Integrated utilization of low-grade thermal energy in hot coal mine

Abstract

This paper explores the integrated utilization of low-grade thermal energy in hot coal mines, based on analysis of original heating, refrigerating, mine draining, bath draining and air exhaust systems, and in combination with the actual conditions of Tangkou Coal Mine in Shandong Province. It presents a set of comprehensive and integrated utilization schemes for the various different kinds of low quality heat energy. With heat pumps, the recycling of the low quality heat energy from the drainage, bathing water and the exhaust air can occur in winter, and in summer, there exists condensed heat of the refrigerating system. When in conjunction with solar collectors, the thermal utilization of solar power can be realized for the whole year. The system achieves mine drainage and bathing water purification and recycling, as well as purifying exhaust air by water spraying. It also satisfies the demands of a whole year’s bathing heat for the coal mine, with refrigeration in summer, and heating for the ground house and shaft house in winter. It is able to integrate different kinds of low quality heat energy and low emission drainage and dust, and can replace the traditional boiler heating system. Finally, the system reduces conventional energy consumption and the amount of mine water drainage.