| Summary: | The investigations focus on load shifting, load clipping and energy efficiency through control strategies. Load shifting is achieved by increasing the amount of work done in the Eskom non-peak period. This then results in a decrease in the Eskom peak time work load.
The mine refrigeration system is modelled and verified with the data. A simulation is made from the model and the simulation is used to develop the new control strategy and new operational parameters. Predicted results are verified to be within production operational constraints.
A case study was carried out to prove the effectiveness of the newly developed control strategy and operational parameters. Firstly the cascade mine surface refrigeration system is automated to allow remote viewing and control of the system from a central point. The control strategy is tested through implementation on automated mine refrigeration systems.
The real-time energy management system (REMS) is set up and the communication with the SCADA is tested through observing dam level temperatures and stopping and starting refrigeration machines. The decisions the controllers make are monitored until the system is fully automated.
The results of the new control system on the flows, temperatures, dam levels, thermal energy and electrical energy are validated and verified. An assessment of the case study proved that DSM can be done on cascade mine refrigeration systems. A 4.2 MW load shift was predicted and research found an over performance of 0.3 MW. It is clear from the results that utilising the thermal storage in cascade mine surface refrigeration systems, will allow DSM load shifting.
In general, this dissertation proved DSM can be done on refrigeration systems and it is recommended that further studies be done on underground mine refrigeration systems. === Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.
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