An integrated energy efficiency strategy for deep mine ventilation and refrigeration

Mine-cooling and ventilation energy cost saving projects are implemented ad hoc and scattered throughout the system. Therefore, an overhead view and strategy is needed to help realise the total savings available on the entire mine-cooling and ventilation system. An overview and foundation is given of all the systems forming part of the mine ventilation and cooling system as well as the available energy and cost saving projects on each system. Every project on each system was then evaluated against their yearly monetary saving, potential risks and other factors. From this the optimal combination of projects was determined from the interaction between the projects and systems. Using the optimal combination and three important indicators, an implementation sequence was then developed. The resultant sequence ensures that all savings throughout the entire mine-cooling and ventilation system is attained. Implementing this sequenced combination of cooperative projects on a typical mine resulted in substantial annual savings. This was due to substantial reductions in the ventilation and cooling electricity bill.