Benchmarking of a battery loader and its impact on the Garpenberg mine
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Journal Title
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Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2023-12-11
Department
Major/Subject
European Mining Course
Mcode
Degree programme
European Mining, Minerals and Environmental Programme (EMMEP)
Language
en
Pages
79 + 11
Series
Abstract
The mining sector has evolved through various industrial revolutions, each marked by technological breakthroughs that enhanced productivity. However, the contemporary mining landscape confronts pressing challenges, including declining deposit grades, rising waste volumes, and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions. These challenges have spurred the fourth industrial revolution in mining, characterized by automation, artificial intelligence, and eco-friendly approaches such as battery technology. To address these challenges, this thesis investigates battery performance, productivity, energy efficiency, and swapping procedures of battery loaders in the context of the Garpenberg underground mine in Sweden. It involves collecting machine data, analyzing various driving patterns, and simulating the maximum distances between charging points and mining faces. The study also explores different settings in simulations, estimates investment costs, and evaluates the potential impact of transitioning the entire LHD fleet to battery-powered equipment on production and the power grid. While this research presents valuable insights into the adoption of battery-electric equipment in mining, it acknowledges certain limitations due to confidentiality requirements and focuses on averaged values. The study does not delve into the impact of battery loaders on the ventilation system, operator performance, or provide a detailed cost analysis for all involved parties. Nevertheless, the findings offer guidance to mining companies considering battery-electric solutions and contribute to the design of charging infrastructure in underground mines.Description
Supervisor
Rinne, MikaelThesis advisor
Wagner, DennisOsinga, Douwe
Keywords
mining, loader, battery, power grid