SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
Alain Schierenbeck showcases a novel charging solution for electrified mines
he shift toward electrification within the mining industry appears to be unstoppable at this point. Encountering the harsh realities
TAKING CHARGE T
of cost, environmental harm, and work safety, mining is forced to take bold steps towards more sustainable practices. In the future, we can expect electrified mines to become the norm. Charging solutions for high-performance commercial vehicles and mobile machinery will be the key players in powering this shift toward sustainable mining practices. Revolutionising the mining industry with electrification heavily relies on the charging capacity of mine vehicles. Tese high-tech electric-powered vehicles present unique hurdles, requiring seamless integration of charging cycles into day-to-day operations. Te market is teeming with various charging solutions for electric mine vehicles: battery swap,
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stationary charging, opportunity charging, or a customised blend of all. Selecting the perfect solution requires a thorough assessment of the project to determine its needs, as each charging option comes with its own set of benefits and limitations.
BATTERY SWAPPING Battery swapping technology is a promising solution to cut down charging times. However, it faces some critical hurdles. One of them is that batteries are not standardised, leading to a plethora of variations in size, shape, and location within the truck. Moreover, battery swapping requires a station that comes at a steep cost.
STATIONARY CHARGING SYSTEMS Te stationary charging system requires vehicles to be taken out of circulation for charging, reducing overall efficiency and
leading to increased costs. Te lengthy process of connecting and disconnecting from a stationary charging station also translates to longer vehicle downtime, further impacting operations. Tis, in turn, compels mines to widen their fleets to prevent mining disruptions, adding to the costs associated with initial investment, maintenance, and storage space. Additionally, stationary charging stations may be inflexible and may not conform to the regular procedural demands of mining operations, thus requiring a charging station that can be easily relocated. Tis mobility enables movement to the optimal location, avoiding any unnecessary travel for charging that may arise from deepening mines or opening new shafts, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved efficiency. Stationary charging does present challenges to mine electrification projects
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