well as brakes the descending vehicle 6 U. Electric power generated by the motor 62 is returned to the second power line 2 , and supplied from the first power line 1 to the ascending vehicle 6 U through the power supply and storage apparatus 3 , or stored in the power supply and storage apparatus 3 . As described above, in the mine power management system 100 , the second power line 2 is provided at the descent RD, and the motor 62 is caused to regenerate electric power using kinetic energy when the descending vehicle 6 D travels, so that electric power consumed by all of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 can be greatly reduced from the viewpoint of all of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 operated in the mine. As a result, the mine power management system 100 can suppress power consumption in the mine.

Moreover, the travel motor 73 and the swing motor 74 generate electric power also in the machine 7 . The electric power is returned to the power supply and storage apparatus 3 through the power supply relay vehicle 8 and stored in the storage device 3 B, or supplied to the first power line 1 . Thus, the mine power management system 100 can also effectively use electric power generated by the machine 7 , so that electric power consumed by all of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 operated in the mine can be greatly reduced.

In the mine power management system 100 , preferably, a sum total H 1 s of the height of the ascents RU and a sum total H 2 s of the height of the descents RD are within □10% with respect to an average value Hav=((H 1 s □ H 2 s )/2) of the sum totals, more preferably, within □5%, and much more preferably, the sum totals are equal. The sum total of the height of the ascents RU is a product of a number n (a natural number) of the ascents where the first power line 1 is provided and a height H 1 (n×H 1 ). The sum total of the height of the descents RD is a product of a number m (a natural number) of the descents where the second power line 1 is provided and a height H 1 (m×H 2 ). Namely, preferably, H 1 s /Hav and H 2 s /Hav are 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less, more preferably, 0.95 or more and 1.05 or less, and much more preferably, one. H 1 s /Hav and H 2 s /Hav are set in the ranges as described above, so that electric power from the descending vehicles 6 D can be allocated to the first power lines 1 in a good balance. Thus, the allocation of the vehicles 6 for electric power allocation, described later, is facilitated.

It is noted that the sum total H 2 s of the height of the descents RD may be greater than the sum total H 1 s of the height of the ascents RU. Since the descending vehicle 6 D is not loaded with the load L, the potential energy of the descending vehicle 6 D is smaller than that of the ascending vehicle 6 U in the same height. Therefore, the sum total H 2 s of the height of the descents RD is made greater than the sum total H 1 s of the height of the ascents RU, so that the number of the descending vehicles 6 D traveling on the descent RD can be made greater than the number of the ascending vehicles 6 U traveling on the ascent RU. As a result, the mine power management system 100 can further increase electric power generated by the descending vehicles 6 U, so that electric power necessary for the ascending vehicles 6 U is easily supplied.

Particularly, in the mine, the total number of the vehicles 6 operated is not changed so greatly, and the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 are operated according to a production plan planned in advance. Thus, in the mine, a demand for electric power is easily predicted. Moreover, since the management apparatus 10 manages the operation status and the allocation of the vehicles 6 in the mine power management system 100 , the ratio between the ascending vehicles 6 U traveling on the ascent RU with the load L loaded and the descending vehicles 6 D traveling on the descent RD is adjusted, so that the balance between electric power consumed by the vehicles 6 and the supply of electric power is easily adjusted. Next, the functions of the mine power management system 100 and an example of control on electric power allocation according to the embodiment will be described.

<Functions of Mine Power Management System>

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the mine power management system according to the embodiment. The processes of the mine power management system 100 are implemented by the management apparatus 10 , the vehicle controller 60 included in the vehicle 6 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the machine controller 70 included in the machine 7 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 . The management apparatus 10 includes an electric power control unit 10 A, an electric power balance calculation unit 10 B, an operation management unit 10 C, and a communication control unit 10 D. These functions are implemented by executing a computer program that implements the functions of the electric power control unit 10 A and the like by the management apparatus 10 , which is a computer. It is noted that the electric power control unit 10 A and the like may be configured of hardware.

The electric power control unit 10 A controls electric power allocation at least between the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D in such a way that the total electric power consumed by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D that exchange electric power with the power supply and storage apparatus 3 is not greater than the total electric power generated by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D. The electric power balance calculation unit 10 B calculates an electric power balance in the mine power management system 100 . For example, the electric bower balance calculation unit 10 B calculates an electric power balance (a mine machine electric power balance) between the total electric power consumed by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D that exchange electric power with the power supply and storage apparatus 3 and the total electric power generated by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D.

