Electric mining trucks to embrace innovative "hammer and rail" dynamic charging technology, backed by ARENA.
BluVein's Innovative "Hammer and Rail" Dynamic Charging Technology for Mining
Australian company BluVein is developing a pioneering solution to power and charge heavy mining haul trucks while they are in motion, significantly reducing downtime associated with stationary charging and lowering reliance on diesel fuel. The technology, known as the "hammer and rail" dynamic charging system, is currently undergoing a trial with a $9 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The system involves a specialized rail installed along mining routes and a "hammer" attachment on trucks that maintains continuous electrical contact with the rail, enabling real-time power supply and battery charging during operation. BluVein is currently testing a 40-60 tonne prototype truck equipped with the BluVein1 system (around 1MW) for underground mining use. Future plans include scaling up the technology to support ultra-class surface haul trucks with the BluVeinXL system, which can provide approximately 8MW of power for much larger 240-tonne trucks.
Key features of BluVein's technology include continuous in-motion charging, rail-based power delivery, enhanced safety, flexibility, environmental impact, and scalability. The system aims to replace billions of litres of diesel fuel with grid-delivered renewable electricity, thus reducing emissions and logistics challenges related to diesel use.
BluVein's dynamic charging differs notably from other electrification efforts, such as those by companies like Fortescue Metals, which are developing proprietary charging solutions mostly involving large-capacity (6MW) but potentially less flexible systems. BluVein's rail-based approach is distinctive because it integrates charging directly into haul routes with a rail and hammer system, allowing ongoing charging without restricting vehicle freedom or requiring overhead wiring systems that limit maneuverability.
The trial will take place at Heidelberg's Wolffdene quarry on the Old Coast in Queensland. BluVein's CEO, James Oliver, made these statements at a media event. The funding from AREA and the federal government will enable BluVein to extend the test track and push towards commercial reality.
Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of The Driven, Renew Economy, and One Step Off The Grid, also reported on this event. Parkinson, who owns a Tesla Model 3, emphasized the potential for BluVein's technology to revolutionize the mining industry and contribute to Australia's efforts to reduce emissions and energy use in heavy industries. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency believes that bold solutions like BluVein's hammer and rail technology are necessary to hit climate targets.
[1] BluVein (2021). BluVein's Dynamic Charging Technology for Mining Haul Trucks. Retrieved from https://bluvein.com/dynamic-charging-technology
[2] Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) (2021). BluVein. Retrieved from https://arena.gov.au/projects/blu-v-e-in
[3] Fortescue Metals Group (2021). Electric Mining. Retrieved from https://www.fortescue.com/our-business/electric-mining
[4] Mining Technology (2021). BluVein secures $9m funding for rail-based mining truck charging system. Retrieved from https://mining-technology.com/news/bluvein-secures-9m-funding-for-rail-based-mining-truck-charging-system/
[5] The Driven (2021). BluVein secures $9m grant to develop dynamic charging for mining trucks. Retrieved from https://thedriven.io/2021/04/21/bluvein-secures-9m-grant-to-develop-dynamic-charging-for-mining-trucks/
- BluVein's innovative technology, known as the "hammer and rail" dynamic charging system, offers a significant contribution to the climate-change and environmental-science field, aiming to replace billions of liters of diesel fuel with renewable electricity.
- The mining industry is set to experience a transformation with the advancement of BluVein's technology, as it promises to revolutionize the use of renewable-energy in the sector, making it more environmentally friendly and scalable.
- The system's unique features include data-and-cloud-computing capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization, which is crucial for efficient energy consumption and reducing the impact on the environment.
- The finance industry is likely to be interested in investing in BluVein's technology, given its potential to disrupt the industry, lowering emissions and logistics challenges associated with diesel use while promoting the growth of renewable-energy in the industry.
