Apparatus and method for generating power onboard a hoist conveyance

Onboard power generation apparatus for supplying power to a vertically movable hoist conveyance comprising:

• a generator assembly comprising at least one drive wheel rotatably coupled thereto and operable to contact the surface of an adjacent stationary structure so that movement of the conveyance causes rotation of the drive wheel to generate an electric current;
• and
• a support on which the drive wheel is mounted, the support being movable with respect to the conveyance to accommodate variations in the surface of the adjacent structure as the conveyance moves vertically relative to the structure.

Onboard power generation apparatus for a mine hoist conveyance having guide wheels for engaging shaft guides and onboard instrumentation for monitoring the operation of the conveyance, the apparatus comprising:

• a battery for supplying power to instrumentation of the conveyance;
• and
• a generator carried by the conveyance and operatively connected to a guide wheel of the conveyance to produce an electric current upon movement of the conveyance and electrically connected to the battery to recharge the battery.

Onboard power generation apparatus for a hoist conveyance comprising:

• rotatable engaging means for engaging the surface of a substantially stationary structure adjacent to the conveyance such that movement of the conveyance causes rotation of the engaging means;
• and
• generating means operatively connected to said engaging means for generating an electric current to provide power to the conveyance upon rotation of the engaging means.

A method for generating power for a hoist conveyance operable to move in a vertical direction through a shaft, the method comprising:

• providing a generator assembly for mounting on the conveyance, the generator having at least one wheel for contacting a substantially stationary surface of the shaft;
• and
• generating an electric current when the wheel rotates upon movement of the conveyance.