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Hoist Drives

Section 8

In order for a hoist to move material (perform work)


it must have a source of energy, as well as a method
in which it can convert the energy into work.

The term includes the motors (prime movers),


shafting, gearing (transmission equ.) etc., by which
the drum, or drums, of a hoist are driven.

Section 8 - Drives 1
Hoist Prime Movers
A prime mover is an engine or other device that provides an initial source of
motive power.

As we saw earlier, the source of energy was originally man, and then horses.

While there may still be a mine hoist that is powered by air or even steam
pressure, hoists now are generally driven by electric motors.

Electric Motors
Electric Motors are the most
common prime movers used for
modern hoisting applications.

Section 8 - Drives 2
AC DC power
They can be categorized by the two
types of electrical power they run
on:

AC (Alternating current)
DC (Direct Current)

DC Motors
DC motors historically got
their power from motor
generators (MG sets) but the
falling cost of rectifiers
(thyristers) has led to many Motor Generator

conversions and is typical of


new installations.

Drive for 4000 HP Motor


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Section 8 - Drives 3
MG sets for driving DC motors
An AC Motor receiving
power from the utility
company is used to
turn a DC Generator(s),
which in turn supplies
power to the DC
motor(s) which drive
the hoist.
Large M.G. Set at Craig Mine

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Rectifiers for DC Motors


A rectifier is an electrical device, comprising one or more semi
conductive devices (such as diodes) or vacuum tubes arranged for
converting alternating current to direct current.

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Section 8 - Drives 4
Thyristors and Rectifiers
These devices require far less maintenance and therefore lower
operating costs than MG sets with all of their moving parts. Thyristors
and rectifiers have all but replaced the old MG sets.

*The white pucks are the thyristors.


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AC Motors

New advances in the control of AC


drives has enabled them to have good
low speed torque characteristics which
have made their use in mine hoisting
much more common.

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Section 8 - Drives 5
Electrical Motors can also be used as non contact
brakes.

Another aspect that should be noted is the use of electrics to


provide motor braking to a mine hoist.

This means of braking, or retardation, has reduced the use of


mechanical braking and increased the life of mechanical
components a great deal.

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end

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Section 8 - Drives 6

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