AU2018101338A4

AU2018101338A4 - Method and system for charging a light tower

Info

Publication number: AU2018101338A4
Application number: AU2018101338A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Parks
Original assignee: Parks Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Parks Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-14
Filing date: 2018-09-12
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-14
Also published as: AU2017100963A4; AU2018100491A4

Abstract

- 28 Abstract The disclosure provides a mine site illumination system. The system comprises a battery-powered light tower for illuminating at least a portion of the mine site 5 at a first location of the mine site. The light tower comprises a battery for powering one or more light sources of the light tower, and a transport system that allows the light tower to move autonomously about the mine site. In addition, the system comprises a recharging station configured to wired and/or wirelessly couple to the battery to transfer power from the recharging station to 10 the battery to recharge the battery. The transport system is configured to move the light tower autonomously between the first location and the recharging station. 10588400_1 (GHMaters) P105929.AU.2

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARGING A LIGHT TOWER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for charging a light tower.

Background

Light towers are useful for various applications, particularly outdoor illumination. For instance, portable light towers are often used in the area of mining or construction for illuminating outdoor areas when operations are conducted at night time.

Diesel-powered LED light towers are known. The cost of fuel to power such light towers is typically between AUD$8,000 - $20,000 a year for each light tower. Further, such diesel-powered LED light towers are not particularly environmentally friendly. An alternative system for powering light towers is desirable.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of illuminating a mine site, the method comprising: providing a battery-powered light tower to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion of the mine site; providing a charging Service vehicle capable of transporting an energy storage unit between a charging station and the light tower; charging the first energy storage unit with power from a power source at the charging station; driving the charging Service vehicle carrying the energy storage unit to a location where the energy storage unit can deliver power to a battery of the light 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 tower; electrically or electromagnetically coupling the energy storage unit to the battery of the light tower; and recharging the battery of the light tower by transferring power from the energy storage unit while the energy storage unit is coupled to the battery of the light tower.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of illuminating a mine site, the method comprising: providing a battery-powered light tower to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion of the mine site; providing a charging Service vehicle capable of transporting an energy storage unit between a charging station and the light tower; charging the energy storage unit with power from a power source at the charging station; driving the charging Service vehicle carrying the energy storage unit to the light tower; and exchanging a battery of the light tower with the energy storage unit carried by the charging Service vehicle such that the energy storage unit is arranged to deliver power to the light source of the light tower.

The energy storage unit and the battery may be interchangeably installable in or on the light tower and each energy storage unit is capable of powering a light source of the light tower when installed, and wherein the charging station is capable of charging both the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit.

The charging station may receive power from a source of renewable energy, wherein the source of renewable comprises any one from the following group: a solar power system; an ocean power hydroelectric generator system; a wind power system; other source of renewable energy.

The method may further comprise driving the charging Service vehicle to 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 another battery-powered machine or tool at the mine site to recharge a battery of the another battery-powered machine or tool with the other another energy storage unit carried by the charging Service vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the ¡nvention, there is provided a mine site illumination system comprising: a battery-powered light tower_to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion of the mine site; a charging station for charging an energy storage unit; a charging Service vehicle capable of transporting the energy storage unit between the charging station and the battery-powered light tower; wherein the energy storage unit is capable of: (a) electrically or electromagnetically coupling to a battery of the batteryoperated light tower in order to recharge the battery of the light tower; or (b) being exchanged with a battery of the light tower carried by the charging Service vehicle such that the battery-powered light tower is capable of being powered by the energy storage unit.

Also disclosed herein is a system for charging a light tower, the system comprising: the light tower; a first energy storage unit capable of delivering power to the light tower when connected to the light tower; a charging station for charging the first energy storage unit; a charging Service vehicle capable of transporting the first energy storage unit between the charging station and the light tower; wherein the system is arranged to deliver charge from the charging station to the light tower via the first energy storage unit

By providing a light tower that can be powered by charge delivered from a charging station, the present ¡nvention may provide the advantage of avoiding the use of diesel-powered LED light towers, and thus the costs associated 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 therewith.

Furthermore, by delivering power to the light tower using a charging Service vehicle, which may already be used to provide power to other equipment, the present invention may provide the advantage of saving on costs otherwise incurred by re-fuelling or delivering power exclusively to one or more light towers. In other words, the light towers can form part of a group of electrically-or battery-powered equipment regularly serviced by one or more charging Service vehicles.