Moreover, the electric power balance calculation unit 10 B calculates the balance between supplied electric power and consumed electric power as an electric power balance in which electric power supplied from the power supply and storage apparatus 3 and electric power generated the machines 7 , the descending vehicles 6 D, and the like are considered to be supplied electric power and electric power consumed by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the like that do not generate electric power is considered to be consumed electric power. Since excess electric power is produced in a case where supplied electric power is greater than consumed power, the electric power control unit 10 A stores the excess electric power in the storage device 3 , reduces electric power supply from the power plant 4 , or increases electric power supply from the first power line 1 . In a case where electric power supply from the first power line 1 is increased, when there is the ascending vehicle 6 U also using electric power generated by the internal combustion engine 63 , for example, the electric power control unit 10 A stops the internal combustion engine 63 , and all energy necessary for traveling is electric power supplied from the first power line 1 .

In a case where the vehicle 6 is operated by an operator, that is, in a case where the vehicle 6 is a manned vehicle, such a configuration may be possible in which for stopping the internal combustion engine 63 , the electric power control unit 10 A displays a message that the internal combustion engine 63 is to be stopped on a display device provided on a manipulation panel in the vehicle 6 , for example, and instructs the operator of the vehicle 6 to stop the internal combustion engine 63 . Moreover, such a configuration may be possible in which for stopping the internal combustion engine 63 of a manned vehicle, the electric power control unit 10 A automatically stops the internal combustion engine 63 , and displays a message on the display device that the internal combustion engine 63 is stopped.

Since electric power is necessary when consumed electric power is greater than supplied electric power, the electric power control unit 10 A causes the storage device 3 to supply electric power by a shortage, increases electric power supplied from the power plant 4 , or increases electric power supply from the second power line 2 . In a case of increasing electric power supply from the second power line 2 , the electric power control unit 10 A allocates the vehicles 6 in such a way that a larger number of the vehicles 6 travel on the descent RD, for example. Moreover, the descending vehicle 6 D traveling on the descent RD generally stops the internal combustion engine 63 . For example, such a configuration may be possible in which the electric power control unit 10 A operates the internal combustion engine 63 of the descending vehicle 6 D, which stops the internal combustion engine 63 , to drive the generator 64 for generating electric power, and supplies the electric power to the second power line 2 together with electric power obtained, by the regeneration of the motor 62 .

In a case of restarting the operation of the internal combustion engine 63 of a manned vehicle, such a configuration may be possible in which the electric power control unit 10 A displays a message on the display device provided on the manipulation panel in the vehicle 6 that the internal combustion engine 63 is to be operated to generate electric power generation and the obtained electric power is to be supplied to the second power line 2 , for example, and the operator of the vehicle 6 is instructed to generate electric power by the internal combustion engine 63 . Furthermore, for generating electric power by the internal combustion engine 63 of a manned vehicle, such a configuration may be possible in which the electric power control unit 10 A automatically operates the internal combustion engine 63 to start electric power generation, and displays a message on the display device that the operation of the internal combustion engine 63 is started and the supply of electric power to the second power line 2 is started.

In a case where electric power necessary in the mine is short, the electric power control unit 10 A suppresses the amount of electric power consumed by allocating the vehicles 6 so as to reduce the number of the ascending vehicles 6 U traveling on the ascent RU, or by reducing the speed of the ascending vehicle 6 U traveling. In this case, such a configuration may be possible in which the electric power control unit 10 A drives the generator 64 of the ascending vehicle 6 U traveling on the ascent RU in the state in which the internal combustion engine 63 is stopped by operating the internal combustion engine 63 and causes the ascending vehicle 6 U to travel also using electric power from the generator 64 .

The operation management unit 10 C manages the production plan in the mine, manages the operation status of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 and the schedule of the maintenance and service of the vehicles 6 and the machines 7 , manages the fueling timing of the vehicles 6 , or manages the operation status of operators. The communication control unit 10 D communicates with the vehicle controller 60 of the vehicle 6 and the machine controller 70 of the machine 7 through a communication device 11 for exchanging information with each other. For information sent from the communication control unit 10 D to the vehicle controller 60 , there are instructions to raise and lower the current collector 6 P of the vehicle 6 , and instructions to operate or stop the internal combustion engine 63 and the like, for example. For information sent to the machine controller 70 of the machine 7 , there are instructions to start or stop operation and the like, for example. For information sent from the vehicle controller 60 of the vehicle 6 or the machine controller 70 of the machine 7 to the communication control unit 10 D, the positional information about the vehicle 6 or the positional information about the machine 7 , information about consumed electric power, information about electric power obtained by regeneration, and the like, for example.

