Apparatus and method for generating power onboard a hoist conveyance

摘要

An onboard power generation apparatus for a hoist conveyance includes a drive wheel carried by the conveyance. The drive wheel is positioned to engage the surface of a stationary structure adjacent the conveyance, such as a shaft guide, so that movement of the conveyance relative to the structure causes rotation of the drive wheel. A charging generator coupled to the drive wheel is operable to produce an electric current upon rotation of the drive wheel. A battery may be electrically connected to the generator so that the generator provides an electric current to recharge the battery. The drive wheel may be mounted for movement relative to the conveyance with biasing mechanism for resiliently biasing the drive wheel toward the surface of the adjacent structure.