The light tower may comprise a second energy storage unit arranged to power a light source of the light tower. In this embodiment, the first energy storage unit may be associated with, or mounted to, the charging Service vehicle. Further, the first energy storage unit may be capable of charging the second energy storage unit while installed in or on the charging Service vehicle when electrically or electromagnetically coupled to the second energy storage unit.

Altematively, the system may comprise a second energy storage unit capable of delivering power to the light tower, wherein the first and second energy storage units are interchangeably installable in or on the light tower and each energy storage unit capable of powering a light source of the light tower when ¡nstalled. Thus, according to embodiment, instead of recharging an energy storage unit ¡nstalled in the light tower, the energy storage unit can be replaced by another energy storage unit when required. The charging station may be capable of charging both the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit.

The system may comprise a further energy storage unit capable of being charged at the charging station and delivering power to the light tower. In this embodiment, the first (or second) and further energy storage units may be interchangeably mountable to the charging Service vehicle. In other words, instead of recharging the first (or second) energy storage unit at the charging 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 station, the first (or second) energy storage unit can be interchanged with the further energy storage unit.

Further, the charging Service vehicle may be capable of transporting each energy storage unit between the charging station and the light tower. Thus, the charging Service vehicle can then carry the further energy storage unit to the or another light tower, or to other equipment that needs recharging.

The charging station may comprise a source of renewable energy, wherein the source of renewable comprises any one from the following group: a solar power system; an ocean power hydroelectric generator system; a wind power system; other source of renewable energy.

By delivering power from a renewable source of energy to the charging Service vehicle, and ultimately to the light tower, the present invention may provide the advantage of utilising “clean” energy and significantly reducing costs compared to diesel-powered LED light towers.

The light tower may comprise one or more of the following: at least one light emitting diode as the light source; a hollow mast supporting the light source and encapsulating at least one cable for delivering power from the energy storage unit to the light source; a 12kWh lithium ion battery as the rechargeable battery.

The charging Service vehicle may be a truck. The charging Service vehicle may be an electrically powered vehicle. The charging Service vehicle may be used to carry one or more energy storage units to several locations to charge other electrically powered equipment.

Also disclosed herein is a method of charging a light tower using a system, the method comprising: charging a first energy storage unit with power from a power source at a charging station; 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 driving a charging Service vehicle carrying the energy storage unit to a location where the first energy storage unit can deliver power to a light tower to power a light source of the light tower; and delivering power to the light tower with power from the first energy storage unit.

The method may comprise charging the first energy storage unit with power from the power source at the charging station while the energy storage unit is carried by the charging Service vehicle.

The method may comprise electrically coupling the first energy storage unit to a second energy storage unit installed in the light tower and arranged to provide power to a light source of the light tower. The first energy storage unit can then recharge the second energy storage unit.

Altematively, the second energy storage unit may be removably installed in the light tower. The first and second energy storage units may also be substantially the same. Consequently, the first and second energy storage units can be interchangeably installed in the light tower.

The method may comprise driving the charging Service vehicle carrying the first (or second) energy storage unit to the charging station. The method may then comprise interchanging the first (or second) energy storage unit with a further energy storage unit charged at the charging station. Thus, instead of recharging the first (or second) energy storage unit at the charging station, the first (or second) energy storage unit can be interchanged with the further energy storage unit.

The present ¡nvention further provides a method of illuminating a mine site, the method comprising: providing mine site illumination system comprising: a battery-powered light tower_to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 of the mine site; a charging station for charging an energy storage unit; a charging Service vehicle capable of transporting the energy storage unit between the charging station and the battery-powered light tower; wherein the energy storage unit is capable of: (a) electrically or electromagnetically coupling to a battery of the battery-operated light tower in order to recharge the battery of the light tower; or (b) being exchanged with a battery of the light tower carried by the charging Service vehicle such that the battery-powered light tower is capable of being powered by the energy storage unit; the method further comprising the steps of charging the energy storage unit with power from a power source at the charging station; driving the charging Service vehicle carrying the energy storage unit to a location where the energy storage unit can deliver power to a battery of the light tower; electrically or electromagnetically coupling the energy storage unit to the battery of the light tower; and recharging the battery of the light tower by transferring power from the energy storage unit while the energy storage unit is coupled to the battery of the light tower.

The invention also provides a mine site illumination system comprising: a battery-powered light tower to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion of the mine site at a first location of the mine site; a charging station for charging an energy storage unit; a transport system capable of autonomously transporting the energy storage unit between the charging station and the battery-powered light tower; wherein, in use, the energy storage unit is charged using the power 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 source at the charging station and thereafter transported by the charging Service vehicle from the charging station to the battery-powered light station where it is capable of: (a) autonomous wired and/or wirelessly couple to a battery of the batteryoperated light tower in order to transfer charge from the energy storage unit to the battery of the light tower, whereby the battery of the light tower can be recharged; or (b) autonomous exchange with a battery of the light tower carried by the charging Service vehicle such that the battery-powered light tower is capable of being powered by the energy storage unit.

