Authors: P.V. Rudnev, I.P. Maslov, N.M. Shauleva

Title of the article: Analysis of ways to improve the efficiency of mine ventilation systems

Year: 2026, Issue: 4, Pages: 52-61

Branch of knowledge: 2.4.2. Electrotechnical complexes and systems (engineering)

Index UDK: 622.445 : 621.34-52

DOI: 10.26730/1816-4528-2026-4-52-61

Abstract: Currently, underground mining is accompanied by the complication of mine workings topology due to the increase in the depth of the cleaning and preparation works. This leads to an increase in the length of ventilation networks, which in turn requires an increase in reliability. The existing ventilation systems, operating on the basis of rigidly set algorithms with static parameters, do not provide the efficiency of operation. The article provides a review of the operational state of underground mines and evaluates the efficiency of their automation under conditions of high dynamics of mining and technical factors. The features of the condition of key underground mining enterprises in the Russian Federation (facilities of PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, PJSC Uralkali, and ALROSA) are analyzed. The authors substantiate that the existing deficit of high-precision airflow control at the technological periphery of mine fields and the high inertia of emergency reversal systems lead to an excess consumption of up to 50% of electricity and the risk of chaotic flow flipping during fires. The non-linearity of the ventilation network as a control object with stochastically changing parameters is proven. As a principal solution, a shift in the automation paradigm based on the transition to adaptive electrical engineering complexes is proposed. The need to transform passive ventilation structures into active adjustable actuators with a distributed electrical drive is argued. It is noted that coordinated control based on the principle of synchronization of variable frequency drives of fans and automated regulators allows local compensation of aerodynamic disturbances. The proposed approach ensures the isolation of local ventilation systems in developmental workings, minimizes the energy consumption of electrical machines, and guarantees the reliability of personnel life support during the implementation of mine emergency response plans.

Key words: mine ventilation network adaptive control variable frequency drive ventilation structure actuator mine emergency response plan developmental working energy efficiency

Receiving date: 17.06.2026

Approval date: 01.09.2026

Publication date: 27.08.2026

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