Evaluation of savings from an underground fan replacement project

D. De Canha, J. H.C. Pretorius, R. Laubscher, P. Van Rhyn

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The savings calculation methodology from a fan replacement project is presented in this paper. The fans replaced are part of the underground ventilation system in a platinum mine. Initially, 290 axial flow fans rated at 45kW were to be replaced with carbon fibre composite fans. According to the manufacturer, the carbon fibre construction allowed for an optimum blade shape which results in the carbon fibre fan being more energy efficient. However, after the first few fans were replaced, it was discovered that the mine's blasting activities caused the carbon fibre fans to crack and eventually fail. Fortunately, the manufacturer was able to produce a steel fan with similar performance to that of the carbon composite fans and continue replacing old fans in the mine. The savings were independently verified according to the International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP). This involved testing old and new fans in a BS848 test duct and comparing the old and new fans at various operating points on their fan curves and making adjustments for operating conditions such as air density underground vs at the test duct. It was found that the new fans saved 5kW on average, across a range of operating points.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2016 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509014057
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Nov 2016
Event2016 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2016 - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 25 Sept 201628 Sept 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2016 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2016

Conference

Conference2016 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, AUPEC 2016
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane
Period25/09/1628/09/16

Keywords

  • Axial flow fans
  • Composite fans
  • Demand side management
  • Energy efficiency
  • Measurement and Verification
  • Underground ventilation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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