The vehicle controller 60 is a computer, for example, and includes a vehicle drive control unit 60 A, a vehicle electric power control unit 60 B, a vehicle state management unit 60 C, a vehicle positional information generating unit 60 D, and a vehicle-side communication control unit 60 E. These functions are implemented by executing a computer program to implement the functions of the vehicle drive control unit 60 A and the like by the vehicle controller 60 . It is noted that the vehicle drive control unit 60 A and the like may be configured of hardware.

The vehicle drive control unit 60 A controls the outputs of the motor 62 , the internal combustion engine 63 , and the like of the vehicle 6 . The vehicle electric power control unit 60 B calculates electric power consumed by the vehicle 6 and electric power generated by the vehicle 6 , that is, electric power obtained by the regeneration of the motor 62 , or operates or stops the internal combustion engine 63 or raises and lowers the current collector 6 P based on an instructions from the electric power control unit 10 A of the management apparatus 10 . The vehicle state management unit 60 C acquires the state of the vehicle 6 from various sensors provided on the vehicle 6 , and sends the state to the management apparatus 10 . The vehicle positional information generating unit 60 D grasps its position from radio waves from the GPS satellites 9 a and 9 b received at the GPS antenna 67 , and sends the position to the management apparatus 10 . It is noted that such a configuration may be possible in which a signal transmitter or the like is disposed on a traveling route of the vehicle 6 , and the vehicle positional information generating unit 60 D acquires signals emitted from the signal transmitter to generate positional information (in the following, the same configuration is applied). The vehicle-side communication control unit 60 E communicates with the communication control unit 11 D of the management apparatus 10 through the wireless communication antenna 66 , and the wireless communication antenna 12 and the communication device 11 included in the communication device 11 of the management apparatus 10 .

The machine controller 70 is a computer, for example, and includes a machine drive control unit 70 A, a machine electric power control unit 70 B, a machine state management unit 70 C, a machine positional information generating unit 70 D, and a machine-side communication control unit 70 E. These functions are implemented by executing a computer program to implement the functions of the machine drive control unit 70 A and the like by the machine controller 70 , it is noted that the machine drive control unit 70 A and the like may be configured of hardware.

The machine drive control unit 70 A controls the outputs of the travel motor 73 , the swing motor 74 , the hydraulic pressure generation motor 75 , and the like of the machine 7 . The machine electric power control unit 70 B calculates electric power consumed by the machine 7 and electric power generated by the machine 7 , that is, electric power obtained by the regeneration of the travel motor 73 and the swing motor 74 , or operates or stops the machine 7 based on an instruction from the electric power control unit 10 A of the management apparatus 10 . The machine state management unit 70 C acquires the state of the machine 7 from various sensors provided on the machine 7 , and sends the state to the management apparatus 10 . The machine positional information generating unit 70 D grasps its position from radio waves from the GPS satellites 9 a and 9 b received at a GPS antenna 78 , and sends the position to the management apparatus 10 . The machine-side communication control unit 70 E communicates with the communication control unit 11 D of the management apparatus 10 through the wireless communication antenna 77 , and the wireless communication antenna 12 and the communication device 11 included in the communication device 11 of the management apparatus 10 .

In the embodiment the management apparatus 10 exchanges information with the vehicle controller 60 and the machine controller 70 by direct wireless communications. However, communications among the management apparatus 10 and the vehicle controller 60 and the machine controller 70 are not limited to this manner. Next, an example of control on electric power allocation executed by the mine power management system 100 will be described.

<Control on Electric Power Allocation>

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of control on electric power allocation. First, in Step S 101 , the electric power balance calculation unit 10 B of the management apparatus 10 calculates the mine machine electric power balance described above. Namely, in Step S 101 , the electric power balance between a total electric power (a total electric power consumed) Pc consumed by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D and a total electric power (a total electric power generated) Ps generated by the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D is calculated.

