WO2025170491A1

WO2025170491A1 - A mining/construction vehicle with a control arrangement for charging

Info

Publication number: WO2025170491A1
Application number: PCT/SE2024/050105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ritwik MAJUMDER; Robert Saers
Original assignee: Epiroc Rock Drills AB
Current assignee: Epiroc Rock Drills AB
Priority date: 2024-02-07
Filing date: 2024-02-07
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-07

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a first mining/construction vehicle (100) for schedule and/or reschedule a charging plan The first mining/construction vehicle (100) comprises a first control arrangement (110) and a first battery (120). The first control arrangement (110) is configured to receive a power grid data (PGD) associated with a power grid (310) for charging mining/construction vehicles and a first vehicle data (VD1) associated with the first mining/construction vehicle (100). The first control arrangement (110) is further configured to schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the first battery (120) based on the power grid data (PGD) and the first vehicle data (VD1). Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a second mining/construction vehicle (100´) for schedule and/or reschedule a charging plan and corresponding methods.

Description

A MINING/CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE WITH A CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR CHARGING

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a mining/construction vehicle with a control arrangement for schedule and/or reschedule charging of a battery of the mining/construction vehicle. Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to corresponding methods.

Background

Electrified mining/construction vehicles provide an opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint and create a healthier work environment in mining/construction environments. The electrified mining/construction vehicle is driven by one or more electric motors which in turn may be powered by an electric power grid system and/or an on-board electrical storage system (ESS) comprising e.g., battery packs. Compared to diesel vehicles, the electrified mining/construction vehicles are emission free and can hence bring considerable savings, especially for ventilation and cooling in mining/construction environments.

As the electrified mining/construction vehicle travels around the mining/construction site performing one or more tasks, the charge level of the on-board electrical storage systems decreases, and the electrified mining/construction needs to be re-charged at regular intervals. The charging may be performed at a charging station and the mining/construction site typically comprises a number of charging stations in different location for this purpose.

Proper planning of tasks and charging schedules for electrified mining/construction vehicles at a mining/construction site can provide an effective utilization of a fleet of electrified mining/construction vehicles and ensure continuous operation at a mining/construction site.

Summary

An objective of embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks of conventional solutions. Another objective of embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution to optimize charging for mining/construction vehicles having a battery.

The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the appended independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a first mining/construction vehicle comprising a first control arrangement and a first battery, the first control arrangement being configured to: receive a power grid data associated with a power grid for charging mining/construction vehicles; receive a first vehicle data associated with the first mining/construction vehicle; and schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the first battery based on the power grid data and the first vehicle data.

The charging plan may in embodiments also comprise at least one discharging plan for a mining/construction vehicle. Each discharging plan may in turn comprises one or more discharging events for the mining/construction vehicle.

An advantage of the first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect is that the charging of the first battery can be adapted based on power grid information and mining/construction vehicle data. The utilization of the power grid can thereby be optimized, and the risk of power grid failure decreased. Furthermore, the quality of the charging power and grid strength can be maintained and the impact of the charging on the power grid can be reduced. Thereby, improved charging is provided compared to conventional solutions.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the first mining/construction vehicle based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan. An advantage with this embodiment is that the scheduling of tasks for the first mining/construction vehicle can be adapted based on the charging plan. The scheduling of tasks can thereby be optimized to the current charging plan.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the power grid data comprises any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the power grid data can indicate the available charging power capacity and/or present status of the power grid. Thereby, providing important information for improving the charging.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first vehicle data comprises any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the first vehicle data can indicate battery and mining/construction vehicle status and plans. Thereby, providing important information for improving the charging.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: receive the power grid data from a communication node associated with the power grid.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the power grid data can be received without having to be connected to the power grid, thereby increasing the flexibility of the present solution.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: forward the power grid data to a second mining/construction vehicle. An advantage with this embodiment is that the power grid data can be distributed to one or more second mining/construction vehicles. The charging for the one or more second mining/construction vehicles can thereby be adapted based on the power grid data and hence improved.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: receive a second vehicle data from a second mining/construction vehicle, the second vehicle data being associated with the second mining/construction vehicle; and schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery further based on the second vehicle data.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the charging of the first battery can be adapted based on the second vehicle data from the second mining/construction vehicle. The charging of the first battery can thereby be coordinated with the charging of the second battery and hence further improved.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for a second battery of the second mining/construction vehicle based on the power grid data, and the first vehicle data and/or the second vehicle data.

