Cost-saving electrical energy consumption in underground ventilation by the use of ventilation on demand

ABSTRACT Electricity is one of the biggest expenses associated with underground mining and ventilation often accounts for 50% of the total electricity use. Ventilation on demand is not widely used in Brazil, but the Ipueira, Cuiaba, and Corrego do Sitio I mines reported savings of 26%, 30%, and 21%, respectively, following its application. Frequency inverters are used to control the rotation of the main fans during shift changes. The Cuiaba mine has a control room and fans are monitored online using wireless scattered sensors. Data from field studies were compared to other foreign mines. The results showed that the application of this technique, even in an experimental way, can reduce electricity consumption significantly. Despite the energy savings that can be achieved by providing air only when/where it is needed, the costs of automation, software, and infrastructure mean that it is not practical to apply this technique at a more advanced level.