LINEAR SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR HOISTS.pdfVIP

LINEAR SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR HOISTS R J Cruise and C F Landy The University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa Abstract: The idea of using linear synchronous motors to propel ropeless elevators is extended to the South African mining industry, where ultra-deep shafts are to be sunk to mine at depths of 4000 m and greater. A small prototype is designed and constructed to test the feasibility of the proposed hoisting system. A position and speed control algorithm is implemented to show that accurate control of the lift cage can be achieved. Stringent safety requirements have to be met, particularly in the event of a power failure. Thus, the model is used to demonstrate the fact that if an interruption occurs in the electrical supply, the dynamic braking characteristics of the system can control the falling lift cage. The vertical thrust force is calculated using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and compared to measured values. The results of this study show that a linear synchronous motor propelled hoist is both a feasible and safe option for ultra deep-level mining applications. HOISTING IN ULTRA DEEP-LEVEL MINES Le Roux et a1 (1) state that with conventional hoisting systems, the cost of removing the ore from underground increases substantially with depth. The deeper the shaft, the longer and therefore the heavier the hoisting rope becomes. The heavier the hoisting rope, the larger the cross-sectional area of the rope has to be in order to be able to withstand the increased tensile stresses. The increase in diameter contributes further to the weight of the rope which has a marked effect on the overall efficiency of the system. Consequently, conventional hoisting systems are restricted to a maximum operating depth of 2000 m. To overcome this problem, sub- vertical shafts are sunk. A sub-vertical shaft uses exactly the same hoisting principles, with the only exception being that the electric drive is situated underground at a depth of