An advantage with this embodiment is that all the information available to the first mining/construction vehicle can be used to optimize the charging plan for the second battery, thereby improving the charging and optimizing the power grid utilization.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: transmit the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the second battery to the second mining/construction vehicle.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the first mining/construction vehicle can inform the second mining/construction vehicle about an optimized charging plan for the second battery, allowing the second mining/construction vehicle to improve its charging and reducing its impact on the power grid.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: receive a mining operator command; and schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery further based on the mining operator command.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the charging can be controlled and further improved by a mining operator.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: transmit an alarm signal to a mining operator or to a power grid controller, the alarm signal indicating that the charging plan is not achievable within a current constraint of the power grid.

An advantage with this embodiment is that suitable measures may be taken by the mining operator and/or the power grid controller so that the charging plan can be achievable.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first mining/construction vehicle is configured to: charge the first battery according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the first battery.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the first battery can be charged in an improved way and with a reduced impact of the charging current on the power grid.

In an embodiment of a first mining/construction vehicle according to the first aspect, the first control arrangement is attached to the first battery. An advantage with this embodiment is that the first battery can be charged in an improved way and with a reduced impact on the power grid.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a second mining/construction vehicle comprising a second control arrangement and a second battery, the second control arrangement being configured to: receive a power grid data from a first mining/construction vehicle, the power grid data being associated with a power grid for charging mining/construction vehicles; receive a second vehicle data associated with the second mining/construction vehicle; and schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the second battery based on the power grid data and the second vehicle data.

An advantage of the second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect is that the charging of the second battery can be adapted based on power grid information forwarded by the first mining/construction vehicle although the second mining/construction vehicle may not be in communication with the power grid. The utilization of the power grid can thereby be optimized, and the risk of power grid failure decreased. Furthermore, the quality of the charging power and grid strength can be maintained and the impact of the charging on the power grid can be reduced. Thereby, improved charging is provided compared to conventional solutions.

In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second mining/construction vehicle is configured to: transmit the second vehicle data to the first mining/construction vehicle; and receive at least one charging plan for the second battery from the first mining/construction vehicle.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the first mining/construction vehicle can act as a master vehicle and use all the information available to the first mining/construction vehicle to optimize the charging plan for the second battery, thereby improving the charging and optimizing the power grid utilization. In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second mining/construction vehicle is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the second mining/construction vehicle based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the scheduling of tasks for the second mining/construction vehicle can be adapted based on the charging plan. The scheduling of tasks can thereby be optimized to the current charging plan.

In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the power grid data comprises any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the power grid data can indicate the available charging power and/or current status of the power grid. Thereby, providing important information for improving the charging.

In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second vehicle data comprises any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event.

In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second mining/construction vehicle is configured to: receive a mining operator command; and schedule and/or reschedule the charging event for the second battery further based on the mining operator command.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the charging can be controlled and further improved by a mining operator. In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second mining/construction vehicle is configured to: charge the second battery according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the second battery.

An advantage with this embodiment is that the second battery can be charged in an improved way and with a reduced impact on the power grid.

In an embodiment of a second mining/construction vehicle according to the second aspect, the second control arrangement is attached to the second battery.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a first mining/construction vehicle comprising a first control arrangement and a first battery, the method comprises: receiving a power grid data associated with a power grid for charging mining/construction vehicles; receiving a first vehicle data associated with the first mining/construction vehicle; and scheduling and/or rescheduling at least one charging plan for the first battery based on the power grid data and the first vehicle data.

