How to improve power quality in variable-frequency drives for scraper conveyors?

🔌 Challenge:
Modern mines are actively implementing VFDs for scraper conveyors. However, this introduces voltage and current distortions, reducing energy efficiency and safety.

📊 Research:
Scientists from MISIS analyzed harmonic distortions in MPDS and evaluated the effectiveness of HFs, reactors, and SFs.

🔹 Key Findings:
✔️ HFs and reactors reduce harmonics upstream of the FC by 70–90%.
✔️ SFs mitigate distortions downstream of the FC but require precise tuning.
✔️ Harmonics in leakage circuits (especially 3rd, 5th, 7th) impact RCDs and personnel safety.
✔️ Combined use of HFs, reactors, and SFs delivers optimal results but needs technical-economic justification.

⚠️ Risks:
Higher harmonics in leakage circuits pose safety hazards and disrupt protective devices.

💡 Recommendations:
1️⃣ Deploy HFs and reactors to suppress harmonics upstream of the FC.
2️⃣ Carefully select SF parameters.
3️⃣ Account for harmonics when configuring RCDs.
4️⃣ Implement real-time power quality monitoring.

📌 Conclusion:
Enhancing power quality in VFD-driven scraper conveyors demands a holistic approach and adaptive protection systems.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Petrov V.L., Pichuev A.V. Assessing the efficiency of measures to enhance electric power quality in variable-frequency drive for scraper conveyors. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(1):60-69. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-01-198

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We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology" (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists have developed a mechatronic system for testing gearboxes in mining shovels. The mechanical transmissions of hoist and drag winches, as well as crowd mechanisms, operate under extreme variable and shock cyclic loads, requiring strict quality control. The new test bench performs running-in and acceptance testing of gearboxes under conditions closely simulating actual operation. It supports testing for various shovel models including EKG-8US, EKG-10, EKG-12K, and others. The system uses DC motors (350 kW and 560 kW) and standard transistor converters with PWM control. The software, based on the "Pulsar-7" diagnostic system, provides manual and automatic control, multiple loading modes (constant, variable, cyclic), automated test reporting, and excavation cycle simulation. A mathematical model was developed in Simulink to simulate the running-in process. The test bench has been successfully implemented in industrial applications.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Malafeev S.I., Malafeeva A.A., Konyashin V.I., Novgorodov A.A. Mechatronic system for running-in and testing of mechanical transmissions in mining shovels. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):75–83. DOI:10.17073/2500-0632-2024-05-262

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