Development and implementation of Mining SMART electrical GRIDs (M-SMARTGRID) : final report

Energy consumption is a major cost component in all mining operations. Electrical systems are quite often over-designed, and as such have high energy consumption while in an idling state and quite often having peak power values several times higher than the average power; due to the intermittent nature of some major mine loads (extraction, hauling, water pumping, booster fans). M-SmartGRID was a 3-year research project aimed to develop and implement a novel approach to mine power engineering involving Smart Grid systems, together with the use of engineered boreholes to provide direct power connections from the surface. Work was carried out in the following fields: Development of power network models, including local constraints such as tariff structure, statutory and regulatory constraints, etc.; Appraisal of mine grid topologies, including an investigation into the use of satellite shafts for cost efficient grid reinforcement capabilities; Development of intelligent sensors and actuators to enable a scalable modular control system, specifically aimed at power control applications; Development of software for automatic power management (dispatching) under normal operation conditions; Development of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for advising operators on how to perform power management (in abnormal operation circumstances, including but not limited to incidents, accidents, partial breakdowns, etc.).