CHARGING SOLUTIONS
assessed against the harsh conditions in mining environments , prevailing in endurance , reliability and withstanding unpredictable environmental conditions , ABB says . Currently , a roadmap for testing charge power beyond 6 MW is in motion .
“ Generally speaking , limitations are not on the power conversion , but on battery charge capability , connection interfaces , and system integration for electric vehicle charging applications ,” Nic Beutler , Global eMine Solutions Manager , and Mehrzad Ashnagaran , Global Product Line Manager , Electrification , ABB , say . “ As such , standards for high-power charging solutions for battery-electric vehicles are still in the process of being developed .”
The eMine FastCharge system has been developed with interoperability in mind . Its agnostic build , based upon open standards , means it is compatible with third-party infrastructure and can be adopted into existing frameworks . Capable of adapting to either pin and socket , or megawatt charging system cables without disrupting communication and electrification interfaces , the solution follows best industrial practices and automotive standards where applicable to harmonise mechanical and electrical components , the company says .
“ A modular solution designed to fit with current and future OEM equipment , eMine FastCharge is scalable by design , supporting the compatibility of future electrification technologies ,” Beutler and Ashnagaran say .
Ideally , charging stops are planned at points where there are natural process delays , such as during loading , queueing , or shift change . eMine FastCharge allows for seamless charging integration with minimal infrastructure expenditure , ABB says , adding that the charging points are easier to relocate and deliver , increasing the flexibility of operations .
The all-electric mine of the future will require both stationary and dynamic charging options . Larger heavy-duty trucks benefit most from dynamic energy transfer solutions applications while the truck is in motion , like ABB ’ s eMine Trolley System . The energy transferred is used to propel the truck and charge the battery at the same time . This is particularly beneficial at inclined sections of the haulage route , reducing the amount of energy cycled through the battery and increasing battery lifespan . Together , the electrification of these transportation systems enhances productivity by ensuring continuous operations , while eliminating the carbon emissions from diesel-powered trucks in open-pit mines , ABB says .
The company concluded : “ With ABB ’ s eMine solution , consultants are on hand to work with mining companies and partners , such as mine designers and truck OEMs , on the best adoption plans and execution , focusing on the total ecosystem rather than on individual and isolated solutions . Through a techno-economical assessment and an integral system ’ s engineering approach , ABB can assist mining companies in choosing the integrated solutions best suited for them . This takes into account the desired electrification , decarbonisation and optimisation of costs , tweaking parameters to allow mines to reach their full potential .”
A universal energy transfer technology
It is dynamic charging of battery trucks that is top of mind for BluVein .
The Australia-based innovator , a joint venture between Olitek and Evias , has devised a patented slotted ( electric ) rail system , which uses an enclosed electrified e-rail system mounted above or beside the mining vehicle together with the BluVein hammer that connects the electric vehicle to the rail .
The system , which is OEM agnostic , provides power for driving the vehicle , typically a mine truck , and charging the truck ’ s batteries while the truck is hauling load up the ramp and out of an underground mine . In an open-pit scenario , this system can also assist with uphill haulage , as well as offer the potential to use more compact batteries .
BluVein has been able to assemble an assortment of mining companies into
100,000 and counting …
Become part of International Mining ’ s growing global LinkedIn community , gaining access to in-depth features , exclusive interviews and the latest news .
Contact Phil Playle ( phil @ im-mining . com )