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A Computer Program for Selecting the Optimum Combination of Fans and Regulators in Underground Mines.

Calizaya-F; McPherson-MJ; Mousset-Jones-P

4th Int'l Mine Vent Congress Australia Australasian Inst Min & Metall Melbourne Pp 2-10 :2-10

10008211

This paper explains and discusses a computer program developed to determine the optimum combination of fan pressures that will give a required distribution of airflows in a mine ventilation system. The program is based on an existing simulator, vnetpc, and two experimentally developed relationships: (1) linearity between fan pressures and added regulator resistances and (2) a nonlinear convex function relating the system air power and the fan operating pressures. For a given ventilation network, the program determines the duties of fans and regulators that will fulfill the airflow requirements of a mine and minimize the total air power consumption (objective function). Since in this type of problem, the objective function is not explicitly known, but can be evaluated after a few simulation runs, the program utilizes a direct search method to approach the optimum condition. The program has been developed to assist mining engineers in designing, planning, and controlling underground ventilation systems. It is written in standard Fortran 77 for the IBM pc microcomputers and compatible machines. Application of the program is illustrated by the detailed solution of a two-fan multisection sample problem.

19880101

IH; Final Contract Report;

1988

MIR 22-90

4th Int'l Mine Vent. Congress, Australia. Australasian Inst. Min, & Metall, Melbourne, Pp 2-10

CA;

Univs. of CA.-berkely & Nev