The underground mining sector faces a number of environmental and health hazards. One of the key challenges to tackle is the miners’ air quality. Currently, all the emissions produced by traditional diesel engines operating underground need to be blown out of mines. Then replaced with fresh air to avoid health risks. Ventilation is also one of mining’s most expensive operational costs. As each kW of diesel burned adds multiple kW units to the power needed for ventilation. With this expense increasing the deeper mines are built. It’s estimated that ventilation can account for up to half of a mine’s total annual operating costs.
However, if there are zero diesel emissions from the start, ventilation no longer becomes an issue. That’s why Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Paus), a producer of specialist machines and vehicles for the mining and tunneling sectors, has developed the fully-electric MinCa 5.1 off-highway vehicle. Which is powered by our EDITRON drivetrain system.
The solution we developed for MinCa 5.1 is a 50kW electric motor utilizing synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology. This works with one of our inverters that drives the motor. The vehicle also contains a 50kWh battery system that can operate for between 3-4 hours before it needs to be recharged.
As well as emitting zero emissions, MinCa 5.1 also produces far less noise and fewer vibrations than vehicles with diesel engines. Driving them or working nearby is a far more pleasant experience than the alternative. They also produce very little heat, which is important as temperatures in mines can reach up to 50°C.
The vehicle can transport up to five passengers at a time. Additionally, it offers space for mining tools and equipment due to its self-supporting chassis. The all-wheel drive functionality, extremely stable axles and oil-immersed disc brakes also offer greater stability than hydraulic machines. Again, boosting safety for miners.
Joonas Talvitie, Danfoss Editron’s project manager for the MinCa 5.1 vehicle, said: “Delivering our unique software-led EDITRON system to Paus has allowed us to further our mission. To revolutionize electric power and electrify heavy-duty vehicles. Countries around the world are phasing out, or already banning, the use of diesel engines in mining. Therefore, we expect to see strong interest and take-up of MinCa 5.1 over the coming months.”
Produced in Emsbüren, Germany, Paus unveiled a prototype of the fully-electric MinCa 5.1 vehicle at bauma 2019. This is the building industry’s largest trade fair. The company is already negotiating with customers worldwide, including in North and South America and Russia. Talking about deploying the vehicle on current and planned mining projects.