Abstract
A new method is introduced for calculating the optimal airflow distribution in an established mine ventilation network in which the airflow in certain branches has been specified. To achieve this, a nonlinear constrained minimization model has been developed in which the path matrix has been used so that Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) constraint can be described without using the regulator parameters resulting in a significant reduction in the size and complexity of the problem. The optimization routine is analysed and computational experience with the sequential unconstrained minimization techniques (SUMT) is reported and discussed. The ventilation solution produced by the model is compared with the free-splitting solution for the same network in different cases. These exercises suggest that the magnitude of improvement produced by the optimal solution over free-splitting is very dependent on the position and requirements of fixed quantity branches in relation to the network geometry.
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