Power generating units for a powered roof support complex

Abstract

The degree of utilisation of machinery and equipment is an important factor influencing the volume of daily output of an underground hard coal mine. Consequently, it also affects the efficiency and economic performance of an underground mining plant. The main task of a new pumping station is to ensure safety and continuity of the operation process in both active and new longwalls in the future. The article presents a modern and innovative pumping station that meets the assumptions of Industry 4.0. The power units supplying a longwall complex included in the central pumping station were selected so as to minimise the number of failures. The interruptions in the technological process of coal mining related to the lack or insufficient pressure of the working medium in the supply bus of the powered roof support are caused by inadequate type of hydraulic pumps. The paper presents a developed concept of an innovative central hydraulic pumping station feeding a longwall complex based on a powered roof support. The presented implementation—starting from the concept through design and implementation—has contributed to the improvement of working conditions and safety.