Power Distribution Systems in the mining industry

1
Power Distribution Systems(in the mining
industry)

• By
• Luke Phelps

2
Introduction

• Mining operation power requirements depend on
• Mine size
• Type and size of equipment
• Mining and milling procedures
• Mine location (ie isolated/non-isolated)
• Predicted expansion
• Available power from utility companies

3
Design Criteria

• Defined by the I.E.E.E. for industrial electrical
  systems that must be applied to mines.
• Safety of personnel and property
• Reliability of operation
• Simplicity
• Maintainability
• Adequate interrupting ability
• Current-limiting capacity
• Selective-system operation
• Voltage regulation
• Potential for expansion
• First cost

4
Power Distribution Equipment

• Major components of every mine power system
• Mine power centres
• Switchhouses
• Main substations
• Portable and unit substations
• Distribution (Conductors and connectors)
• Generation

5
Mine Power Supply

• Primarily power to mines is supplied by utility
  companies.
• Isolated mines require self-generated power
  (extending transmission lines is too long and
  expensive).
• Most mines have self-generated power available as
  an emergency source.

6
General Mine Power System

• 3 main sections
• Transmission or subtransmission
• Distribution
• Utilization

7
Power Distribution Arrangements

• Basic distribution arrangements for industrial
  applications
• Radial
• Secondary-selective
• Primary-selective
• Primary-loop
• Secondary spot networks
• most common in the mining industry.

8
Radial System
9
Second-Selective System
10
Surface Mine Distribution

• Primary purpose to provide a flexible, easily
  moved or modified power source for the highly
  mobile mining equipment.
• Typical open pit power system establishes a ring
  bus as shown.

11
Underground Mine Distribution

• Much more complicated than surface mine
  distribution
• Typically radial (as shown) or secondary-selective
  arrangements due to the underground routing
  limitations.

12
Mine Power System Safety

• All equipment and cables used underground or in
  surface mines must be protected against failure
  to avoid electrical hazards.
• Grounding systems consist of
• Grounding bed located near the main substation
  and consists of buried horizontal conductors,
  driven rods or a combination of both.
• Grounding conductors carried into mine with
  electrical distribution cables and connect
  grounding bed to mining equipment.
• Helps protect electrical equipment and personnel
  from consequences of electrical failure.

13
Conclusion

• Mine power systems are essential components of
  mining operations.
• Designs must be
• Efficient
• Reliable
• Safe
• Lowest possible cost

14
Power Distribution Systems

• The End