Implementation of Fuzzy Control to Improve Energy Efficiency of Variable Speed Bulk Material Transportation

The paper presents a control strategy for the system of belt conveyors (BCs) with adjustable speed drives based on the principle of optimum energy consumption. Fuzzy logic controller is used in the algorithm for generating the reference speed. The proposed control structure is developed and tested on the detailed mathematical model of the drive system with the rubber belt. The presented algorithm is implemented on the new variable speed BC system with remote control on an open-pit mine. The measurements were performed to verify the proposed concept during the eight months of exploitation. Results of the measurements are presented in the paper.