Choice of accumulator parameters and types of traction batteries for the mine trolley-battery locomotives

Abstract

The article sets out the research results of conditions and operation modes for the mine electric locomotives; defined the accumulator parameters and types of traction batteries for the trolley-battery locomotives. In the course were used the methods of system analysis of power consumption for these types of locomotives in the various technological operations, technical and economic performance of batteries of different electrochemical systems, as well as the results of instrumental measurements, mathematical calculations of the parameters of the traction batteries. It was established that the use of the battery-trolley locomotives in the ore haulageways will improve work safety in the load-hauldump underground operations by eliminating the contact wire at low altitudes of an underground working horizon. It was found that the application of lead-acid, nickel-iron and nickel-cadmium batteries for the mine locomotives does not provide necessary levels of reliability, efficiency and safety of operation. Scientific novelty of the work is the analysis of charge and discharge characteristics of various batteries during operation in mines, development of effective control system and traction control of the battery-trolley electric locomotives. To date, the use of lithium-ion and sodium nickelchloride battery types are considered to be a perspective direction. In this regard, development of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries is a useful step towards expelling the above batteries thanks to their lifetime, number of cyclic recharges, charging speed and voltage stability. Another promising type for the mine electric locomotives is the lithium-sulfur battery, which allows to obtain the maximum current density and characteristics similar to lead-acid batteries, and has no risk of fire, explosion, or other hazard. The practical value of given research results is concluded in developing the methods for motivated choice of nominal capacity traction battery, current/voltage values and the definition of the electrochemical systems types of the promising batteries for the mining electric locomotives. The following research results aim at further developing and improving the development of the energy saving and reliable battery for the mine battery-trolley electric locomotives, and implementation of control systems and operation control of the traction battery during exploitation of the mine electric locomotives.