MINING ENERGY_proof 22/08/2016 19:48 Page 9
MINING ENERGY
n Anti-reflective coated glass (Series 5A™)
enhances energy production.
At temperatures above 25°C, First Solar
modules produce more energy than competing
solar modules due to a superior temperature
coefficient. This proven performance advantage
provides stronger plant performance in high
temperature climates, where more than 90% of a
plant’s generation will occur when module
temperatures are above 25°C and First Solar
modules have a proven performance advantage.”
Solar panels on tailings ponds
An innovative and energy-smart concept to
harness clean solar power for multiple
applications is being tested in the
Mediterranean, off the island of Malta. Conceived
and developed by researchers at MIRARCO and
Laurentian University in Sudbury, Canada, the
Offshore Passive Photo-Voltaic (OPPV) project is
using thin solar panels (photo-voltaic cells)
floating on the water’s surface to generate energy.
The array of panels, measuring about 20 m by 20
m, is expected to have a peak output of 8 kW.
MIRARCO researcher Kim Trapani: “We believe
our system is a substantial improvement on other
forms of marine renewable energy, such as
offshore wind, rigid offshore photo-voltaic
structures, wave and tidal energy. The floating PV
panels do not pose a collision risk, and should
require very low maintenance.”
Dr Dean Millar, Professor in the Bharti School
of Engineering and the MIRARCO Research Chair
of Energy in Mining is particularly interested in
the potential applications of the OPPV project in
mining.
“Wherever they are located, mines tend to
consume appreciable amounts of energy to
support mineral production,” said Millar. “The
Maltese demonstration project is a world first
that aims to prove thin-film PV technology in the
saltwater marine environment, but it has also
been developed as an electricity generating
system for mines.”
The flexible laminated panels will float on the
surface of the water of tailings ponds, said Millar.
“The panels could form a barrier to isolate
wildlife from the tailings waters, while the panels
generate electricity for the mine.”
Trapani and Millar have published research
suggesting that for remote mines, the cost per
kilowatt-hour produced with the PV systems is
lower than the cost of installing and running
diesel-powered generators. “Our OPPV
technology could have game-changing
implications for the mining industry, especially
with remote mine sites, by providing clean and
cheap energy that can be set up where needed
with relatively little infrastructure. These
demonstration projects aim to prove longer term
reliability,” said Millar.
82 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016
Power management
In May, Schneider Electric announced Premset,
its innovative range of solid insulated medium
voltage switchgear for power distribution
management. Premset is the first global product
to use solid and shielded insulation. The earth
shielded system offers unprecedented safety,
efficiency and ease of use. The main circuit
components are insulated by a layer of solid
material covered by an external conductive coating
with ground potential. There is no electric field in
the ambient air, because live conductors and the
ground is confined within the switchgear enclosure.
“Premset is a breakthrough in