Dynamic optimisation of deep-level mine refrigeration control
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Date
2018Author
Peach, P.
Bredenkamp, J.I.G.
Van Rensburg, J.F.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Artificial cooling remains vital to the deep-level mining industry.
This is mainly to ensure a safe underground working environment.
Unfortunately, the refrigeration systems of South African gold mines
are outdated. Aging infrastructure and increasing distances to
active mining areas present this industry with a unique set of cooling
challenges. Mines are deeper and more complex than ever, yet their
refrigeration systems operate according to original design
specifications. The importance of mine refrigeration systems
adapting to a dynamic environment becomes evident. One solution
to this challenge is to re-evaluate the control of refrigeration
systems based on dynamic cooling needs. Control optimisation
strategies were implemented on a case study to improve the overall
performance of a refrigeration system. The implementation of
these strategies resulted in multiple benefits for the mine. The
operational performance of the refrigeration system was optimised,
resulting in both service delivery improvements and energy
efficiency. During summer months the chill dam temperature
decreased by 1°C at a lower energy consumption of 38 MWh per
day. This accumulates to a financial cost saving of R9 million per
annum. This study proves that operational performance increases
are possible through dynamic control optimisation of deep-level
mine refrigeration systems Kunsmatige verkoeling bly onontbeerlik vir die ondergrondse
mynboubedryf. Dit is hoofsaaklik om 'n veilige werksomgewing te
verseker. Ongelukkig is die verkoelingstelsels van Suid-Afrikaanse
goudmyne verouderd. Verouderde infrastruktuur en die
toenemende afstande na aktiewe werksareas lei tot unieke
verkoelings uitdagings. Myne is dieper en meer kompleks as ooit
tevore, maar die verkoelingstelsels funksioneer steeds volgens
oorspronklike ontwerpspesifikasies. Dit is duidelik dat huidige
verkoelingstelsels nie opgewasse is vir die veranderende
omstandighede nie. Een oplossing vir hierdie unieke uitdaging is om
die beheer van verkoelingstelsels te herevalueer om aan
veranderende verkoelings behoeftes te voorsien. Optimering
strategieë is geïmplementeer op 'n gevallestudie om die algehele
dienslewering van 'n verkoelingstelsel te verbeter. Implementering
van hierdie strategieë het verskeie voordele tot gevolg gehad, onder
andere verbeterings in dienslewering teen ʼn laer energie verbruik.
Gedurende die somermaande het die temperatuur van die koue
water dam gedaal met 1°C teen 'n verminderde energieverbruik van
38 MWh per dag. Dit lei tot 'n finansiële kostebesparing van
R9 miljoen per jaar. Hierdie studie bewys dus dat operasionele
verbeterings in dienslewering moontlik is deur dinamiese beheer
van myn verkoelingstelsels
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/32829http://sajie.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/2060/880
https://doi.org/10.7166/29-3-2060
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- Faculty of Engineering [1122]