Subsequently, the management apparatus 10 advances the process to Step S 102 . In Step S 102 , in a case where the total electric power generated Ps is the total electric power consumed Pc or more (Yes in Step S 102 ) as a result of calculating the electric power balance in Step S 101 , the management apparatus 10 advances the process to Step S 103 . In Step S 103 , the electric power control unit 10 A included in the management apparatus 10 keeps the current status for the use state of the vehicles 6 , the state of the allocation of the vehicles, and the use state of the machines 7 . This is because electric power consumed by the machines 7 and the ascending vehicles 6 U is within the range of electric power generated by the machines 7 and the descending vehicles 6 D. In a case where the total electric power generated Ps is greater than the total electric power consumed Pc, since excess electric power is produced in the mine, the electric power control unit 10 A may store excess electric power in the storage device 3 B, or reduce the output of the power plant 4 .

In Step S 102 , in a case where the total electric power generated Ps is smaller than the total electric power consumed Pc (No in Step S 102 ), electric power consumed by the machines 7 and the ascending vehicles 6 U exceeds the range of electric power generated by the machines 7 and the descending vehicles 6 D. Thus, the management apparatus 10 advances the process to Step S 104 , and the electric power control unit 10 A adjusts electric power allocation in such a way that the total electric power generated Ps is the total electric power consumed Pc or more. In this case, for example, the electric power control unit 10 A sets Pc≦Ps by controlling electric power allocation between at least the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D. In the mine, the machines 7 and the ascending vehicles 6 U mostly consume electric power. Moreover, electric power generated by the descending vehicles 6 D and the machines 7 occupies electric power obtained in the mine except the power plant 4 at a large rate. Furthermore, it is difficult for the power plant 4 to follow a sudden load change. Thus, the electric power control unit 10 A adjusts electric power allocation between at least the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D, so that the electric tower control unit 10 A can quickly and relatively easily set Pc≦Ps.

For a scheme of controlling electric power allocation among the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D, there is a scheme in which the allocation of the number of the ascending vehicles 6 U and the number of the descending vehicles 6 D is adjusted, for example. More specifically, the electric power control unit 10 A increases the number of the descending vehicles 6 D more than the number of the ascending vehicles 6 U, so that the electric power control unit 10 A increases electric power generated by the descending vehicles 6 D (that is, the electric power control unit 10 A increases the total electric power generated Ps) to set Pc≦Ps. With this configuration, Pc≦Ps can be relatively easily set. In a case where the number of the descending vehicles 6 D is increased more than the number of the ascending vehicles 6 U, the electric power control unit 10 A displays an instruction to go to the descent RD on the manipulation panel in a case of the manned vehicle 6 .

Moreover, the electric power control unit 10 A can also set Pc≦Ps by reducing at least one of the power consumption of at least a part of the ascending vehicle 6 U, the power consumption of at least a part of the descending vehicle 6 D, and the power consumption of at least a part of the machine 7 . For a scheme of reducing the power consumption of them, there are schemes of reducing the speed of the ascending vehicle 6 U and stopping the machine 7 operating a task at a low priority. In the case of the manned vehicle 6 , the electric power control unit 10 A displays these instructions on the manipulation panel.

Furthermore, the motor 62 generates electric power in the descending vehicle 6 D. However, all the electric power generated by the motors 62 is not supplied to the second power line 2 because the descending vehicle 6 D drives auxiliary devices or drives an air conditioner. Thus, the electric power control unit 10 A can also increase an amount that can be supplied from electric power generated by the motor 62 of the descending vehicle 6 D to the second power line 2 by stopping unnecessary auxiliary devices, by reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner by changing the set temperature, or by stopping audio devices. In the case of the manned vehicle 6 , the electric power control unit 10 A displays these instructions on the manipulation panel. As described above, the electric power control unit 10 A sets Pc≦Ps.

In a case where Pc>Ps is established, electric power for a shortage may be supplied from the storage device 3 B of the power supply and storage apparatus 3 . Moreover, in a case where the descending vehicle 60 includes the generator 64 , the electric power control unit 10 A may supply electric power for a shortage from the generator 64 by starting the internal combustion engine 63 of the descending vehicle 6 U to drive the generator 64 . Although it is difficult for the power plant 4 to meet a demand for a sudden output increase, the mine power management system 100 can make up electric power for a shortage using the power supply and storage apparatus 3 in its system or using the vehicle 6 D including the generator 64 . Thus, the mine power management system 100 can meet a sudden increase in power consumption that the power plant 4 cannot meet.

