In the heart of China’s coal mining industry, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo and paving the way for safer, smarter operations. Led by Yong Zhang, a researcher at the Explosion-proof and Electrical Safety Technical Standards Institute in Beijing, the study delves into the potential risks and safety thresholds of 5G technology in underground coal mines, with a particular focus on the ignition of methane gas by radio frequency (RF) signals. The research, recently published in Meitan xuebao, which translates to Coal Science and Technology, is set to reshape the future of coal mining and energy production.
The coal mining industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, with 5G promising to drive intelligent transformation through high bandwidth, low latency, and extensive connectivity. However, the introduction of 5G technology in underground mines presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the safety of miners and the prevention of methane explosions.
Zhang and his team have systematically investigated the potential risks of methane gas explosions triggered by 5G RF signals. “The ignition of methane by RF energy is a complex process influenced by multiple factors,” Zhang explains. “Our study aimed to establish a universal calculation model to determine the power safety thresholds in air/methane mixtures, considering various environmental and operational parameters.”
The research team developed a comprehensive evaluation system for the safety thresholds of RF device transmitters in underground coal mines. By integrating low-temperature plasma dynamics, electromagnetic wave propagation theory, and methane explosion reaction kinetics, they created a universal calculation model. This model considers factors such as modulation mode, frequency, temperature, humidity, energy accumulation, antenna gain, and multi-source superposition.
Laboratory experiments were conducted to ignite methane gas using a half-wave dipole antenna, achieving efficient RF energy coupling to the discharge electrode. The results demonstrated that RF energy can indeed ignite methane, and the safety threshold is influenced by a multitude of factors. “Our findings indicate that the power safety threshold for the 5G NR 700 MHz band is not lower than 43.3 W,” Zhang reveals. “Moreover, we developed a method to quantify the impact of multi-source superposition on safety evaluations, which can improve the utilization efficiency of RF power.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. As coal mining operations increasingly adopt 5G technology for improved communication, automation, and data collection, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with RF signals is crucial. The study provides a reference for the safety research of other frequency bands and RF devices, emphasizing the necessity of revising relevant standards to precisely assess the risk of RF signals igniting flammable gases in complex underground environments.
The findings of Zhang’s research are expected to shape future developments in the field, driving the intelligent transformation and safe production of the coal mining industry. By clarifying the power safety threshold for 7G base stations in underground coal mines, the study supports the integration of advanced technologies while ensuring the safety of miners and the stability of operations.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the intersection of 5G technology and coal mining presents both opportunities and challenges. Zhang’s research, published in Meitan xuebao, offers valuable insights into the potential risks and safety thresholds of 5G RF signals in underground mines, paving the way for a smarter, safer future in coal mining and energy production. The study serves as a reminder that as we embrace new technologies, it is essential to prioritize safety and continuously evaluate and address potential risks.
