What are uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)?

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are not a new technology but over recent years their application to the mining industry has increased in terms of volume and rated power. UPS installations come in various shapes and sizes that are specific to each application and the associated electrical installation.

What is a power supply for a mining operation?

The concept of power supply for a mining operation, therefore, is one which provides for a reliable supply to the main distribution point in a mine, from which power is then distributed to all the key loads in the operation.

What makes a mine power supply system different?

In addition to striking differences in the basic design, mine power supply systems also involve a number of special features relating to the installation of the system and necessitated by particular operating conditions deriving from environmental factors, difficult maintenance and repair operations, and special safety considerations.

Should a 6 kV system be used in a mining operation?

The general conclusion is that, in a typical mining operation, a 6 kV system will cover practically all the immediate requirements of the major loads and of the pit supply network, for which, moreover, standard equipment is readily available.

What data is provided by a utility supplying power to a mine?

The basic data, to be provided by the utility supplying power to the mining operation, refer to the resistance and inductive components of the network up to the main substation, both at the start of the operations ("present" conditions) and over time, corresponding roughly to the depreciation life of most power facilities in the mine.

Who designs mining power systems?

Traditionally, mining power systems have been designed by engineering companies (EPCs) and/or mining sector end-users using their knowledge of the industrial process and their experience from previous projects.