SAFETY
RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
It’s not simply ‘plug & play’ for BEVS: new risks for mine operations must be considered, says Marcello Sanchez
T
he technology for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is continually evolving, and mining companies need to go ‘back to basics’ to safeguard site
operations effectively. Te fire risks presented by the global shift towards BEVs must be considered so that operators and OEMs can minimise these risks effectively. Mobile equipment fires are increasingly common in the mining and resources industry, and several key factors should be considered to improve how the sector understands and applies fire prevention and mitigation measures. Typically, mobile equipment fires cause significant risks for operators, maintainers and any emergency responders. Tey can have catastrophic consequences in underground operations and can create a wider operational and commercial issue for earthmoving equipment owners and operators. Such fires have mandatory statutory reporting in most mining jurisdictions and they will be extensively
analysed, as regulators now expect mine operators will improve mobile equipment fire management performance.
FACILITATING LOW-CARBON MINES Te mining industry is continually searching for eco-friendly alternatives to align with global sustainability targets. Tis is causing a shift from the combustion- engine vehicles and diesel-powered machinery often used to fulfil intense work schedules. Tere are further benefits of BEVs that make them arguably more suitable in underground mines than in any other industry. Diesel engines create emissions, noise and heat, which negatively affects the underground work environment. Tis is seeing many mining businesses make the move towards BEVs, not only as a sustainable alternative for onsite equipment, but also to improve conditions in the mine. BEVs are being used across the mines – from production, such as LHD and drilling rigs, to utility support equipment, such as boom trucks, scissor trucks and personal/service carriers. Tere are opportunities to reduce costs and enhance safety by electrifying underground mine vehicles, as BEVs
minimise the need for expensive ventilation measures and improve the overall air quality for workers.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND BATTERY CHEMISTRY Within batteries, any heat is generated by current flow (the Joule effect), and temperature management is influenced by a battery management system (BMS). Te BMS will monitor the mean temperature of a battery pack and temperatures of the individual cells, in addition to the intake and output of coolant temperatures – if a coolant is used. Typically, high-temperature conditions are the result of an external heat source, or voltages and/or currents being out of range. If the internal temperature becomes too high, separator failure can occur, which leads to internal short-circuiting. With some chemistries, this can lead to a process called thermal runaway, which ultimately causes venting of hazardous gases and/ or flames and potential explosion of the battery assembly. When in thermal runaway, batteries
produce their own source of oxygen, feeding flames from within and self- sustaining the fire. Tis process makes traditional fire suppression methods more challenging, requiring a unique solution to minimise fire risk effectively. It’s important to detect potential battery failure quickly, to take action by cooling – using a wet chemical suppression agent, for example. Tis will stop, or delay, the potential consequences effectively, by preventing the fire from spreading.
Mine operators need to consider the fire risks among the BEVs they are adopting
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