CRCMining is developing wireless energy transfer systems that are a key enabler for the all-electric underground mine of the future. This approach will facilitate reduced carcinogenic pollutants, energy consumption and downtime, with increased energy efficiency and productivity. In future mines there will be a far greater array of generation sources and a greater diversity of loads and associated technologies. This will present miners with challenges, as well as opportunities to reduce mining’s carbon footprint and energy costs. Due to the need to eliminate carcinogenic pollution as well as the drive to increase energy efficiency, mines will continue to focus on reducing the use of fossil fuels via an increase in the application of electric powered machines.
Electric machines have much higher energy efficiency relative to their diesel counterparts. Their reliability is also higher which will result in lower maintenance costs. But most importantly, electrical machines do not emit carcinogenic pollutants, which will facilitate a healthier workplace. A reduction in these particulate emissions will also reduce the ventilation requirements which account for up to 40% of an underground mine’s energy use and are a significant component of a mine’s infrastructure.
Traditionally electrically driven machines in mining operations have had significant constraints around their operation, by requiring trailing cables, or battery change out systems. There are distinct disadvantages with each of these approaches. Trailing cables are often damaged during operation and require vigilant maintenance. They are also range limited by their cable length. Battery based systems are limited by their relatively low energy density. Battery operated systems require regular battery interchange which reduces the machine’s productivity. The electric mine requires solutions that provide operational flexibility.
Wireless energy transfer systems are a rapidly evolving technology, which is able to efficiently transfer large amounts of energy across an air gap. Commercial systems are currently being used to charge trams and buses in different cities around the world. Pilot projects are also scheduled to extend the technology to cars and high speed trains. This ongoing innovative technology has now reached a tipping point where its adoption into a mining environment has the potential to provide significant operational and economic benefits.
CRCMining is developing an innovative modular energy transfer system that will wirelessly charge the batteries of electrically enabled underground mining vehicles whilst in both static and dynamic operation. The approach will eliminate the range limitations and maintenance issues associated with trailing cables and productivity losses due to the battery interchange. A wireless system has the potential to work continuously.
The Centre’s current project also aims at developing a framework for an open systems approach, in which wireless charging is compatible between multiple platforms, machines and manufacturers, providing a common charging interface.
The potential benefits are enormous. The new wireless electric charge technology will require no battery change-out, trailing cables or connector brushes. Machines will be able to operate with all the flexibility of diesel powered machines, without generating pollutants underground, operating with much higher energy efficiency, and much higher reliability. The system will have immunity to dirt and water, and has the advantage of being electrically isolated, with significantly reduced weight in batteries compared with alternative approaches.
This project is being carried out in conjunction with leading mining stakeholders. CRCMining welcomes further involvement from other interested parties within the mining industry.
