Power Quality Issues of Distorted and Weak Distribution Networks in Mining Industry: A Review

Mining is an important industry in many countries including Australia and plays a vital role in their economy. The industry heavily depends on electricity as it employs different types of electrical loads. Consequently, a stable and reliable supply of electricity is vital for running the production smoothly. In this review paper, electrical characteristics of mining power systems are described and common power quality and energy efficiency concerns in these systems are stated and classified. Different types of common power electronics topologies used in the industry are also studied and main requirements for reliable and robust operation of the system are categorized. A comprehensive case study to elaborate power quality challenges in mining distribution network is performed.