POWER FOR MINES
The ITG-M Series features a unique directdrive, synchronous, permanent magnetised generator( PMG) that harvests the energy of moving water from gravity-fed pipelines. The unique all-in-one rim design of the generator removes the need for a central shaft and couplings, resulting in a simplified, compact and efficient generating system that improves efficiency, limits noise, and prevents vibration.
The 12 " Compact Turgo unit to be supplied by Gilkes Hydro to AngloGold Ashanti in Mali is very similar to the one pictured
very excited about this new opportunity of reentering the mining sector, where we have a long history worldwide, and to expand our presence in Africa.
“ We believe that there is huge opportunity for our Turgo to be installed on the tailings of mines due to their superior resistance to abrasion.”
The Turgo Impulse turbine was developed by Gilkes to be a simple impulse type machine with a higher specific speed than a Pelton. The design therefore allows a larger jet of water to be directed at an angle onto the runner.
Covering the boundary between a Pelton and Francis machine, Turgo turbines have proved themselves to deal extremely well with‘ dirty’ water without any detriment to performance.
Originally designed and patented by Gilkes, the first ever Turgo turbine was installed in Scotland in 1919. Since then, turbines of Gilkes originated design have been operating in over 80 countries worldwide and many of the original units are still in operation.
ClearPower North America has expanded the market for its patented, Straflo design Industrial Turbine Generator( ITG) with the launch of its new ITG-M Series for the mining industry. The ITG-M Series allows mining companies to use their existing gravity-fed pipelines or outfalls to convert water and selective water slurry flows into a source of sustainable, renewable, low-cost electricity. By harnessing sufficient water flow and head, mining companies that install the ITG- M Series can produce over 30 MW of economical off-grid power, significantly reducing their electricity costs. The ITG-M is capable of producing up to 3 MW of electricity per 46 m of head.
ClearPower says that“ mines that currently use
expensive diesel fuels and inefficient generators spend approximately $ 212 to $ 281 per MW for electricity according to data provided by the Rocky Mountain Institute. At these rates, mines are spending approximately $ 65 to $ 100 million annually on energy for the 30 to 50 MW of electricity they need for operations.”
“ Our Industrial Turbine Generator-M Series is a perfect fit for mining companies,” said Michael Prendergast, Managing Partner at ClearPower North America.“ Mines utilise millions of gallons of water every day. This water can be economically converted into an inexpensive and sustainable source of clean energy. ClearPower’ s in-conduit ITG-M platform provides a robust bolton solution that can dramatically cut the cost of power for a fraction of the investment of other renewable sources, while reducing their carbon footprint.”
ClearPower North America’ s ITG-M Series is a bolt-on platform that can be installed quickly with potentially no downtime or disruption to operations. It also offers a small footprint that easily becomes part of an existing infrastructure that removes pressure while not affecting flow
Power storage
One way to overcome the problems of intermittent power from renewable sources is to store some of the power when it is available. A huge amount of R & D dollars is being poured into battery research.
Aggreko has spent £ 40 million to acquire Younicos, a global market leader in the development and deployment of integrated energy systems, based on battery storage. Aggreko stated:“ This acquisition strengthens our position as global energy markets continue to evolve and is in line with our strategy to invest in technology in order to reduce the cost of energy for our customers.”
Younicos delivers smart energy solutions integrating battery storage, which are modular and scalable.“ Its knowledge of batteries combined with proprietary control systems, enables the seamless integration and management of all forms of power, including thermal, renewable and battery energy resources; this is becoming critical in an increasingly distributed energy market.”
Global energy markets are changing: decarbonising and becoming more decentralised and digital. As renewables penetration increases, intermittency becomes a more difficult issue to manage across grid systems. Integration and control of thermal, renewable and battery systems will be increasingly required to ensure power stability and reliability are maintained. Off grid and microgrid energy solutions are ever more integrating renewable generation, whilst industrial and commercial customers are also taking advantage of opportunities for renewable integration and demand-side management.
“ The capabilities brought by Younicos, leveraged through our global footprint and experience in distributed power generation, are compelling. The Younicos integration and control systems, combined with batteries, can be deployed across our existing business to lower the cost of energy, ensure reliability and reduce carbon emissions for our customers around the world. Younicos has invested heavily in R & D since it was founded in 2005. It is based in Germany and the USA and has over 200 MW of installed storage systems, with a strong pipeline across both developed and emerging markets.” IM
38 International Mining | JANUARY 2018