Abstract:
A simplified model of the −1 140 m level was built based on field measurements of the thermal and humid environment to address the intensifying thermal hazard and insufficient cooling capacity of conventional ventilation during deep mining in the Sanshandao Gold Mine. Three artificial refrigeration schemes, including surface refrigeration with chilled-water delivery underground, underground refrigeration with heat rejection through cooling water to the surface, and surface ice production with underground ice delivery, were compared in terms of cooling load and techno-economic performance. A local refrigeration trial at the −1 140 m level was combined to assess the engineering applicability of terminal cooling for artificial refrigeration. The results show that in the design conditions, the total cooling demand of four branch roadways is approximately 4.40 MW, and the air-handling rate is 105.32 m
3/s. Based on the equipment lists, the installed power rating of the three schemes is 1.813 MW, 2.513 MW, and 4.714 MW, with the equipment investment of approximately 16.00 million RMB, 12.06 million RMB, and 19.75 million RMB, respectively. The surface refrigeration with chilled-water delivery underground scheme exhibits the lowest installed power rating, a moderate equipment investment, and the optimal overall performance. During the trial operation of local refrigeration, operating one module can reduce the ambient temperature in the working area from approximately 37 °C to 32 °C. The results indicate that surface refrigeration with chilled-water delivery underground is a preferred option for future centralized cooling in deep workings. However, long-distance high-pressure cold transport, pipeline insulation, corrosion control, and water treatment require further engineering verification.