Evaluating the Green Energy Potential of the DOT type wind turbine for Mining Operations
C.H.J. Elpenhof (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
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Abstract
Applying wind turbines to create renewable energy is used by many companies around the world. However, in the mining industry, only two projects use wind energy. In the mining industry, energy consumption can be up to twenty-five megawatts per tonne of produced material. The main reason is the use of fossil fuel for generators in off-grid situations.
This paper evaluates the benefits of wind power for mining operations and the benefits of the Delft Offshore Turbine (DOT) type wind turbine compared to other turbines. Using the DOT type wind turbine, wind energy can be used for three different applications, namely: 1) generation of electricity, 2) direct hydraulic power and 3) direct dewatering.
Different areas in the world are then analysed on the aspects: 1) soil strength, 2) elevation or relief of the terrain and 3) the wind velocities. A case study is performed for the most suitable area in the world: Australia. Next the best-chosen location is divided into smaller regions, where the same evaluation is applied. A case study was conducted on a favourable area, calculating various cost and CO2 reduction scenarios based on simulated wind speeds.
The DOT type turbine can provide electricity, which costs 23 to 44 US$/MWh. Compared to a 1-MW diesel generator, in the best-case scenario, a wind farm generating 25 MW per hour, can save $4200/hour. Overall, implementing the DOT at the right location, can 1) remove polluting diesel generators from mining operations, 2) save energy costs up to $4200/hour and 3) reduce CO2 emissions up to 770 kilograms per MW per hour.