INTERVIEW topologies ranging from traditional diesel / electric , hybrids with onboard energy storage , up to complete battery electric . To take one example , we have dominated electrical solutions both on and off truck in the mining trolley assist market in which we have been active since 1981 . Today , four Siemens Trolley systems are operating with trucks of several types between 180 t and 360 t load capacity including Barrick Lumwana , FQM ’ s Kansanshi & Sentinel in Zambia and Swakop Uranium ’ s Husab in Namibia . We also currently have three projects for new trolley systems running on three different continents ranging from 800 m to 4,000 m . Our offering is the Siemens Truck Trolley System Sicat ® TT which is AC-based , converting DC power from overhead lines using IGBT inverters controlled by a SIBAS control unit . High flexibility and modularity are features of this logically-structured system – which ensures easy adaption of the system to any customer requirements . Individual aspects of a mine ‘ s operation and the existing infrastructure can be channelled into the system during the design phase . Siemens not only offers the individual components necessary for catenary installation and truck conversion , it also assumes the role of turnkey systems supplier responsible for project planning , installation , commissioning , maintenance , and the training of local personnel . Using an AC drive system , there is no speed limit for a truck entering or connecting to the trolley lines . Combining an AC drive system with a Siemens trolley feeding system maximises the operation flexibility and efficiency . I think it is also worth mentioning across a number of mining applications that Siemens equipment like converter and inverter cabinets are very strong and capable of withstanding extreme shock and vibration . Since the water-cooled designs require no external air input , Siemens cabinets are sealed against harsh mining environments .
Q Trolley assist with battery and all battery electric are two options the big miners are looking at . Where is Siemens in terms of bring these solutions to market ? A Back in April 2019 , the Siemens Mining Mobility team already presented during your IM The Electric Mine conference in Toronto the electrical configuration plus the results of various simulations , investigations and physical tests for a full electric driven haul truck based on an onboard battery in combination with trolley assist . This combination of onboard batteries with trolley assist allows a continuous operation without any stops to charge batteries . During downhill and trolley assist operation the battery will be charged so that the truck has during the entire cycle electrical energy on board to move
Already a leader in trolley assist technology , Siemens has also developed a fully electric mining truck drive system which will be presented to the market soon
the vehicle . Besides that , the solution generates the following benefits : 16 % productivity increase , 46 % energy cost decrease / year , 32 % lifetime cost decrease , lower maintenance costs and zero carbon gas emissions ( no engine ). In the meantime Siemens has also developed a fully electric mining truck drive system which will be presented to the market soon . Our advantage is that we have our own in-house components and systems like trolley assist , AC drives plus the know how to design batteries for high power application and integrate them on haul trucks .
Q Finally on mining hoists – what trends are you seeing and what major projects from Siemens would highlight ? A We are seeing two trends in the mine hoist market , one being a much greater fail-safe focus and the second being cybersecurity – so both safety related ultimately . The cybersecurity aspect relates to the greater impact of digitalisation in mining but related to that the protection of access to these systems . On projects we have been working closely with the hoist supplier OLKO , part of Thyssen- Schachtbau . As part of this collaboration we have achieved the successful delivery of the complete electrical package for Anglo American ’ s Woodsmith polyhalite project in the UK and Slavkaliy ’ s potash project in Belarus . These projects included the electrification , drive system and automation with the latest
developed SIL-3 winder technology controller , or WTC , for the shaft hoisting systems . At Woodsmith , the polyhalite will be hoisted from approximately 1,450 m at a hoisting speed of 18 m per second ( m / s ). The delivery included a medium-voltage synchronous motor with an output of 9.3 MW and a torque of 1,550 kNm for each machine which are powered directly from a medium-voltage Sinamics SM150 ( PWM ) frequency converter . We have also partnered closely with SIEMAG TECBERG and FLSmidth for example on a number of hoist projects and on
hoisting automation technology development . The fact that our solutions are derived from a standardised , SIMATIC-based control and safety system in the form of the winder technological controller makes all conceivable versions of drive and control systems technologically possible . The WTC can be used in new plants as well as to modernise existing facilities . The current WTC system is an integrated solution . The WTC allows for control of all types of hoists such as friction ( Koepe ) winders , single and double drum winders , high performance production winders and personnel transportation winders . It offers maximum safety and reliability . The WTC-hardware consists of a double channel system based on Siemens SIMATIC S7 . That means all functions and modules are embedded in an automation system using worldwide proven standard components . And aside from new hoist projects , we also do a lot of modernisations and refurbishments .
IM
Siemens recent projects include electrical and control systems for the hoists at the new Slavkaliy-owned Nezhinsky potash mine in Belarus
SEPTEMBER 2021 | International Mining 117