The method may be adapted in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments of the first mining/construction vehicle. The advantages of the method are the same as the advantages of the corresponding embodiments of the first mining/construction vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a second mining/construction vehicle comprising a second control arrangement and a second battery, the method comprises: receiving a power grid data from a first mining/construction vehicle, the power grid data being associated with a power grid for charging mining/construction vehicles; receiving a second vehicle data associated with the second mining/construction vehicle; and scheduling and/or rescheduling at least one charging plan for the second battery based on the power grid data and the second vehicle data.

The method may be adapted in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments of the second mining/construction vehicle. The advantages of the method are the same as the advantages of the corresponding embodiments of the second mining/construction vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with one or more control units arranged to control the first and/or the second mining/construction vehicle(s) to carry out the methods according to any embodiment of the method aspects.

According to further aspects of the present invention, the herein described methods are implemented by use of computer program products comprising instructions which, when the programs are executed by a computer, such as e.g., a herein mentioned control unit, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the methods according to any one of the herein described embodiments.

Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a first mining/construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 2 shows a first mining/construction vehicle and a second mining/construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 3 shows a first mining/construction vehicle and a second mining/construction vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 4 shows a first mining/construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for a first mining/construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a method for a second mining/construction vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; and

- Fig. 7 shows non-limiting examples of mining/construction vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

According to embodiments of the disclosure a first mining/construction vehicle 100 for schedule and/or reschedule a charging plan is provided. Fig. 1 shows the first mining/construction vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The first mining/construction vehicle 100 comprises a first control arrangement 1 10 and a first battery 120. The first control arrangement 110 and the first battery 120 may be independent units within the first mining/construction vehicle 100. The first control arrangement 110 may e.g., be a fixed part of the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and the first battery 120 be a separate fixed part of the first mining/construction vehicle 100 or a swappable part of the first mining/construction vehicle 100. However, in embodiments, the first control arrangement 110 may instead be directly attached to the first battery 120. The first control arrangement 110 may e.g., be integrated with the first battery 120 such that the first control arrangement 110 and the first battery 120 forms a common unit which may or may not be swappable in the first mining/construction vehicle 100.

The first control arrangement 110 is configured to receive a power grid data PGD associated with a power grid 310 for charging mining/construction vehicles and receive a first vehicle data VD1 associated with the first mining/construction vehicle 100. The power grid data PGD may comprise any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event. The power grid data may hence indicate available charging power and current or forecasted status of the power grid, i.e. , availability of the power grid to provide charging. The first vehicle data VD1 may on the other hand comprise any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event. Thus, the first vehicle data VD1 may indicate the current battery and vehicle status, as well as planned routes and tasks which affect the future battery status.

The first control arrangement 110 is further configured to schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the first battery 120 based on the power grid data PGD and the first vehicle data VD1 . Thus, the power grid data PGD and the first vehicle data VD1 may be input to the first control arrangement 110 based on which the first control arrangement 110 may determine or change a charging plan for the first battery 120. A charging plan can herein be understood to comprise one or more charging events. Each charging event may be associated with a charging station, a charging time, a charging duration, a charging voltage/current, etc.

In embodiments, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may then charging the first battery 120 according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the first battery 120. The first mining/construction vehicle 100 may e.g., charge the first battery 120 at a charging station for a charging duration indicated in the charging plan.

The first control arrangement 110 may further schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the first mining/construction vehicle 100 based on the previous scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan. In other words, the first control arrangement 110 may determine or change one or more tasks to be performed by the first mining/construction vehicle 100 based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan. For example, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may add an additional task before a charging event or move a planned task to after a charging event.

With reference to Fig. 1 , the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may receive the power grid data PGD from a communication node 320 associated with the power grid 310. Thus, the power grid data PGD may be provided to the first mining/construction vehicle 100 from a communication node 320, e.g., transmitted to the first mining/construction vehicle 100 over a communication network. The power grid data PGD may be obtained by one or more measurement points in the power grid 310 and provided to the first mining/construction vehicle 100 from the one or more measurement points through the communication node 320. The power grid 310 may comprise one or more electrical networks, each electrical network associated with one or more power sources such as e.g., AC power sources, DC power sources and/or renewable power sources such as e.g., wind or solar power.

