Abstract:

MacLean Engineering, Workplace Safety North and NRCan-CanmetMINING Diesel and BEV Noise Field Test Study Results

To provide the Canadian and global mining industry with the data required to support electrification and the transition from diesel to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), MacLean Engineering (MacLean) once again collaborated with Workplace Safety North (WSN) and NRCan-CanmetMINING (CMIN) to test diesel and BEV vehicles at their underground research facility in Sudbury, ON. WSN supported the test by monitoring the noise levels, while CMIN monitored the vehicle’s performance and mine air temperature. This presentation includes the vehicles’ specifications, test route, duty cycle, and noise from the vehicles, followed by the results of the different parameters monitored. Both MacLean BEV and Diesel Boom Trucks were fitted with MacLean’s new 977 Utility Vehicle Cab and tested at empty and loaded conditions.

The vehicles are compared in terms of loaded and empty equipment operation, and between the diesel and BEV counterparts. Results show that the use of BEV, instead of a diesel equipment, is an important step towards improving working conditions in an underground environment. Results also show that making changes to the cab design can greatly reduce the noise exposure to the operator.

Noise levels measured outside the vehicle were similar to the pervious year’s testing with the older 977 Utility Vehicle Cab, however measurements taken inside the operator cabin showed that both diesel and BEV noise levels improved substantially. It was observed that mine drift noise levels can also be influenced by the increased load and technology considered.

Judit Nelson, Workplace Safety North, Canada

John Le, NRCan-CanmetMINING, Canada

Alexander Lenz, MacLean Engineering, Canada

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Mr. Alexander Lenz