As mining operations encounter increasing regulatory demands to minimise environmental impacts, battery-powered pumps are emerging as crucial solutions for compliance and operational effectiveness. These innovations not only help reduce emissions and noise but also offer enhanced flexibility and ease of deployment, making them highly practical for mining environments.
Traditional Pump Power Sources and Emerging Alternatives
Historically, water pumps on mining sites have relied on mains electricity or generators powered by combustion engines. However, with greater emphasis on emission reduction, noise control, and the need for increased adaptability, mobile battery storage systems are being recognised as viable alternatives. This shift is supported by recent technological advances in battery storage and power delivery systems.
Tsurumi Pump Field Tests
Tsurumi conducted tests using two typical pumps: the single-phase LB480 drainage pump and the three-phase KTV3-55 heavy-duty pump, the largest in Tsurumi’s popular series. The LB480 is part of the compact series, designed for 230 V operation, while the KTV3-55 runs on 400 V. These submersible pumps are frequently used for drainage in sump areas of mining sites—low-lying sections where water collects and must be pumped out. They are engineered for unattended operation, handling media with substantial solid content under continuous load.
Power Requirements for Battery Operation
The power demands during pump start-up and ongoing operation are technically significant when considering battery-powered systems. Typical drainage pumps, with motor power ranging from 0.48 kW to over 5 kW, require a stable AC power supply and high starting currents, mainly due to their use of inductive motors. Previously, only high-quality generators could reliably deliver these currents off-grid. Now, modern battery systems are capable of meeting these peak loads, expanding the possibilities for pump operation in remote locations.
A portable battery storage unit from Instagrid was deployed as the power source, designed for off-grid use. Both pumps were connected directly and operated under realistic drainage conditions. The tests demonstrated that both the compact LB480 and the robust KTV3-55 could pump an average of approximately 40,000 litres of water on a single battery charge, with the KTV3-55 moving 44 cubic metres in under 50 minutes.
Advantages for Mining Operators
For operators, battery-powered solutions represent a genuine alternative to traditional mains connections. The Instagrid ‘Go’ and ‘Link Max’ mobile power storage units are specifically designed to operate energy-intensive tools and construction equipment without voltage drops, which is vital for pumps with inductive motors during start-up.
Technical Reliability and Performance
Technically, the tests confirm that even powerful pumps with high delivery rates can be reliably operated on mobile battery systems in continuous service, without compromising delivery rates or operational safety.
Comparative Benefits Over Diesel Generators
Compared to diesel generators, battery storage solutions require less maintenance, reduce fuel costs, and eliminate emissions, making them a more sustainable option for mining sites. They are also quieter, which is especially beneficial for mines located near communities or in areas sensitive to noise. Over time, reduced operating costs and simplified logistics translate into significant savings for mining operations.
Simplified Logistics and Sustainable Operation
The combination of Tsurumi pumps and Instagrid batteries enables emission-free and low-noise operation, a significant advantage for noise-sensitive mining locations. There is no need for special precautions in water protection areas, and energy conservation is achieved by eliminating the requirement for standby power generation. The system’s simplicity—requiring only a pump, battery, and hose—streamlines logistics. With the addition of Tsurumi’s smart control and monitoring system (Tsurumi Connect), which is compatible with other brands, operators benefit from a modern and efficient pumping solution.