What are the operational advantages of electric-driven mining machinery over diesel counterparts?

There is a clear trend among mining operations to move from diesel to electric equipment for underground mining applications. Energy prices are on the rise, emissions regulations are becoming stricter and there is increased concern about the working environment of the operator. These factors have spurred a search for alternatives to traditional diesel fleets. The operation of electric-driven machinery offers benefits far beyond a simple reduction in emissions. We at Tuoxing Heavy Machinery have engineered and tested electric scooptrams and other underground trackless mining equipment with these considerations in mind. With over three decades of manufacturing experience, Tuoxing offers a reliable alternative to diesel-powered machinery in its TX-series of electric equipment for many mining operations.

Lower Ventilation and Cooling Requirements

Diesel engines consume high amounts of fresh air to operate, and their output contains massive amounts of heat as well as gases and particulates. Managing this output requires powerful, energy consuming ventilation systems and high-powered cooling systems. Because an electric motor has no exhaust and produces considerably less heat, these ventilation and cooling needs are significantly decreased. Air requirements at working stopes can be lowered, resulting in decreased fan energy costs and simplifying fresh air delivery. For deep mines that have both ventilation and space issues, freeing up this valuable air is beneficial for other stopes or locations.

Reduced Operating Costs Per Ton Moved

Diesel fuel costs are inherently volatile, and tend to rise steadily over time. The cost of electricity will tend to be less volatile, and overall lower, per kilowatt hour. Electric motors also have significantly fewer parts, translating into less maintenance and more run time in the mines. No need for oil changes, no fuel filters, no complicated after treatment exhaust systems, no expensive diesel particulate filter cleaning. Tuoxing electric scooptrams spend far less time down for maintenance than diesel machines, meaning you move more muck for less money. Reduced parts and fluid inventory also translate to lower costs for the mining operation. Per ton moved, the cost of operating an electric machine can be drastically less than for diesel.

Instant Torque and Responsive Performance

Electric motors are capable of delivering their full torque from zero RPM. Diesel engines require reaching their powerband before providing optimal power. This translates into a better and more responsive machine for underground loading and tramming applications. A Tuoxing electric scooptram can push into the muck pile and get started with instantaneous, reliable traction. The response will not be slow, and no time will be spent waiting for the diesel engine to deliver its power. The instant response also leads to much smoother acceleration and less shock to the drivetrain components, translating into longer component life.

Quieter Operation and Improved Communication

Underground, engine noise alone from a diesel engine can be deafening, making it difficult to communicate or hear equipment approaching. The increased silence provided by an electric motor greatly reduces operator fatigue, and allows communication without shouting. Employees near an electric scooptram can easily communicate without worry about over-shouting engine noise. There is also reduced risk of hearing damage for the employees at the working stopes.

Simplified Maintenance and Higher Availability

Maintenance on a diesel engine takes considerable time each week to service oil, fuel filters, injectors, after-treatment systems, and so on. With the minimal number of parts in an electric motor and drivetrain, most of these maintenance tasks are completely eliminated. Service is generally limited to cable maintenance, electrical connections, and motor bearings, greatly reducing the time and parts associated with each scheduled service interval. This increase in availability means more production from the same fleet of machines, and allows maintenance staff to focus on other vital underground infrastructure.

Suitability for Deep and Hot Mines

In deep mining applications, the ambient temperature of the working environment increases. The added heat of a diesel engine exacerbates these challenging working conditions. With an electric drive, significantly less heat is delivered into the workspace. The use of electric drive in deep and hot mines greatly simplifies the challenges of keeping workers at comfortable working temperatures.

Future Ready for Automation and New Energy

We are continuing to develop our machinery with the implementation of 5G, unmanned operation, and new energy sources. Electric drive systems are far better suited for integration with modern control systems, especially for autonomous mining. Implementing automated remote control for a diesel machine has challenges and complexity that are nearly eliminated in an electric drive system. By investing in electric drive machines now, mines are positioning themselves for success with the next generation of automated and remote operated mining equipment.