Mine Electrical Systems

Catalog description

The infrastructure of mines includes power systems, communication and tracking systems, and monitoring systems. Larger surface and underground mines often have power systems of similar size and complexity to a large town, but with additional engineering challenges created by the need to move the power system as mining advances, the confined spaces of underground mines, and the possible presence of combustible ores or explosive gases. Specialized communication systems are required in many underground mines because radio waves propagate poorly in these spaces. Personnel tracking systems are sometimes used to provide location information for all miners. Mine-wide monitoring systems are becoming increasingly common to improve personnel safety and equipment maintainability. In total, these mine electrical systems are a vital component of modern mines. Mining engineers take the lead role in the design and specification of these systems, just as they would for the materials handling, ventilation, and other ancillary systems of the mine. The goal of this course is to develop the necessary knowledge and engineering skills so that this work can be performed in a competent and safe manner. Circuit laws and network theorems are reviewed and the analysis of circuits is presented. The use of phasors and impedance diagrams, and the concepts of complex power and the power triangle are introduced. Models for two and three-winding transformers are presented, and the fundamental electromechanical concepts for motors and generators are given. The analysis of balanced three-phase is studied. Next, the basic concepts of power system protection are addressed. Grounding, ground bed design, and related topics are presented. Shock, fire, and explosion hazards are an everyday concern in mines, and the basic approaches for mitigating these hazards are covered. Distribution and utilization system arrangements, and the typical equipment for providing power within mines, are studied. Case studies from surface and underground mines are used to illustrate the concepts. The role of load flow and fault analyses in the design and operation of mine power systems is explained, and these concepts are applied using software tools. The application fundamentals of communications, tracking, and monitoring systems are presented, along with their operational advantages and limitations. The course culminates in a final project in which the mine electrical systems for a specific mine are designed.