Data Transmission for Automated Mines

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Data Transmission for Automated Mines

• Mine Equipment Projects
• Cathy Lousberg
• 9905746R

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Introduction

• Mine automation has progressed much slower than
  factory automation
• High level of control needed satisfy stringent
  mining regulations
• Data transmission is high priority

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Positioning Systems

• Navigation and location of equipment paramount
  for safety and productivity.
• Generally two types
• Absolute positioning systems
• Relative positioning systems

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Absolute Positioning

• Reference-based, positioned according to fixed
  objects.
• Include
• Global positioning systems (GPS)
• Landmark navigation
• Map based positioning

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Global Positioning System (GPS)

• Uses satellites to transmit signals to ground
  based equipment
• Signal travel time calculates location
• No good for underground applications due to
  overlying strata

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GPS Unit (adapted from Polotski Cohen 1998
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Landmark Navigation

• Uses distinct objects (landmarks) that the system
  recognises
• Set at known locations in mine
• Sensors calculate position relative to landmark

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Map based positioning

• Sensor on equipment creates map of surroundings
• Compares with global map stored in memory
• If map matches, location can be calculated
• No good for exploration or changing areas of mine

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Relative Positioning Systems

• Not favoured as error in calculation are
  cumulative and common
• Two types
• Odometry measures wheel rotation and calculates
  accordingly
• Inertial navigation measures wheel rotation and
  acceleration

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Communication systems

• Consists of
• Mainframe computer
• Mine wide data link
• Outstations
• Sensors

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Communication system (adapted from Hind 1999)
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Mainframe Computer

• Usually located on surface
• Has viewing interfaces for all transmitted data
• Includes a barrier to protect system from
  information overload or electrical surges

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Data Link

• Essential in connecting mainframe to outstations
• Two types
• Fibre optics generally not used because too
  fragile and fast for underground requirements,
  and unnecessarily costly
• Coaxial cable usually chosen as it is robust and
  cost effective

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Outstations

• Connect to mainframe by mine-wide data link
• Condition signals to allow effective
  communication between the mainframe and sensors
• Allows individual items of mobile plant to operate

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Sensors

• Collect signals and transmit them via data link
• Can include
• Microphones
• Cameras
• Force/Torque sensors

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Conclusion

• Although not advancing as fast as automotive
  industry, full mine automation will one day be a
  reality
• With improved safety and productivity, will be
  welcomed throughout industry
• Must include an appropriate data transmission
  system to function adequately