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Section 8
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
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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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.
AC Motors
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Section 8 - Drives 5
Electrical Motors can also be used as non contact
brakes.
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end
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Section 8 - Drives 6