Underground mining is fascinating because it allows miners and companies to use the electricity they need to operate their machines safely and consistently from the surface.
Underground power distribution systems are responsible for how underground mines get the electricity they need. They are essential components of any mining operation. Without a functioning distribution system, you don’t have power. Mining is impossible without power.
Underground mine electrical distribution systems are similar to those used for electricity supply, but they are very different.
These systems work in harsh environments, which means they are subject to strains and pressures unlike other electrical systems.
These are the key functions and factors that make up an underground mining electrical distribution System:
Reliability: Systems must be capable of performing at their best under exceptional circumstances.
Maintenance: Systems must be simple to maintain and easy to troubleshoot.
Portable: The distribution systems must be portable so they can be moved around the mine site.
The Key Parts of a Distribution System
Three main sections make up underground mine electrical distribution systems:
Substation
This is located on the surface at the mine site and protects the underground system. It also transitions high voltages into the correct voltage underground.
Switchhouse
It is the main switch that turns on or off the system. This provides additional protections and controls.
Power Center
This is the heart of the distribution system. This is what pushes the electricity towards the machinery it powers.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at https://beckersmcusa.com/. For nearly a half a century, Becker Mining has been at the forefront of mining electrical companies. Becker/SMC is the industry’s leader in increasingly more sophisticated electrical control systems. Most of the major innovations, design features and specialized electrical components have been developed by Becker/SMC.