Impact of Monthly Load Variability on the Energy Consumption of Twin Belt Conveyors in a Lignite Mine

Mirosław Bajda, Leszek Jurdziak () and Zbigniew Konieczka
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Mirosław Bajda: Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Leszek Jurdziak: Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Zbigniew Konieczka: PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna S.A, Oddział KWB Bełchatów, 97-400 Bełchatów, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: This study examines the influence of average monthly load variations on the unit energy consumption indicator (ZE) of belt conveyors, defined as the energy required to transport 1 Mg of bulk material (coal) over a distance of 1 km. The analysis is based on energy consumption data from twin belt conveyors operating in a Polish lignite mine over four years. Monthly records included transported mass, conveyor operating time, energy consumed, and atmospheric conditions (temperature and humidity). The results indicate statistically significant differences in ZE between the analyzed conveyors. A relative increase in average load by 35% (from 2000 Mg/h) corresponded to a 26% reduction in ZE, with a specific decrease of 90 Wh/Mg/km. The findings highlight that optimizing conveyor load distribution can significantly reduce energy consumption—by up to 30%. These insights underscore the potential for energy savings through better conveyor load management without requiring significant infrastructural investments.

Keywords: belt conveyor; energy consumption; unit energy consumption; conveyor load; theoretical capacity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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