For the first time in the history of Ukraine, energy group DTEK has laid a Wi-Fi connection at a depth of 500 m in the Jubilee coal mine (Dnipropetrovsk region). Almost 130 km of cable were used and 400 access points were installed. Based on this wireless communication infrastructure, a multifunctional system is planned to be deployed to maximise the safety of miners.
According to MODUS Communications Infrastructure Project Manager DTEK, Vadim Miroshnichenko, underground communication is a basic infrastructure requirement for security projects. “The communication system will allow us to receive, in real time, data from various security sensors and to inform miners about changes in air and gas, monitor video workflows with cameras, as necessary to announce and carry out evacuation, and the mining dispatcher will be able to help the worker remotely by sending messages to a smart pager lamp, which is also an individual miner’s security system,” Miroshnichenko said.
Having a link will solve another issue – communications. Currently, coal mines in Ukraine have traditionally used landline telephones to communicate. In order to reach them, it is often necessary to walk a certain distance, or even to return completely to the surface, and therefore lose time, which is especially valuable when it is necessary to report a problem or to access important information.
With Wi-Fi and special smartphones, miners will be able to instantly communicate via voice calls or text messages to the surface and dispatcher, as well as quickly exchange information between underground sections. From a depth of up to 500 m, miners will be able to send photos and videos to the dispatcher, video broadcasts, receive live consultations, identify technical equipment malfunctions and obtain work permits.
According to MODUS Head of Digital Transformation DTEK Dmitry Osyka, DTEK is now creating an entire digital mine, at the heart of which is communication as a guarantor of the smooth operation of technology underground. “Underground infrastructure is significantly different from surface. The surface works through the transmitter and the existing ‘towers.’ Underground – these are not present, in addition, underground wireless communication can be weakened due to a number of objective reasons – the thickness of mine walls, uneven surfaces, working equipment, dust, etc. As part of our Digital Mine module, we have set ourselves an ambitious goal – to keep technology running smoothly underground. And everything worked out. There has not been such a large-scale project at such a depth in Ukraine yet,” Osyka emphasised.
He added that communication infrastructure is opening up a new range of opportunities – from mobile round-trip to remote control, and the lessons learned can be used in other areas and industries. “Such projects are our contribution to the transformation of energy & energy independence of the country, this is proof of DTEK’s achievements in the field of digital transformation,” Osika added.
Further, the company plans to launch at the mine automatic control of ventilation equipment, new systems of transportation of coal and materials underground, systems of protection of workers from getting into dangerous zones of work of mining machines and mechanisms, and also to start tracking of violations of safety rules.
