The installation, which includes engineering, supply and construction management for a DC substation and an overhead catenary system (OCS), combines ABB’s electrification and automation expertise in the mining industry.
Each truck is fitted with a pantograph to receive external electric power. ABB was responsible for the off-truck trolley assist infrastructure and provided engineering, project management, equipment supply, system commissioning and construction management. ABB designed the overhead catenary system (OCS) infrastructure and delivered a rectifier substation providing in excess of 12MW of DC power to the trolley assist system. The trolley control system is connected to the existing ABB AbilityTM System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) automation platform to seamlessly integrate and monitor trolley operations and energy consumption. ABB is also providing OCS components customized for mining applications.
ABB collaborates with mining companies from initial feasibility studies through to full deployment. ABB has previously installed a similar substation at Boliden AB’s Aitik mine, Sweden's largest open-pit copper mine and is part of ongoing expansion plans at the site. This included a 4.8 megawatt rectifier, connected to the ABB Ability™ System 800xA control system.