Abstract: A mining machine including a bi-directional electrical bus, a power source coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus, a motor coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus, the motor powered by energy available on the bi-directional electrical bus, a kinetic energy storage system coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus and a controller. The controller is configured to communicate with the kinetic energy storage system and the power source. Wherein the controller is configured to operate the kinetic energy storage system as a primary power source for the bi-directional electrical bus and to operate the power source as a secondary power source for the bi-directional electrical bus when the kinetic energy storage system cannot satisfy an energy demand on the bi-directional electrical bus.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for storing energy in a mining machine. One embodiment provides a haulage vehicle including a bi-directional electrical bus, a power source coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus, a motor coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus and operating a drive mechanism included in the haulage vehicle, a kinetic energy storage system coupled to the bi-directional electrical bus, and a controller configured to communicate with the kinetic energy storage system and the power source. The kinetic energy storage system includes a flywheel and a switched reluctance motor. The controller is configured to operate the kinetic energy storage system as a primary power source for the bi-directional electrical bus and to operate the power source as a secondary power source for the bi-directional electrical bus when the kinetic energy storage system cannot satisfy an energy demand on the bi-directional electrical bus.

Abstract: A mobile mining machine includes a plurality of traction elements, a plurality of motors, a power source in electrical communication with the plurality of motors, and an energy storage system in electrical communication with the plurality of motors and the power source. Each of the motors is coupled to an associated one of the plurality of traction elements. Each of the motors is driven by the associated traction element in a first mode, and drives the associated traction element in a second mode. The energy storage system includes a shaft, a rotor secured to the shaft, a stator extending around the rotor, and a flywheel coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith. In the first mode, rotation of the motors causes rotation of the flywheel to store kinetic energy. In the second mode, rotation of the rotor and the flywheel discharges kinetic energy to drive the motors.