Principles and technology for stepwise utilization of resources for mitigating deep mine heat hazards

Abstract

As is well known, deep mines are hot. As mining depth increases, the temperature of the surrounding rock also increases. This seriously affects mine safety and production and has restricted the exploitation of deep coal resources. Therefore, reducing the working face temperature to improve working conditions by controlling these heat hazards is an urgent problem. Considering problems in cooling deep mines both domestically and abroad along with the actual conditions of the Zhangshuanglou coal mine, we propose a HEMS technology that uses heat resources from deep mines in a stepwise manner. HEMS means a high temperature exchange machinery system. Mine inrush-water is used as a source of cooling. Twice the energy is extracted from the mine inrush water. Heat is used for building heating in the winter and cold water is used for cooling buildings in the summer. This opens a new technology for stepwise utilization of heat energy in deep mines. Energy conservation and reduced pollution, an improved environment and sustainable economic development are realized by this technique. The economic and social effects are obvious and illustrate a good prospect for the application and extension of the method.