Considerations for a 4160 V super longwall face

A brief review of the use of 4160 V motors for the super longwall face is followed by a discussion of major design considerations. The actual design of a 4160 V longwall controller along with a sensitive ground fault relay and cable handler is described, and conclusions are drawn regarding their performance in a typical mining situation. It is concluded that 4160 V motor will improve the voltage regulation at the super longwall face; that, due to improved voltage regulation, there will be less strain in the mechanical rolling elements of the face conveyors; that a 4160 V longwall face will increase the longwall productivity by reducing the face-conveyor downtime; and that a sensitive ground fault relay along with the cable handler will increase the safety at the longwall face.<>