Shovel Drive System Updgrade – Case study
PROJECT SUMMARY
- Project: Shovel modernization to improve mine production and machine availability
- Location: USA
- Application: Electric Shovel Drive System Upgrade Mine
NIDEC'S ROLE
Nidec Industrial Solutions provided the electric drive control system, programmable controller, new armature controllers, field supplies, Allen-Bradley Control Logics PLC, new operator chair and controls, MineView Diagnostic system, installation, commissioning, start up, and training.
Scope of Supply
THE CHALLENGE
The customer needed to extend the life of their $20 Million excavator for the next 20 years.
The electronics (firing circuits/drive controller/PLC) had become obsolete and diagnostics were minimal. The existing analog controls were based on a card rack/connector/wire wrap topology. Not only were the components obsolete but card rack connections had become unreliable and intermittent with age.
Better diagnostics would reduce the excessive electrical downtime, improve mechanical reliability, optimize operator productivity, and improve coal production.
To reduce project cost and minimize installation time, the power electronic component (SCRs, Diodes, Inductors, Capacitors) along with the associated fusing and bus bars were retained. It was deemed that these components were not obsolete and replacements were readily available in the marketplace. The firing circuit/drive controller/PLC replacement only approach was specified by the client.
After evaluating several options, the customer selected Nidec Industrial Solutions to provide the upgrade.
THE SOLUTION
The solution was to install a proven Nidec Industrial Solutions control system.
Nidec firing modules, field supplies, pulse transformers, Allen-Bradley PLC, operator chair with joysticks, 3 HMI displays, MineView diagnostic system, installation, commission, start-up and training.