In the heart of coal mining operations, where the hum of machinery is a constant symphony, a groundbreaking development is poised to revolutionize the industry. Researchers, led by FAN Baodong, have developed an intelligent control system for scraper conveyors, the backbone of coal transportation in underground mining. This innovation, detailed in the journal ‘Gong-kuang zidonghua’ (Mining Automation), promises to enhance efficiency, safety, and automation in coal mining working faces.
Scraper conveyors are the unsung heroes of coal mining, transporting coal from the cutting face to the surface. However, their operation has long been plagued by inefficiencies and maintenance challenges. FAN Baodong and his team identified several key issues, including inadequate management of operating condition sensing data, lack of top-level control in data interaction, and insufficient application of intelligent technologies. “The current intelligent technology of scraper conveyor still faces several issues,” FAN Baodong noted, highlighting the need for a more integrated and intelligent approach.
The solution lies in the Kuanghong operating system, which provides a unified system architecture, standards, and protocols. The researchers developed an intelligent control system that addresses these challenges head-on. The system focuses on two critical technologies: operating condition sensing and adaptive control for scraper conveyors. By monitoring key parameters such as the operating status, fault information, and load of the scraper conveyor in real time, the system ensures high data accuracy and strong stability.
One of the standout features of this system is its ability to monitor the dumbbell state and chain break faults. This is achieved through advanced sensing technologies that provide real-time data on the conveyor’s performance. The system also calculates the coal transportation volume by analyzing the current data of the scraper conveyor’s driving motor and integrating collected data such as cutting height, cutting depth, travel speed, and position of the coal shearer. This leads to an intelligent speed control strategy for the scraper conveyor based on load conditions, optimizing its performance and reducing downtime.
Another significant innovation is the automatic chain tension control. By analyzing the relationship between the scraper conveyor’s chain and tension, the system calculates chain elongation and compares it to a set value. This allows for the automatic extension or retraction of hydraulic cylinders, ensuring optimal chain tension and reducing wear and tear.
The implications of this research are vast. For the energy sector, this means more efficient coal extraction processes, reduced maintenance costs, and improved safety for miners. The system’s ability to achieve interconnection and collaboration between the scraper conveyor and other equipment, such as coal shearers and hydraulic supports, with a data transmission delay of only 5 to 10 ms, is a game-changer. This level of precision and speed can significantly enhance the overall automation and efficiency of coal mining operations.
Industrial tests conducted at coal mine sites have shown promising results. The system demonstrated high precision in fault diagnosis and real-time data analysis, paving the way for future developments in the field. As the demand for coal continues to evolve, innovations like this will be crucial in shaping the future of mining technology.
The research published in ‘Gong-kuang zidonghua’ (Mining Automation) marks a significant step forward in the quest for smarter, more efficient mining operations. As the industry continues to embrace automation and intelligent technologies, the work of FAN Baodong and his team serves as a beacon of progress, guiding the way towards a more automated and efficient future in coal mining.