In Step S 104 , in a case where electric power allocation is controlled as Pc≦Ps, the electric power control unit 10 A may reduce the power consumption of the machines 7 , the ascending vehicles 6 U, and the descending vehicles 6 D in order of lower priority levels. This configuration is preferable because it can be avoided that the operation of one working on a task at a high priority level, that is, the operation of the ascending vehicle 6 U traveling on the ascent RU with a load loaded or the operation of the machine 7 in mining, for example, is interrupted, or the operation speed of the ascending vehicle 6 U and the operation speed of the machine 7 are reduced. Next, an example of control on electric power allocation to reduce power consumption in order of lower priority levels will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of control on electric power allocation in consideration of priority levels. The following description is an example in a case where a power line is also provided at some places on a flat area other than the ascent RU and the descent RD. In the control, electric power allocation is controlled in consideration of the priority levels of the operating vehicles 6 . Thus, priority levels are determined for all the operating vehicles 6 .

First, in Step S 201 , the electric power control unit 10 A of the management apparatus 10 focuses an attention on a certain vehicle 6 among the operating vehicles 6 , and determines whether the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is loaded with the load L. For example, in a case where the electric power control unit 10 A obtains completion information from the machine 7 that the load L is loaded on the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused, the electric power control unit 10 A considers that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is loaded with the load L (Yes in Step S 201 ), and advances process to the Step S 202 . In a case where the electric power control unit 10 A does not obtain completion information that the load L is loaded on the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused, the electric power control unit 10 A considers that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is not loaded with the load L (No in Step S 201 ).

In Step S 202 , the electric power control unit 10 A determines whether the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling on the ascent RU. For example, in a case where the electric power control unit 10 A acquires the positional information about the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused and detects that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is moving in the direction of climbing up the ascent RU at a location corresponding to the ascent RU, the electric power control unit 10 A considers that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling on the ascent RU (Yes in Step S 202 ), and advances the process to Step S 203 . In a case where the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is not located at a location corresponding to the ascent RU, for example, the electric power control unit 10 A considers that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is not traveling on the ascent RU (No in Step S 202 ).

In Step S 203 , the electric power control unit 10 A determines whether there is a traffic jam ahead of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused. For example, the electric power control unit 10 A grasps the state ahead of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused from information about the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused and information (speed information and positional information) about the other vehicles 6 traveling on the ascent RU where the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling on from the operation management unit 10 C of the management apparatus 10 . For example, in a case where the speeds of a plurality of the vehicles 6 traveling in the traveling direction ahead oil the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused are a predetermined threshold (4 km/h, for example) or less, it is likely that a traffic jam occurs because the vehicles 6 are waiting to throw a load into the hopper P, for example. In this case, in the embodiment, it is considered that there is a traffic jam ahead of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused. In Step S 203 , in a case where there is no traffic jam in the traveling direction ahead of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused (Yes in Step S 203 ), the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 204 , and sets the priority level of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused to one (the highest priority level). The vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling on the ascent RU with the load L loaded, and can reach the location of the hopper P without the influence of a traffic jam. Thus, the vehicle 6 at the level one is caused to throw the load L into the hopper P in priority, so that the operation rate of the vehicles 6 can be improved, and mine productivity can be improved.

Subsequently, returning to Step S 203 , in a case where there is a traffic jam in the traveling direction ahead of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused (No in Step S 203 ), the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 205 . In Step S 205 , the electric power control unit 10 A sets the priority level of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused to two (the second-highest priority level). In this case, this is because it is necessary for the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused to secure some electric power because the vehicle 6 travels on the ascent RU with the load L loaded, although there is a traffic jam ahead of the vehicle 6 .

Subsequently, returning to Step S 202 , in a case where the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is not traveling on the ascent RU (No in Step S 202 ), the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 206 . In Step S 206 , the electric power control unit 10 A sets the priority level of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused to three (the third-highest priority level). In this case, the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling with the load L loaded, although the vehicle 6 is not traveling on the ascent RU.

Subsequently, returning to Step S 201 , in a case where the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is not loaded with the load L (No in Step S 201 ), the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 207 . In Step S 207 , the electric power control unit 10 A sets the priority level of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused to four (the fourth-highest priority level). In this case, it is likely that the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is traveling on the descent RD because the vehicle 6 is not loaded with the load L.