The transport system in some embodiments is the charging Service vehicle. In some embodiments the energy storage unit may autonomously wire or wirelessly couple to the recharging station.

The invention also provides a mine site illumination system, comprising: a battery-powered light tower for illuminating at least a portion of the mine site at a first location of the mine site, the light tower comprising a battery for powering one or more light sources of the light tower; a recharging station configured to be wired and/or wirelessly couple to the battery to recharge the battery; and a transport system that allows the light tower to move autonomously between the first location and the recharging station.

Providing a system with a transport system and/or light tower that autonomously moves to and from a recharging station may remove the need for personal to monitor and Service the electric charge/power levels of the battery. This can be advantageous as it may help to lower operational costs of the mine site and reduce or elimínate hazardous situations associated with servicing the power levels of the battery. For example, a light tower that can move autonomously may elimínate the need for a charging Service vehicle. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

The recharging station is typically located at a suitable location remóte from the mine site. For example, the recharging station may comprise solar energy collectors, which could be contaminated by dust at the mine site if located at the mine site. Further, the solar energy collectors required to provide sufficient electrical charge would occupy too much space if located on the mine site.

The illumination system may be configured such that when an electrical charge level of the battery falls below a first predetermined level, the transport system autonomously moves energy storage unit or the light tower from the first location to the recharging station to recharge the battery to increase the charge to a level at or above a second predetermined level. After the charge level of the battery is at or above the second predetermined charge level, the transport system may autonomously move the energy storage unit or light tower from the recharging station to the first location or another location.

For example, the transport system may move from a first location to the recharging station, and, once recharged, move back to the first location. Altematively, the transport system may move from a first location to the recharging station, and, once recharged, move to a second location that is different from the first location. In some embodiments the transport system moves from a first location to a second location, then to the recharging station.

In this way, the energy storage unit and/or light tower may be reallocated autonomously to various locations depending on lighting demand. The relocation may occur before or after recharging.

Because the light towers are only required during darkness, during daylight the transport system may move the energy storage unit or the light tower between specific location(s) of the mine site and the recharging station. However, it should be appreciated that altematively the transport system may move the energy storage unit or light tower to the recharging station during darkness if a charge level of the battery falls below the first predetermined threshold. Altematively, the energy storage unit may move to the light tower that requires 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 charging to recharge the battery of the light tower. Once the light tower no longer needs to provide light, the light tower moves to the recharging station to recharge the battery.

The system may comprise a plurality of light towers, energy storage units and/or transport systems.

The charging station may receive power from a source of renewable energy, which may comprise any one from the following group: a solar power system, an ocean power hydroelectric generator system, a wind power system, or other source of renewable energy.

The transport system may comprise a guidance system, a plurality of wheels, an electric motor connected to at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels, and a steering mechanism associated with at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels. The guidance system may be configured to control the electric motor and steering mechanism to autonomously move the light tower from the first location to the recharging station. For example, the guidance system may control the steering mechanism to adjust a direction in which the light tower travels. The electric motor may be powered by the energy storage unit or battery. The first predetermined charge level may be a level that is selected such that the battery has enough power to transport the light tower to the recharging station. The second predetermined charge level may be selected such that the battery has sufficient charge to transport the light tower from the recharging station to the location and power lights of the light tower for a desired time period, for example at least 12 hours.

In some embodiments the transport system is a sepárate unit that is fitted to the light tower or energy storage unit (e.g. the charging servicing vehicle). In other embodiments the transport system is an autonomous vehicle, such as an autonomous charging Service vehicle, that can tow the light tower and/or energy storage unit. These embodiments may allow existing light towers to be 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 retrofitted with, or moved by, the transport system so that they can be used in the system. In other embodiments the transport system and the light tower or energy storage unit are integral with each other.

The guidance system may comprise a processor and memory. The processor may be loaded with software that is configured to control the guidance system based on the first predetermined charge level and may comprise coordinates of the recharging system and the first location or another location. The guidance may be arranged to guide, triggered for example by the battery charge falling below the first predetermined level, the mine site illumination system to the recharging station and subsequently back to the first location or to another location using GPS.

