Technologies for Heat Hazard Governance and Thermal Energy Recovery in Deep Mines

Abstract

As the depth of mines continues to increase, the problems of high temperature and potential heat damage become more prominent. In this study, the characteristics of natural and industrial heat sources in mines were reviewed, and then mainstream heat hazard governance technologies and corresponding utilization methods were discussed and compared. The first category of technologies comprises the optimization of ventilation systems, the insulation of roc heat, and artificial refrigeration. These cooling approaches are limited because the heat resources cannot be recovered. The second category is the utilization of waste industrial heat in mines, including the use of waste heat from the air compressors, drainage water, and foul airflow, but the current applications of these approaches have limited effectiveness in cooling the underground space. The third category is the application of geo-structures to recover natural heat in mines. Based on the principles of the chiller/heat pump cycle and the characteristics of heat sources and sinks in mines, the potential and constraints of each technology were discussed and summarized. This study provides a scientific reference for the selection of suitable heat governance and utilization technologies.