The implementation of a Dynamic air Compressor Selector system in mines

Generation of compressed air represents 20% of the total electricity usage in the mining industry. There are significant costs associated with generating compressed air and maintaining a compressed air system. This paper focuses on the implementation of a novel dynamic air compressor selector. A Dynamic Compressor Selector (DCS) system was developed to reduce the electricity usage of a compressed air ring. The DCS is a system that combines demand- and supply-side management of a compressed air network. The DCS calculates a pressure set point for compressors and schedules them according to the demand of the end-users. This paper focuses on the DCS implementation process and problems encountered while implementing the DCS technology. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DCS can successfully be implemented on a mine's compressed air system. The DCS was implemented at a platinum mine in South Africa where it was able to calculate pressure set points for the compressors. The supply of- and demand for compressed air was accurately matched resulting in lower overall compressed air usage. The DCS improved compressor scheduling and control whilst limiting compressor cycling. Improved compressor scheduling and control resulted in significant decreases in the electricity used to generate compressed air at the mine. Evening peak electric load reduction in excess of 3 MW were achieved.