When the priority level of the vehicle 6 on which the attention is focused is determined from Step S 201 to Step S 207 described above, the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 208 , and determines whether the priority level is determined for all the operating vehicles 6 . In a case where the priority level is not determined for all the operating vehicles 6 (No in Step S 208 ), the electric power control unit 10 A repeats Step S 201 to Step S 207 until the priority level is determined for all the operating vehicles 6 . In a case where the priority level is determined for all the operating vehicles 6 (Yes in Step S 208 ), the electric power control unit 10 A goes to Step S 209 . The electric power control unit 10 A then controls the electric power allocation individually for the operating vehicles 6 based on the determined priority levels. Namely, the electric power control unit 10 A reduces power consumption in order of lower priority levels, that is, in order from the vehicle 6 at the priority level four. In the case of the manned vehicle 6 , the electric power control unit 10 A displays an instruction to reduce power consumption on the manipulation panel according to the priority levels. It is noted that in the embodiment, the priority levels are determined for the vehicles 6 to control electric power. This is similarly applied to the machines 7 .

A scheme for determining the priority levels is not limited to the schemes described above. For example, the priority levels may be determined for the operating machines 7 or the operating vehicles 6 in descending order of power consumption, or the priority levels may be determined according to the importance of tasks. Moreover, the priority levels may be determined by taking into account of the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle 6 , the distance between the vehicle 6 and refueling sites, and the information about the refueling sites. Furthermore, for control on electric power allocation in the embodiment, all the priority levels one to four described above may not be necessarily determined. Such a configuration may be possible in which at least one of the priority levels one to four is determined, or two or more of the priority levels one to four are determined in combination.

As described above, in the embodiment, in a case where a second power line is provided at a descent and a vehicle driven by a motor travels on the descent, electric power is generated using the motor as a generator, and electric power is recovered through the second power line. The recovered electric power is then supplied to a vehicle driven by a motor traveling on an ascent through a first power line provided at the ascent. With this configuration, kinetic energy in traveling on the descent, which is not used up to now, can be converted into electrical energy for use, so that power consumption can be suppressed by the amount from the viewpoint of all the machines and the vehicles used in the mine. As a result, the embodiment can suppress power consumption in the mine. Particularly, for the machines for use in the mine, electric power consumed and electric power obtained tend to be grasped because the vehicles travel on nearly determined routes and the vehicle, which once ascends, descends by almost the same distance. Thus, it can be said that the mine is an environment in which the potential energy of the descending vehicles is easily converted into electrical energy for use.

1 FIRST POWER LINE

2 SECOND POWER LINE

3 POWER SUPPLY AND STORAGE APPARATUS

4 POWER PLANT

6 VEHICLE

6 D DESCENDING VEHICLE

6 U ASCENDING VEHICLE

6 V VESSEL

6 P CURRENT COLLECTOR

7 , 7 a , 7 b MACHINE

8 , 8 a , 8 b POWER SUPPLY RELAY VEHICLE

10 MANAGEMENT APPARATUS

10 A ELECTRIC POWER CONTROL UNIT

10 E ELECTRIC POWER BALANCE CALCULATION UNIT

10 C OPERATION MANAGEMENT UNIT

10 D COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT

11 COMMUNICATION DEVICE

12 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ANTENNA

20 , 20 a , 20 b POWER SUPPLY CABLE

21 , 22 TRANSMISSION LINE

60 VEHICLE CONTROLLER

60 A VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL UNIT

60 B VEHICLE ELECTRIC POWER CONTROL UNIT

60 C VEHICLE STATE MANAGEMENT UNIT

60 D VEHICLE POSITIONAL INFORMATION GENERATING UNIT

60 E VEHICLE-SIDE COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT

61 WHEEL

62 MOTOR

63 INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

64 GENERATOR

65 MOTOR CONTROLLER

70 MACHINE CONTROLLER

70 A MACHINE DRIVE CONTROL UNIT

70 B MACHINE ELECTRIC POWER CONTROL UNIT

70 C MACHINE STATE MANAGEMENT UNIT

70 D MACHINE POSITIONAL INFORMATION GENERATING UNIT

70 E MACHINE-SIDE COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT

71 MOTOR CONTROLLER

72 CRAWLER BELT

73 TRAVEL MOTOR

74 SWING MOTOR

75 HYDRAULIC PRESSURE GENERATION MOTOR

76 HYDRAULIC PUMP

100 MINE POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM