On-line control strategies to minimize peak loads on mine conveyor networks using surge units with variable discharging capability

Control of peak loads on gathering belts in mine conveyor systems can result in substantial reductions in power consumption as well as savings in capital and maintenance costs for the conveyor equipment. This paper first extends an existing control approach involving dynamic adjustment of feeder discharge rates to the case where the differences in transit times between section feeders and the gathering belts where the flows converge are small. It is shown that multiple units should be considered simultaneously when determining control actions, and a dynamic programming approach is given for determining the optimal control policy in such a situation. Subsequently, the application of this approach is considered for longwall mines where flow from the longwall is not controlled, but the discharge rates of continuous miner section feeders are adjusted in real time to prevent belt overloading while minimizing any production constraint on the continuous miner units. This application requires special treatment for the highly variable material flow pattern produced by longwalls. The practical utility of these approaches is evaluated through detailed simulation studies. These studies are used to estimate the magnitude of savings in energy, capital, and maintenance costs.