The light tower may inelude a system to allow an operator to remotely monitor the light tower. For example, the system may inelude a camera that can transmit a picture, either as a still image or as a video feed, to an operator who is positioned remotely from the light tower. The camera may be positioned on a drone. The drone may hover above the lighting tower as the light tower autonomously moves about the mine site e.g. to the charging station. This may help to give a 360-degree view of the surroundings around the light tower to a remóte operator. In some embodiments, the drone may be used for viewing start up procedure(s) each evening by an operator remóte from the light tower. Start-up of the lighting tower is normally inspected by a Service vehicle operator each evening, so allowing an operator to remotely view the startup procedure may be advantageous from a cost and health and safety perspective.

The invention also provides a method of illuminating a mine site, comprising: providing a battery-powered light tower that comprises a battery; optionally providing an energy storage unit; providing a transport system; providing a recharging station; activating the transport system to autonomously move the light tower or 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 energy storage unit from a first location on the mine site to the recharging station; wired or wirelessly coupling the recharging station to the battery or energy storage unit and recharging the battery or storage unit; and activating the transport system to autonomously move the light tower or energy storage unit from the recharging station to the first location or another location.

The method may be used to opérate the mine site illumination system as set forth above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to an embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a charging Service vehicle and a light tower used in a system according to an embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 3A shows an exploded view of a base of a light tower used in a system according to an embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 3B is a perspective view of an upper end portion of a light tower used in a system according to an embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a system according to another embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a system according to yet another embodiment of the present ¡nvention.

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to another embodiment of the present ¡nvention. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method of using the system of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Throughout this specification, the term “light tower” is used to mean a generally tall upstanding structure comprising lights at an upper end portion of the structure to ¡Ilumínate a surrounding area. Light towers are typically, though not exclusively, used for outdoor illumination, and may be portable.

Figure 1 shows a system 100 for charging a light tower 102. The system 100 comprises the light tower 102, a first energy storage unit 104, a charging station 106 and a charging Service vehicle 108. The first energy storage unit 104 is capable of delivering power to the light tower 104 when connected to the light tower 102, and is capable being charged at the charging station 106. The charging Service vehicle 108 is capable of transporting the first energy storage unit 104 between the charging station and the light tower 102. The system 100 is arranged to deliver charge from the charging station 106 to the light tower 102 via the first energy storage unit 104.

According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first energy storage unit is in the form of a rechargeable battery 104 mounted on the 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 charging Service vehicle 108. Further, the charging Service vehicle is in the form of a Service truck 108 capable of supplying power from the battery 104 to other equipment, such as but not limited to high-powered mining equipment. In this embodiment, the light tower 102 comprises a second energy storage unit also in the form of a rechargeable battery 110, which is installed in the light tower 102 to power one or more light sources 112 of the light tower 102.

The charging station or dock 106 may be embodied as a fixed charging location (as shown in Figure 1) or may be transportable. The charging dock 106 comprises a connector 107 for connecting to the battery 104 carried by the truck 108 to supply charge to the battery 104. The charging dock 106 may receive power by being directly connected to an electrical power supply grid. Preferably, the charging dock 106 receives power from a renewable energy power source, such as a solar power system 113, a wave energy electrical power generation system 114 or wind power system (not shown).

Altematively, if the charging dock 106 is transportable, the charging dock 106 may receive power from a portable power supply, such as a generator set or another energy storage unit. In that case, the charging dock 106 may comprise a hand-held device that can transfer power from a portable power supply to the battery 104 carried by the truck 108, or even directly to the battery 110 of the light tower 102. For example, in emergency situations where the light tower 102 requires immediate charging but the truck 108 is not available, a generator set or other battery can be towed to the site of the light tower 102, and a portable charger, such as an emergency “fast” charger, can be used to transfer power from the generator set or battery to the battery of the light tower 102. The fast charger may be hand-held. The generator set or battery that is towed preferably also has sufficient capacity to fully recharge the battery 110 of the light tower

In this embodiment, the battery 104 carried by the truck 108 generally remains on the truck 108. Similarly, the battery 110 of the light tower 112 generally remains on the light tower. When (or cióse to when) the battery 110 of the light 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 tower requires recharging, the truck 108 can be driven to the light tower 102 to recharge the battery 110 by connecting the battery 104 of the truck to the battery 110 of the light tower. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the battery 104 can recharge the battery 110 by connecting an electrical cable 202 through power points 118 and 120 of the light tower 102 and truck 108, respectively. The battery 104 of the truck 108 in this embodiment has sufficient capacity to fully recharge the battery 110 of the light tower.

After servicing the light tower 102 and optionally other battery-powered light towers or other equipment, the truck 108 can be driven back to the charging dock 106 for its own battery 104 to be recharged. When (or cióse to when) the battery 104 of the truck requires recharging, the truck 108 can be driven to the charging dock 106. There, its battery 104 can be connected via an electrical cable 122 to power point 120 to a power source (not shown) at the charging dock 106 to receive charge from the power source.

With reference to Figures 2, 3A and 3B, further features of the light tower 102 according to a specific embodiment will be described. The light sources 112 of the light tower are in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light tower also 102 comprises a telescopio mast 124 supporting the LEDs 112, which can be adjusted to adjust the height of the LEDs 112 according to desired use. In this particular embodiment, when the mast 124 is lengthened to its máximum height, the LEDs 112 can be mounted over 9m above the ground. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the mast 124 can be configured to extend to various máximum heights. The LEDs 112 may have a total output of 2400W, which is believed to be able to ¡Ilumínate an area of up to 2300 square metres of ground area when the mast 124 is fully extended.

The LEDs in this embodiment are mounted on an adjustable support head 125. As shown in Figure detail in Figure 3B, the support head 125 comprises generally horizontal arms 127 that are rotatable about a common axis A. Each arm 127 further supports at a distal end the light sources 112 such that rotation 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 of the arms about the axis A causes the light sources 112 also to roíate about the axis A, thus changing the area of illumination. Furthermore, the support head 125 is also rotatable about a generally vertical axis B so that the light sources 112 are also rotatable about the axis B.

The mast 124 in this embodiment is hollow. The light tower 102 may thus be configured such that all cables, piping and other necessary electrical or other components for delivering power from the battery 110 to the LEDs is encapsulated within the mast 112. This reduces the risk of entanglement of the cables and may provide the advantage of a robust exterior that can withstand harsh environmental forces.

Furthermore, the mast 124 in this embodiment is collapsible, as shown particularly in Figure 2. More specifically, the mast 124 is hingedly connected to a base 126 of the light tower 102 at a hinge 128 so that the mast is pivotally movable about the hinge 128. Collapsing the mast 124 can allow for ease of manoeuvrability of the mast 124 when transported. The light tower 102 can be configured with a hydraulic system to move the mast 124 between a collapsed position (see Figure 2) and an upright position (see Figure 3A). The hydraulic system may for example inelude a hydraulic pistón and cylinder assembly 132 connecting the base 126 and a lower portion of the mast 124. When the assembly 132 extends, the mast 124 is moved to the collapsed position; when the assembly 132 retraets, the mast 124 is moved to the upright position. Furthermore, to assist in transportability the base 126 of the light tower 102 is mounted on wheels 130.

The light tower 102 in this embodiment also has a user-interface 134 located on the base 126. The user-interface 134 provides user Controls to select various operations of the light tower 102, such as telescopio extensión or retraction of the mast 124 to change the height of the light tower, or moving the mast 124 between the collapsed and upright position, or changing position of the light sources 112. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

An overall width of the light tower 102 may be between 2-4 metres, for example 3.2 metres. Preferably, the light tower 102 ought to be designed with a central centre of gravity to provide a stable and robust base 126.

In this embodiment, the battery 110 is enclosed in the base 126 of the light tower 102. According to an example, the battery 110 of the light tower 102 is a 120kWh battery. Preferably, the battery 110 is capable of “fast” charge, for example the battery 110 can be substantially charged in approximately 15 minutes. Further, the battery 110 may have an estimated run-time of 48 hours, which can offer approximately 4 days of 12-hour continuous operation.

According to a specific embodiment, the battery 110 is a modular battery that is removably mounted in the base 126 of the light tower 102. Thus, once removed, the battery 110 can be used in other equipment, such as dewatering pumps, generators or welders. As shown in the exploded view in Figure 3A, the base 126 of the light tower 102 can hold a plurality of removably in the base and connectable to electrical components of the light tower 102 to provide power to the LEDs 112.

With reference to Figure 4, the system 400 according to another embodiment will be described. Features in the system 400 that are the same as corresponding feature in the system 100 are given the same reference numeral.

Like the system 100, the system 400 comprises a light tower 112, a charging Service vehicle in the form of a truck 108 capable of carrying an energy storage unit in the form of a battery, and a charging station (not shown). However, in the system 400, instead of the battery 104 recharging the battery 110 from the truck, the battery 104a is interchangeable with the battery 110a from the light tower 112. In other words, the system 400 is arranged to deliver charge from the charging station to the light tower 102 by the truck 108 delivering a fully charged battery 104a and swapping the battery 110a with the battery 104a. The battery 110a is thus removed from the light tower 102 once spent and replaced 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 with another battery 104a delivered by the truck 108. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the batteries 110a and 104a are substantially similar at least in function.

With reference to Figure 5, the system 500 according to yet another embodiment will be described. Like the Systems 100 and 400, the system 500 comprises a light tower (not shown), a truck 108 capable of a battery and a charging station 106a. However, in the system 500, instead of the battery 110b remaining on the truck 108 while recharged at the charging station 106a via electrical cable 122, the battery 110b is swapped with a further battery 140 that has previously been charged. The further battery 140 is substantially the same as the battery 110b. Thus, the battery 110b is removed from the truck 108, and the further battery 140 is mounted on the truck 108. It will be appreciated that the batteries 110b and 140 in this embodiment are substantially similar at least in function. The truck 108 can then deliver the further battery 140 to a light tower or other equipment that requires power from the battery 140. A method 600 of using the system 100 according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 6. The method 600 comprises charging the first energy storage unit or battery 104 of the charging Service vehicle or truck 108 with power from a power source at the charging station 106 (step 602). Then, the truck 108 carrying the battery 104 is driven to a location where the battery 104 can deliver power to the second energy storage unit or battery 110 of the light tower 102 (step 604). Specifically, the battery 104 is coupled to the battery 110 (step 606). The coupling can be done using an electrical cable 116. Then, the battery 110 is recharged by transferring power from the battery 104 to the battery 110 (step 608). While the battery 110 of the light tower 102 is being recharged, the light tower 102 can be inspected by personnel, e.g. a driver of the truck 108. Accordingly, inspection of the light tower 102 can be scheduled or occur when the battery 110 is being recharged or replaced. Optionally, the truck 108 can then be driven to another location to deliver power to other equipment or back to the charging station 106 to recharge its battery 110 (step 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 610). A method 700 of using the system 400 according to another embodiment will now be described. The method 700 comprises charging the first energy storage unit or battery 104 with power from a power source at the charging station 106 (step 702). Then, the charging Service vehicle carrying the battery 104 is driven to the light tower 102, which has the second energy storage unit installed therein (step 704). Then, the second energy unit or battery 110 is exchanged with the battery 104 such that the battery 104 can deliver power to a light source of the light tower (step 706). Optionally, the method further involves driving the charging Service vehicle 108 to another location, i.e. to deliver power to other equipment, or back to the charging station 106, e.g. to recharge its battery 110 (step 708).

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, alternative embodiments of the system may comprise a plurality of light towers to be Services by the same Service truck and/or a plurality of trucks and/or a plurality of charging docks.

Furthermore, the charging Service vehicle may be embodied in forms other than a truck, such as a car towing a tráiler or other carriage holding an energy storage unit.

As another alternative, instead of the batteries being rechargeable by delivering power from a power source via an electrical cable to the battery, the batteries may be configured to be rechargeable by wireless or inductive charging. Thus, according to a specific embodiment, the step 606 of coupling the battery 104 to the battery 110 can involve electromagnetically coupling the batteries 104 and 110 for inductive charging. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of an illumination system 1000. System 1000 has a light tower 1102 that is similar to light tower 102. Light tower 1102 has one or more light sources 1112, a battery 1110 for powering the one or more light sources 1112, and power transfer point 1118. However, in addition to light tower 102, light tower 1102 has a transport system that ineludes wheels 1132, a motor (not shown) and guidance system 1132.

In the embodiment of Figure 8 the transport system comprises a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism can be embodied in many forms. In one form the steering mechanism is provided by two motors that drive wheels on opposite sides of the light tower 1102 and that can roíate at different rates and directions relative to one another to turn the light tower 1102 in use. In some embodiments the wheels are replaced with tracks, and steering is achieved by adjusting the rotation of the tracks relative to one another. In some forms the steering mechanism ineludes a steering arm that changes an angle of a wheel relative a steering swivel pin. The motor in some embodiments drives one or more wheels of the wheels 1130. In some embodiments each wheel is driven by a respective motor.

In some embodiments the motor is powered by battery 1110. However, in other embodiments the motor is powered by a battery sepárate to the battery 1110 i.e. a transport battery. The guidance system 1132 is configured to control the motor and steering mechanism. The guidance system may rely on information including map data, GPS, motion sensors, proximity sensors and the like to navigate the light tower 1102 about the mine site. The light tower 1102 can be speed limited, for example to a speed limit of the mine site.