The first mining/construction vehicle 100 may receive the first vehicle data VD1 from one or more units, sensors or similar devices. The first mining/construction vehicle 100 may e.g., receive vehicle data VD1 such as a status-of-charge of a battery from the first battery 120 and/or a battery controller. The first mining/construction vehicle 100 may further receive vehicle data VD1 such as a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event from a local or central control arrangement and/or from one or more sensors of the first mining/construction vehicle 100.

In embodiments, the first control arrangement 110 of the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may forward the power grid data PGD to a second mining/construction vehicle 100', as shown in Fig. 2. The first control arrangement 110 of the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may hence act as master vehicle or central control arrangement and distribute obtained power grid data PGD to one or more other control arrangements.

With reference to Fig. 2, the second mining/construction vehicle 100' comprises a second control arrangement 110' and a second battery 120'. As described with reference to Fig. 1 and the first control arrangement 110, the second control arrangement 110' may be separate from the second battery 120' or the second control arrangement 110' may be attached to the second battery 120'.

The second control arrangement 110' is configured to receive the power grid data PGD from the first mining/construction vehicle 100, as shown in Fig. 2. The power grid data PGD being associated with the power grid 310 for charging mining/construction vehicles and may, as previously described, comprise any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event. The second control arrangement 110' is further configured to receive a second vehicle data VD2 associated with the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. The second vehicle data VD2 may comprise any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event. The second mining/construction vehicle 100' may obtain the second vehicle data VD2 in a similar way as the first mining/construction vehicle 100 obtains the first vehicle data VD1 .

The second control arrangement 110' schedules and/or reschedules at least one charging plan for the second battery 120' based on the power grid data PGD and the second vehicle data VD2. The second mining/construction vehicle 100' may then charge the second battery 120' according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the second battery 120'. Furthermore, the second control arrangement 110' may schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the second mining/construction vehicle 100' based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan.

In embodiments, the first control arrangement 110 consider additional information when scheduling and/or rescheduling the charging plan for the first battery 120. The first control arrangement 110 may e.g., further obtain the second vehicle data VD2 from the second mining/construction vehicle 100', as shown in Fig. 3, and/or a mining/construction operator command MOC, as shown in Fig. 4.

In the embodiments shown in Fig. 3, the second mining/construction vehicle 100' transmits the second vehicle data VD2 to the first mining/construction vehicle 100. The first control arrangement 110 of the first mining/construction vehicle 100 hence receives the second vehicle data VD2 from the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. The second vehicle data VD2 being associated with the second mining/construction vehicle 100' and e.g., comprises any of a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event associated with the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. From the received second vehicle data VD2, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may hence obtain information about the second mining/construction vehicle 100' such as e.g., battery status, planned routes and/or tasks. The first control arrangement 110 may schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery 120 further based on the second vehicle data VD2. In other words, the first control arrangement 110 may in embodiments schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery 120 based on the power grid data PGD, the first vehicle data VD1 and the second vehicle data VD2, as indicated in Fig. 3.

The first control arrangement 110 may further schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the second battery 120' of the second mining/construction vehicle 100' based on the power grid data PGD, and the first vehicle data VD1 and/or the second vehicle data VD2. The first control arrangement 110 may hence collect information about the power grid 310 for charging and the status and planned activities of both the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and the second mining/construction vehicle 100' and use this information to determine or change a charging plan for the second battery 120' of the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. In this way, the first control arrangement 110 may work as a master and control the charging plans of one or more second batteries 120' of one or more second mining/construction vehicles 100'. In this way, the charging of a plurality of mining/construction vehicles may be coordinated.

With reference to Fig. 3, the first control arrangement 110 may transmit the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan CP for the second battery 120' to the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. The second control arrangement 110' receives the charging plan CP for the second battery 120' from the first mining/construction vehicle 100. The second mining/construction vehicle 100' may then charge the second battery 120' according to the received scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan CP for the second battery 120'. Based on the received scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan CP, the second control arrangement 110' may further schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the second mining/construction vehicle 100'.

