Natural Heat Exchange Engineering Technology for Mines (NHEET)

Lead Proponent

Mining Innovation Rehabilitation & Applied Research Corporation

Project Background

Underground mining operations are energy intensive, especially for the ventilation, heating and refrigeration systems, which are required to maintain a healthy and safe environment. The continuous increase in energy costs has pushed the mining industry to explore new energy-efficient technologies to reduce the energy demand and GHG emissions for these systems. This project focuses on natural heat exchange engineering technology. Specifically, the aim of this project is to engineer a fractured rock formation through which air can be pulled to cool warm air or warm cold air. The project developed a methodology for the engineering of this NHEET system under a range of site scenarios, with validation through software and physical models.

Estimating the heating and cooling power of the NHEET is an essential step to not only compare the NHEET system to other conventional heating and cooling systems in underground mines, but also to investigate the economic viability of implementing such a system.

Results

This project demonstrated that the system can significantly reduce the reduction in heating and cooling requirements which could allow for Canadian mining operations to be more profitable with reduced environmental footprints.

This work also enhances the understanding of the use of NHEET systems and criteria that need to be considered for their design and operation to assess technical and economic viability. More work is needed to further understand and optimize these systems, specifically since design and economics will vary from one mine to another.

Anticipated Environmental Benefits: Reduced GHG emissions, improved energy efficiency and reduced land use impact.

Benefits to Canada

This project creates a reduction in heating and cooling requirements allowing Canadian mining operations to be more profitable with reduced environmental footprints.

Next Steps

Further engineering analysis can lead to a more effective NHEET system design. In particular, the outlet configuration of the system can be optimized to reduce losses, operating costs, and waste heat generation.