Abstract
CIM 2023 Abstract. Mining Operation – Energy and Electrification
Title: Strategies to Reduce Energy Costs in Mine Hoisting Through Application of Drive Technologies
Topic: Mining Operations
For deep shafts, mine hoist loads represent a large components of the peak power requirements of a mine. Changing the duty of the hoisting cycle and co-ordinating hoists can significantly reduce the peak power demand without a significant impact on productivity.
Continued development of AC drive systems means that more choices are available for hoist drive applications. Different drive technology is applied across the range of power levels. Making the right choice is a critical decision that will affect the long term performance and power demand f the hoist plant.
Performance of drive systems with regard to both harmonics and power factor also differs across AC drive technologies. While most AC drive options offer unity power factor, this is not the case for all AC drive types. Some drives offer the ability to provide leading VAR’s with the resulting benefit for the mine power and infrastructure costs at a marginal price compared to separate PFC systems.
Technology exists to provide an integrated energy recovery system which will significantly reduce hoist peak power demand and power system infrastructure costs associated with shaft hoisting. The paper summarizes the choice of AC drive systems that operators of hoisting equipment have, together with the benefits and limitations of the different technologies currently available.