With reference to Fig. 4, the first control arrangement 110 may receive a mining operator command MOC. The first control arrangement 110 may schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery 120 further based on the mining operator command MOC. The mining operator command MOC may be received from a mining operator control system e.g., through a communication network. The mining operator command MOC may e.g., indicate change in task, change of travel path, and/or change of maintenance schedule for the mining/construction vehicle.

In embodiments, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 may be configured to transmit an alarm signal to a mining operator or to a power grid controller of the power grid 310. The alarm signal indicates that the charging plan is not achievable within a current constraint of the power grid 310. Thus, suitable measures may be taken by the mining operator and/or the power grid controller so that charging plan is achievable. For example, by rescheduling charging plans, rescheduling discharging plans, and/or providing more power. In the same way also the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may be configured to transmit an alarm signal to a mining operator or to a power grid controller of the power grid 310.

In a similar way, the second control arrangement 110' may receive a mining operator command MOC; and schedule and/or reschedule the charging event for the second battery 120' further based on the mining operator command MOC.

It may be noted that the herein described charging plan for the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may also comprise discharging plan having one or more discharging events. To discharge a battery is the contrary to charge a battery. By also include discharging scenarios even more optimized utilization of charging stations is possible.

According to an aspect of the disclosure a method 200 for the first mining/construction vehicle 100 according to any of the herein described embodiments is provided. Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of the method 200. The method 200 comprises receiving 202 a power grid data PGD associated with a power grid 310 for charging mining/construction vehicles and receiving 204 a first vehicle data VD1 associated with the first mining/construction vehicle 100. The method 200 further comprises scheduling and/or rescheduling 206 at least one charging plan for the first battery 120 based on the power grid data PGD and the first vehicle data VD1 .

According to another aspect of the disclosure a method 200' for the second mining/construction vehicle 100' according to any of the herein described embodiments is provided. Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of the method 200'. The method 200' comprises receiving 202' a power grid data PGD from a first mining/construction vehicle 100, the power grid data PGD being associated with a power grid 310 for charging mining/construction vehicles; and receiving 204' a second vehicle data VD2 associated with the second mining/construction vehicle 100'. The method 200' further comprises scheduling and/or rescheduling 206' at least one charging plan for the second battery 120' based on the power grid data PGD and the second vehicle data VD2.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may comprise or be connected to a control unit arranged to control the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' to carry out one or more of the steps of the method 200 and the method 200', respectively. The control unit may hence be arranged/configured/programmed with instruction to control the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' to perform the steps of any of the herein described embodiments.

The control unit may be the first control arrangement 110 and/or the second control arrangement 110' or the first control arrangement 110 and/or the second control arrangement 110' may be comprised in or connected to the control unit. Furthermore, the first control arrangement 110 and/or the second control arrangement 110' may be independent control arrangements for schedule and/or reschedule of charging plans according to the invention or comprised in or connected to control arrangements providing other control functions for the mining/construction vehicles 100, 100' and/or batteries 120, 120'.

The first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may be any type of electrified vehicle used in a mining and/or construction environment/site such as e.g., a drill rig, a truck, a loader, a digging machine, etc.

With reference to Fig. 7, the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may e.g., be a drill rig, a loading, hauling and dumping (LHD) machine or a mine truck but is not limited thereto. The first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' may further be the same type of vehicle or different types of vehicles.

In embodiments of the disclosure when communication is performed from/to the first mining/construction vehicle 100 and/or the second mining/construction vehicle 100' any suitable communication protocols and communication interfaces may be used. The communication may be performed using wired and/or wireless communications and be based on standardised communication systems. Finally, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1 . A first mining/construction vehicle (100) comprising a first control arrangement (110) and a first battery (120), the first control arrangement (110) being configured to: receive a power grid data (PGD) associated with a power grid (310) for charging mining/construction vehicles; receive a first vehicle data (VD1 ) associated with the first mining/construction vehicle (100); and schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the first battery (120) based on the power grid data (PGD) and the first vehicle data (VD1 ).

2. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the first mining/construction vehicle (100) based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan.

3. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power grid data (PGD) comprises any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event.

4. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vehicle data (VD1 ) comprises any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event.

5. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: receive the power grid data (PGD) from a communication node (320) associated with the power grid (310).

6. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: forward the power grid data (PGD) to a second mining/construction vehicle (100').

7. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: receive a second vehicle data (VD2) from a second mining/construction vehicle (100'), the second vehicle data (VD2) being associated with the second mining/construction vehicle (100'); and schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery (120) further based on the second vehicle data (VD2).

8. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for a second battery (120') of the second mining/construction vehicle (100') based on the power grid data (PGD), and the first vehicle data (VD1 ) and/or the second vehicle data (VD2).

9. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: transmit the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the second battery (120') to the second mining/construction vehicle (100').

10. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is configured to: receive a mining operator command (MOC); and schedule and/or reschedule the charging plan for the first battery (120) further based on the mining operator command (MOC).

11. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to: transmit an alarm signal to a mining operator or to a power grid controller, the alarm signal indicating that the charging plan is not achievable within a current constraint of the power grid (310).

12. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mining/construction vehicle (100) is configured to: charge the first battery (120) according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the first battery (120).

13. The first mining/construction vehicle (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control arrangement (110) is attached to the first battery (120).

14. A second mining/construction vehicle (100') comprising a second control arrangement (110') and a second battery (120'), the second control arrangement (110') being configured to: receive a power grid data (PGD) from a first mining/construction vehicle (100), the power grid data (PGD) being associated with a power grid (310) for charging mining/construction vehicles; receive a second vehicle data (VD2) associated with the second mining/construction vehicle (100'); and schedule and/or reschedule at least one charging plan for the second battery (120') based on the power grid data (PGD) and the second vehicle data (VD2).

15. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to claim 14, wherein the second control arrangement (110') is configured to: transmit the second vehicle data (VD2) to the first mining/construction vehicle (100); and receive at least one charging plan for the second battery (120') from the first mining/construction vehicle (100).

16. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second control arrangement (110') is configured to: schedule and/or reschedule at least one task for the second mining/construction vehicle (100') based on the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan.

17. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the power grid data (PGD) comprises any of: a line voltage level, a remaining power capacity, a power generation forecast, and/or a maintenance event.

18. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second vehicle data (VD2) comprises any of: a status-of-charge of a battery, a scheduled task, a scheduled travel path, a vehicle failure indication, and/or a scheduled service event.

19. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the second control arrangement (110') is configured to: receive a mining operator command (MOC); and schedule and/or reschedule the charging event for the second battery (120') further based on the mining operator command (MOC).

20. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the second mining/construction vehicle (100') is configured to: charge the second battery (120') according to the scheduled and/or rescheduled charging plan for the second battery (120').

21. The second mining/construction vehicle (100') according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the second control arrangement (110') is attached to the second battery (120').

22. A method (200) for a first mining/construction vehicle (100) comprising a first control arrangement (110) and a first battery (120), the method (200) comprising: receiving (202) a power grid data (PGD) associated with a power grid (310) for charging mining/construction vehicles; receiving (204) a first vehicle data (VD1 ) associated with the first mining/construction vehicle (100); and scheduling and/or rescheduling (206) at least one charging plan for the first battery (120) based on the power grid data (PGD) and the first vehicle data (VD1 ).

23. A method (200') for a second mining/construction vehicle (100') comprising a second control arrangement (110') and a second battery (120'), the method (200') comprising: receiving (202') a power grid data (PGD) from a first mining/construction vehicle (100), the power grid data (PGD) being associated with a power grid (310) for charging mining/construction vehicles; receiving (204') a second vehicle data (VD2) associated with the second mining/construction vehicle (100'); and scheduling and/or rescheduling (206') at least one charging plan for the second battery (120') based on the power grid data (PGD) and the second vehicle data (VD2).

24. A computer program with a program code for performing a method according to claim 22 or 23 when the computer program runs on a computer.