Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
1. A system for connecting a vehicle to an overhead power structure, the system comprising:
a chassis;
a cable for transmitting electrical power from the overhead power structure to the chassis, the cable having a first end mechanically and electrically coupled to the chassis and a second end configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the overhead power structure;
a connector coupled to the chassis and receiving the first end of the cable;
a sensor for detecting a condition of the cable; and
a control system capable of interrupting a flow of power to the chassis if the sensed condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor detects one of an angle of the cable suspended from the power structure and a tension in the cable.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes a reel for reeling in and paying out the cable, wherein the control system includes a controller for operating the reel in response to the sensed condition of the cable.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control system further includes a controller such that, when the sensed condition of the cable exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller sends a signal alerting an operator of the vehicle to decrease the speed of the chassis.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control system includes a controller interrupting the flow of power to the chassis if the sensed condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the control system includes one of a circuit breaker, a control transformer, a contactor, a ground fault interrupter, and a logic controller.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the connector is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the chassis.
8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a cable reel for reeling in and paying out the cable, wherein the control system includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor and, in response to the signal, operate the cable reel.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein operating the cable reel includes rotating the cable reel to pay out additional cable.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the cable reel includes a ripcord that is activated when a maximum length has been paid out from the cable reel.
11. A method of controlling a vehicle having a chassis, the method comprising:
providing an overhead power structure, a connector coupled to the chassis, and a cable extending between the overhead power structure and the connector to provide electrical communication between the overhead power structure and the chassis;
sensing a condition of the cable as the chassis is moved; and
interrupting the electrical communication between the chassis and the overhead power structure in response to the sensed condition of the cable exceeding a predetermined value.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein interrupting electrical communication includes using at least one of a circuit breaker, a control transformer, a contractor, a ground fault interrupter, and a logic controller.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein interrupting electrical communication includes disconnecting an end of the cable from the connector.
14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising
comparing the sensed condition against a predetermined threshold; and
at least one of alerting an operator to decrease a speed of the chassis and paying out additional cable if the sensed condition exceeds a predetermined value.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein sensing a condition of the cable includes one of detecting an angle of a suspended portion of the cable relative to a vertical plane detecting a tensile force exerted on the cable.
16. A system for connecting a vehicle to an overhead power structure, the system comprising:
a chassis;
a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the chassis to the overhead power structure, at least one of a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the cable and the chassis being interrupted when a condition of the cable exceeds a predetermined threshold; and
a connector coupled to the chassis and rotatable 360 degrees relative to the chassis, and the connector including a socket for receiving the cable, the connector releasably coupling the cable to the chassis.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the connector includes a spring-loaded ball in a detent to releasably hold the connector in the socket of the chassis.
18. The system of claim 16 , further comprising a cable reel, at least a portion of the cable wrapped onto the cable reel.
19. The system of claim 16 , further comprising
a sensor detecting the condition of the cable and generating a signal indicative of the sensed condition, the condition including at least one of an angle of the cable suspended from the overhead power structure and a tension in the cable; and
a controller receiving the signal from the sensor and comparing the signal against the predetermined threshold.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the controller interrupts the electrical power transmitted to the chassis if the signal exceeds the predetermined threshold.