Jaime Muñoz, SEP Engineer
The movement of material is one of the activities that involve higher cost in the process of mineral exploitation, so the search for alternative energy sources at lower cost is a constant challenge in mining.
Regenerative braking makes it possible to reduce the speed of a hybrid vehicle, transforming part of its kinetic energy into electrical energy. In Minera Los Pelambres there is an opportunity to capture energy during the braking of extraction trucks, mainly because there are routes where the truck goes down loaded.
1. Analyze the power potential to be produced in the MLP routes.
2. Determine the base line of the truck power consumption.
3. Evaluate the feasibility of applying this technology in CAEX and test prototype.
4. Conclude whether or not it is appropriate to proceed to the basic design stage of a regenerative braking solution.