Electrical energy conservation in mining operations.

Stanek-EK; Rather-J

Proceedings of the Sixth WVU Conference on Coal Mine Electrotechnology, Morgantown, West Virginia, July 28-30, 1982. Cooley WL, ed., Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Contract J0123017, 1982 Nov; :80-97

20033474

Energy consumed in mining operations represents a significant portion of the nation's energy consumption. National energy consumption is around 80 quadrillion BTU's (or quads) annually. Energy consumed in the mining and processing of minerals exceeds 6% of national energy usage. Electrical energy consumed in coal preparation is about 0.01 quad, while extraction is about 0.1 quad. This paper will cover several methods that can be used to conserve electrical energy. In particular, five areas will be addressed: 1. optimal dispatching of on-site generation; 2. high-efficiency motors; 3. conductor selection; 4. power factor correction; 5. high efficacy lighting. A case study approach has been used to assess the importance of each of these five areas. In large operations where multiple on-site generators are present, optimally dispatching units can save significant energy. Implementation of demand control has minimal effect on energy savings, but it can greatly affect utility demand charges or capital investment for on-site distribution equipment. Energy conservation by traditional means (high efficiency equipment and power factor correction) can also have a significant impact.

Mining-industry; Underground-mining; Mining-equipment; Electronic-equipment; Electronic-devices; Electrical-transmission; Electronic-components; Electronic-devices; Electrical-conductivity; Electrical-generators; Electrical-measurement; Electrical-properties; Electrical-systems

19821101

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

Cooley-WL

1983

Contract-J0113078

Proceedings of the Sixth WVU Conference on Coal Mine Electrotechnology, Morgantown, West Virginia, on July 28-30, 1982.

MI; WV

Michigan Technological University