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Historically, the simulation
tools in Ventilation and Cooling (VC) of mines were of a static
nature. However, when the true operation of VC systems must be
simulated, dynamic analyses are needed. If true dynamic operations
can be simulated, design and operations can be optimised with cost
and safety advantages.
QUICKControl is a novel South
African, Windows based, computer program for simulating the
dynamics of very large thermal systems. It has been developed over
the past 18 years and has received numerous awards. The DACST
proposal concerns the conversion of QUICKcontrol to a simulation
engine for mine VC systems. This new mine simulation engine will
be partially funded by DACST.
This simulation engine will form
the basis of four separate application tools. These tools will be
funded through other sources. The first tool will aid in designing
optimum ventilation and cooling (VC) systems for mines. The second
application will help with VC energy savings. The third
application will optimise maintenance procedures for VC systems.
The last application concerns mine safety and VC systems.
The above-mentioned tools will
be used to ensure the following outputs:
- optimising the design of future VC systems of
new deep mines to exploit ultra-deep ore bodies.
- improving the profitability of mines by
reducing the use of electricity and maintenance for VC
systems.
- increasing the operating life of existing
mines and retaining employment opportunities.
- improving safety and productivity by
simulating the rate of increase of the internal temperature as
caused by the failure of any major plant items.
These outputs can only be
achieved with full dynamic analyses as proposed to DACST (Current
static analyses can not be used for these applications). |