A strategy for critical electrical service restoration in underground mines using graph theory

Abstract

Underground mine blackouts can cripple safety, productivity, and equipment assets. Despite redundant design of the power distribution systems, inefficient switching procedures during outages lead to excessive downtime and loss of production. The number of switching operations must be reduced. This paper implements a LIP onto a graph to deliver a switching strategy, to restore critical electrical services faster than the current procedures allow. By employing distributed generators, the proposed method aims to minimise electrical blackout impact through efficient load reconfiguration. Application on a case study mine in South Africa demonstrated a 58% reduction in switching events (from 117 to 54) compared to the mine’s current approach, achieving 77% faster critical service restoration time. This method enhanced safety and efficiency, and reduced equipment damage during mine blackouts and should be considered for application across the entire Southern African mining industry.