A study was undertaken in Energy Conservation of Industrial Loads during March/April, 2002. An action plan was drawn for completion of the following activities before 31.3.2002

Expected savings in the energy cost per year was estimated as Rs.226 lakh units which amounts to a saving of Rs.10 crores for the year 2002-03. Review Meetings of Area Engineers are being conducted from time to time to monitor proposed works of reorganisation of Industrial Loads and the progress of each activity was reviewed. It is proposed to procure the equipment worth of Rs.2.5 crores required for reorganisation of works to achieve energy conservation for industrial loads. The pay back period for the equipment to be procured is estimated as 2 ½ years. The procurement activity is under process.

Vendor Meets were conducted with Pump and Motor manufacturers during month of February, 2002, with a view to procure high efficient (energy efficient) pumps and motors for use in mines. New specifications were drawn for procurement of these equipment. Previously we used to procure electrical motors with an efficiency of 88%. With the new proposal efficiency of energy efficient motors is increased to 94%. These motors will cost little bit higher than the normal motors with a pay back period of 1 ½ year.

Introduction of Variable Speed Drives in mines: Variable speed drives are the static (electronic) starter-cum-controllers for the equipment. The speed of the equipment can be changed depending on the torque and the load on the machine. The drive is having a programmable logic controller by which we can set the parameters like speed and torque limits, overload relay and earth leakage relay, trip settings, high voltage and low frequency limits etc. The expected energy conservation by using these VSDs on ventilation fans, belt conveyors and haulers is expected up to 10% to 15% depending on the load.

One Variable speed drive was introduced at GDK.9 incline for a 40HP direct hauler by M/s.NIRM and SCCL combination under Science & Technology Project. This VSD has been working since 1 ½ year and proved successful. The energy saving achieved by introduction of this drive/starter is reported to be 15%

1) Improves power factor to 0.96.

2) Increases efficiency

3) Allows smooth starting and stopping there by reducing the jerks in the gears and couplings.

4) Eliminates fluid couplings in case of belt conveyors and Resistance – Controller limits on haulers.

5) Reduces maintenance cost due to manpower reduction in repairs, adjustments etc.