COVER STORY
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS Each partner has provided a unique set of expertise to this development process, demonstrating the value of industry collaboration. One of the technologies seen in the underground hauling fleet electrification system is Epiroc’s battery electric Minetruck MT42 SG. Epiroc’s largest battery-operated
mine truck boasts high capacity and productivity, thanks to its efficient drivetrain configuration ensuring low energy consumption and extended driving range. As it is a zero emissions truck, operators are not exposed to diesel particulates, and toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (NOx, HC and CO). Meanwhile, the trolley solution is
equipped with ABB’s DC converter, HES880 inverters and AMXE motors to enhance the power. The truck features a trolley pantograph connected to an overhead catenary line, a concept which is highly suitable for long haul ramps. The electric trolley line gives additional assistance to the battery-electric mine truck on the most demanding stretches up-ramp while fully loaded, enabling further reach and battery regeneration during drift, which increases productivity. ABB created the infrastructure from
grid to wheel, including the electric truck trolley system design and the rectifier substation for the test track. According to its developers, the eMine Trolley System can help mining trucks decrease diesel consumption by up to 90%. A trolley assist operation also gives the trucks under load an additional boost as they climb the gradient on the hauling route. Within the trolley system, rectifier
substations are needed to supply and control power to the overhead line system and trolley trucks. AC power is distributed through a medium voltage for the rectifier transformers and auxiliary systems in the mine’s substation and overhead line system. These rectifiers, attached to an e-house, convert the AC voltage to suitable levels for rectifiers. These then further convert the electricity from AC to DC, making it suitable for the mining trucks.
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Boliden, Epiroc and ABB are moving towards an all-electric mine
According to ABB, the entire trolley
system can also be embedded into the ABB automation platform meaning mining operators can remotely control and monitor the system and optimise energy usage for the highest efficiency and lowest costs.
AN ALL-ELECTRIC FUTURE ABB wanted a solution that could adapt to voltage fluctuations along the system, and so collaborated with partners to build a digital twin to simulate all scenarios. This resulted in the trolley system, with intelligent switchgear, measurements and transparency as well as the ability to adjust power where needed at any given moment. “Together we can accelerate the
transformation and reach a steep curve in mining technology innovation like we have done in Kristineberg,” says Wayne Symes, president of Epiroc’s underground division. “In a short space of time, we have implemented and delivered technology that has reduced CO2
emissions, substantially extended
travel distance for battery-electric driven vehicles on heavy ramp haulage, reduced operating costs, and improved the health and safety of mining environments.” “We are passionate and committed to creating real progress for the mining
industry,” adds Max Luedtke, global business line manager of Mining at ABB. “Seeing the industry’s first battery electric truck trolley system live is not only the result of a collaborative achievement with Boliden and Epiroc, but it is an industry milestone. We launched the ABB eMine concept of methods and solutions to bring electrification to the whole mining operation, from the grid to the wheel, and the installation at Kristineberg demonstrates the power of these capabilities.” Boliden plans to implement a
full scale, autonomous electric- trolley system in its Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine, and has placed an order for four Minetruck MT42 SG Trolley trucks from Epiroc. The total distance will be 5km at a depth of 750m. The company hopes that once achieved, Rävliden will have both reduced carbon emissions compared with a mine using conventional technology, and set a new standard for the all-electric mine of the future.
For more information visit:
new.abb.com/mining or
www.epiroc.com or
www.boliden.com
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