September 27, 2016 - Siemens introduced a drive system for underground mining vehicles, providing a dedicated power range and performance for higher levels of productivity.
The electric drive system includes Siemens propulsion and auxiliary inverters, control hard- and software as well as optional energy storage solutions. At the heart of Siemens’ drive train is the PEM Motor typically connected to the wheels with a planetary type gearbox. This PEM motor, which is suitable for difficult mining conditions achieves a higher efficiency of up to 97 percent in operating-speed range compared to the efficiency of standard induction motors of similar size. With these components working together, the haul truck’s braking energy can be intelligently harnessed and stored for electric propulsion.
The drive system is currently in development on a 60-ton articulated underground haul truck application, yet more than 1000 mining-duty powertrain systems are deployed globally in the open pit mining market which includes all- electric excavators and various haul truck applications.
As many UG vehicles have similar power and propulsion requirements, Siemens plans to expand its development activities for other loading and transport applications in underground mining.