Illumination system 1000 also ineludes a recharging station 1106. In Figure 8, the recharging station 1106 receives power 1122 from a renewable power source, such as a solar power source 1113 and/or a wind power source 1114, although other forms of renewalable power could be utilised. In some 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 embodiments the recharging station 1106 ineludes batteries (not shown), for example, to provide a backup when the availability of renewal power is less than a required power output on the recharging station 1106.

The recharging station 1106 also ineludes a coupler 1107 that is configured to couple to the power transfer point 1118 of the light tower 1102 so that power from the recharging station 1106 is transferred to the battery 1110 to recharge the battery 1110. In some forms the coupler 1107 is a wired connection that physically connects to the power transfer point 1118, for example a power point that is connectable to a power cord. In one embodiment the coupler is a power cord. In other embodiments, the coupler 1107 is a wireless power transfer coupler that uses, for example, resonant inductive, inductive and/or capacitive coupling. For example, the coupler 1107 can be an inductive pad. In these embodiments, the light tower 1102 would position itself so that the power transfer point 1118 is in contact and/or in cióse proximity to the inductive pad to allow transfer of power from the recharging station 1106 to the battery 1110.

In some embodiments the coupler 1107 is positioned in a docking station associated with the recharging station (not shown). In these embodiments the light tower 1102 would move into the docking station so that the coupler 1107 is in cióse proximity and/or in contact with power transfer point 1118 to transfer power from the recharging station 1106 to the battery 1110. The embodiment of Figure 8 only shows on coupler 1107 associated with the recharging station 1106 but in other embodiments the recharging station 1106 has a plurality of couplers 1107. In these embodiments, the recharging station 1106 can independently recharge each battery of a plurality of light towers. In some embodiments the illumination system 1000 ineludes a plurality of light towers 1102 and a plurality of recharging stations 1106.

In use of the illumination system 1000, the light tower 1102, or one or more light towers 1102 of a plurality of light towers, move using the transport system between a location in which a portion of the mine site require illumination and 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 the recharging station 1106. Depending on the requirements of the system 1000, the light tower 1102 can move between the location and the recharging station 1106 on a regular schedule, such as at the end and beginning of when illumination is required each day, and/or as required depending on a charge level of the battery 1110.

In one embodiment, when an electrical charge level of the battery 1110 falls below a first predetermined level the light tower autonomously moves from the location to the recharging station 1106. The coupler 1107 then wired and/or wirelessly couples to the power transfer point 1118 to recharge the battery 1110. When the charge level of the battery 1110 rises above the first predetermined level, for example to or above a second predetermined level, the coupler 1107 decouples from the power transfer point 1118. The light tower 1102 then autonomously moves back to the location or a different location depending on required illumination needs of the mine site.

The specific method steps used to opérate system 1000 will be determined by the requirements of the mine site. The system 1000 in some embodiments is provided with programmable control logic (PLC), for example located in a command module that is associated with the system 1000. The command module can be provided in the light tower 1102, recharging station 1106 and/or at a remóte location such as a central command centre. The central command centre may be remóte from the mine site. The command module communicates with the guidance system.

An example of a logic flow path 800 to opérate system 1000 is shown in Figure 9. After starting the logic flow at step 801, a command module enquires at step 802 if an electrical charge of the battery 1110 is above a first predefined threshold. The first predefined threshold may be, for example, an electrical charge level required to move the light tower 1102 from its location of use to the recharging station 1106, or a level which prolongs a lifetime of the battery 1110. Step 803 calculates if the electric charge level of the battery is above the first 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 predefined threshold, and if so the logic flow returns to the start at step 801, and if not the light tower 1102 locates the recharging station 1106 at step 804. lf a plurality of recharging stations are provided on the mine site, the light tower 1102 may lócate, for example, the nearest recharging station or the recharging station with the most power output capacity. Once the recharging station 1106 is located, the transport system of the light tower 1102 is activated to autonomously move the light tower 1102 to the recharging station 1106 at step 806 where the coupler 1107 then couples either wired or wirelessly to the power transfer point 1118 at step 808. At step 810 the battery 1110 is recharged by transferring electrical charge from the recharging station 1106 to the battery 1110. During charging, the power level of the battery 1110 is monitored at step 812to see if the electrical charge level is above a second predetermined threshold. The second predetermined threshold may be, for example, when the battery reaches máximum electrical charge capacity, or when the electrical charge level of the battery 1110 is sufficient to allow the light tower 1102 to opérate for a desired time period. Step 813 determines if the battery electrical charge level is above the second predefined threshold, and if not, the logic flow loops back to step 810, and if so the coupler 1107 is then decoupled from the power transfer point 1118 at step 814. The transport system is then activated to move the light tower 1102 to a desired location of use. The logic flow then loops back to the start 801. In some embodiments at step 812 the electrical charge level is altematively monitored until it is above the first predetermined power level.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of an illumination system 2000. System 2000 is similar to system 100, but instead of an operator driving the charging Service vehicle 108, the charging Service vehicle 2108 (e.g. the transport system) is an autonomous vehicle fitted with a guidance system 2132.

Guidance system 2132 is similar to guidance system 1132 and operates in a similar way.

The system 2000 has a recharging station 2106 which ineludes a coupler 2107. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

Coupler 2107 is configured to couple to a power transfer point 2120 of the autonomous vehicle so that electrical charge from the recharging station 1106 is transferred to the energy storage unit (i.e. battery 2104) to recharge the battery 2104. In some forms the coupler 2107 is the same as coupler 1107. To transfer charge from the battery 2104 to a battery 2110 of the light tower 2112, the power transfer point 2120 is connectable with power transfer point 2118 on the light tower 2102 through either a wired or wireless connection similar to the connection between power transfer point 2120 and coupler 2107.

The light tower 2102 of system 2000 is similar to light tower 102 of system 100 except for the ability for wired and/or wireless connection between the power transfer points 2118 and 2120. The autonomous vehicle 2108 can be used in some embodiments to transfer a battery between the recharging station and light tower similar to the embodiment described in Figure 5. However, in these embodiments, the battery transfer is an autonomous operation.

When the transport system is the autonomous vehicle, the logic flow 800 may be used to opérate the system e.g. 2000.

Autonomous movement of the vehicle 2108 or light tower 1102 in some embodiments is monitored by an inspection system (not shown). The inspection system relays visual information surrounding the vehicle 2108 or light tower 1102, such as in the form of still images or a video feed, to an operator who is remóte from the vehicle 2108 or light tower 1102, for example in the command module. Such an inspection system allows an operator to monitor start up procedures or movement of the light tower 1102 or vehicle 2108 around the mine site to and from the recharging station 1106/2106. The inspection system has a camera. In some embodiments the camera is mounted to a drone. The drone can hover proximate to the light tower 1106 or vehicle 2108. The drone may move independently of the light tower 1106 or vehicle 2108. In such embodiments, a single drone may move between various locations to monitor a plurality of light towers 1106 or vehicles 2108. The drone may communicate 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 with the command module.

In the foregoing description of various embodiments, unless context indicates otherwise, the features described in the various embodiments can be combined with each other. For example, the description of autonomous actions from the embodiments of figures 8-10 can be combined with the embodiments from figures 1-7.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preelude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A mine site illumination system comprising: a battery-powered light tower to ¡Ilumínate at least a portion of the mine site at a first location of the mine site; a charging station for charging an energy storage unit; and a transport system capable of autonomously transporting the energy storage unit between the charging station and the battery-powered light tower; wherein, in use, the energy storage unit is charged with power from a power source at the charging station and thereafter transported by the charging Service vehicle from the charging station to the battery-powered light station where it is capable of: (a) autonomous wired or wirelessly couple to a battery of the batteryoperated light tower in order to transfer charge from the energy storage unit to the battery of the light tower, whereby the battery of the light tower can be recharged; or (b) autonomous exchange with a battery of the light tower carried by the charging Service vehicle such that the battery-powered light tower is capable of being powered by the energy storage unit.
2. A mine site illumination system, comprising: a battery-powered light tower for illuminating at least a portion of the mine site at a first location of the mine site, the light tower comprising a battery for powering one or more light sources of the light tower; a recharging station configured to wired and/or wirelessly couple to the battery to recharge the battery; and a transport system that allows the light tower to move autonomously between the first location and the recharging station.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the illumination system is configured so that when an electric charge of the battery falls below a first predetermined level, the transport system autonomously moves the energy storage unit or light tower from the first location to the recharging station to 10588400_1 (GHMatters) P105929.AU.2 recharge the energy storage unit or battery to increase the charge to a level at or above a second predetermined level, after which the transport system autonomously moves the energy storage unit or light tower from the recharging station to the first location or another location.
4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the charging station receives charge from a source of renewable energy, wherein the source of renewable power comprises any one from the following group: a solar power system; an ocean power hydroelectric generator system; a wind power system; other source of renewable energy.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport system comprises: a guidance system, a plurality of wheels, an electric motor connected to at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels, and a steering mechanism associated with at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels, wherein the guidance system is configured to control the electric motor and steering mechanism to autonomously move the transport system from the first location to the recharging station.