In the heart of China’s coal-rich regions, a technological revolution is underway, promising to reshape the future of open-pit mining. Zhiyong Lei, a leading engineer at CHN Energy Shaanxi Shenyan Co., Ltd., has spearheaded the development of an intelligent control platform designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of continuous coal mining operations. This innovative system, detailed in a recent study published in Meitan kexue jishu, which translates to Coal Science and Technology, integrates cutting-edge technologies to address some of the most pressing challenges in the mining industry.
The platform, a culmination of years of research and development, leverages dual-ring network transmission technology to reduce data transmission latency and enhance network stability. This is crucial in the dynamic environment of open-pit mines, where real-time data exchange is paramount. “The stability and speed of our network transmission are key to ensuring that all mining equipment operates in sync,” Lei explains. “This synchronization is what allows us to achieve seamless continuous mining operations.”
One of the standout features of the platform is its secure network transmission framework, designed to safeguard data confidentiality and integrity. In an industry where data breaches can have significant financial and operational repercussions, this aspect of the platform is particularly noteworthy. The system also incorporates a multi-machine cooperative control mechanism, which includes data acquisition, process control, and 3D visualization modules. These components work together to provide real-time monitoring and optimized control algorithms, boosting mining and transportation efficiency while ensuring the continuity of multi-machine operations.
The platform’s digital twin technology is another game-changer. By creating a synchronized multi-machine digital twin system, the platform addresses data integration and real-time responsiveness issues that have long plagued the mining industry. This digital twin system, combined with edge computing technology, allows for rapid field data processing, minimizing latency and facilitating real-time analysis and decision-making. “The digital twin technology is like having a mirror image of our physical operations,” Lei says. “It allows us to monitor and control our equipment with a level of precision that was previously unimaginable.”
The commercial implications of this research are vast. For the energy sector, which relies heavily on coal for power generation, this platform could significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce labor intensity. The platform’s ability to achieve multi-machine synchronous control, with a data packet loss rate of ≤ 0.25% and latency of ≤ 2 seconds, is a testament to its robustness. It enables coal extraction of 11 meters with an annual production capacity of 130,000 tons, while maintaining a failure-free rate of up to 90% during continuous operation. These figures are not just impressive; they represent a significant leap forward in the mining industry’s quest for automation and efficiency.
The platform’s functionalities, including comprehensive multi-machine synchronous monitoring, online fault self-diagnosis, and early warning systems, align perfectly with actual production requirements. This alignment is crucial for the platform’s adoption in the industry, as it ensures that the technology meets the practical needs of mining operations.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, the intelligent control platform developed by Lei and his team at CHN Energy Shaanxi Shenyan Co., Ltd. could set a new standard for open-pit mining operations. The integration of advanced technologies such as digital twin modeling, big data analytics, and edge computing is a clear indication of the direction in which the industry is heading. This research, published in Coal Science and Technology, not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for future developments in the field. As the demand for coal continues to grow, the need for efficient and safe mining operations becomes ever more pressing. This platform, with its innovative approach and proven results, is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand.