LTO batteries in mining applications

28 October 2020 Power Electronics / Power Management

The mining industry in Africa provides numerous jobs and essential raw materials for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, critical to rebuilding economies and industry after the Covid-19 epidemic. However, the air pollution in underground mining operations is a major concern for mining companies as well as the miners working in these conditions. Mining companies spend millions of dollars annually circulating fresh air down to the mineworkers.

Some of the biggest contributors to the air pollution in mining tunnels are diesel powered vehicles and the gases and fumes released from lead-acid battery charging, for electric locomotives and other electric systems still using outdated battery technology. The worldwide push to electric zero-emission vehicles and equipment will go a long way towards solving this problem. One of the biggest challenges for the mining industry and vehicle manufacturers is the battery technology used.

Power Extreme’s LTO battery solutions answer a number of these issues. With the development of new electric excavators, locomotives, and other utility vehicles, and the drive for zero-emission and regulatory requirements to slash facilities’ carbon footprints, the LTO battery technology manufactured by Power Extreme will resolve several of the difficulties associated with older battery technologies.

Some of the problems addressed by the lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries are their much faster charging rate, zero emissions during charging, significantly higher cycles count in comparison to lead-acid batteries and better safety performance specifications that other lithium technologies.

By addressing the limitations of other battery technologies, the LTO batteries produced in South Africa by Power Extreme will result in a significant cost saving to the mines in terms of the money spent on circulating fresh air, regular replacement of batteries, faster turnaround between shifts because of the fast charging capabilities, less potential for chemical spills and the associated hazards and the requirement for less battery packs for electric mining vehicles.

The AfriStreme family of batteries produced by Power Extreme Technologies in South Africa can be adapted to suit a vast range of applications, both aboveground and underground.

Further reading:

The importance of power integrity
Spectrum Concepts Power Electronics / Power Management
[Sponsored] Behind every high-speed system lies the need for power integrity. Without it, even the cleanest signal paths become compromised.

Read more...

---

Precise multi-vital sign monitoring
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The AS7058 by ams OSRAM is an integrated multi-vital sign monitoring device, which provides a complete photoplethysmogram, electrocardiogram, body impedance sensor, and electrodermal activity sensor.

Read more...

---

Automotive battery diagnostics tester
Comtest Power Electronics / Power Management
Midtronics’ MVT handheld battery tester is a revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, which is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.

Read more...

---

Advanced 3-phase controllers
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The STSPIN32G0 by STMicroelectronics is a family of highly integrated system-in-package providing solution suitable for driving three-phase brushless motors.

Read more...

---

Converting high voltages without a transformer
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
With appropriate power converter ICs, such as the LTC7897 from Analog Devices, many applications can be suitably powered without having to use complex and cost-intensive transformers.

Read more...

---

Reliable power for demanding applications
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo Power MTR480 three-phase DIN-rail power supply is engineered to meet stringent industrial automation requirements, offering dependable performance in environments where downtime is not an option.

Read more...

---

Powering performance and precision
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
onsemi’s innovative T10 series MOSFETs, available in 40 V and 80 V versions, are designed for high-efficiency, fast-switching, and power-dense applications.

Read more...

---

Programmable flyback switcher ICs
Future Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Power Integrations has announced the release of the InnoSwitch5-Pro family of programmable flyback switcher ICs, which offer more than 95% efficiency in streamlined AC-DC converter designs.

Read more...

---

Multilayer chip beads with 8 A rating
RS South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has expanded its MPZ1608-PH series of large-current multilayer chip beads for automotive and commercial power supply lines.

Read more...

---

The role of bidirectional charging in the evolving energy landscape
Avnet Silica Power Electronics / Power Management
As reliance on renewable sources like wind and solar continues to grow, the need for efficient energy flow and storage solutions has become more critical than ever.

Read more...

---