Australasian Mine Safety is the leading voice for all key decision makers within Mining company's and major contractors. Delivering the latest industry news as it breaks.
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130 The Australasian Mine Safety Journal Summer 2011/12 MOBILE LIGHTING Products and services banner The Future of Mobile Lighting for the Mining Industry Solar Hire has brought a new design of solar powered lighting system to the market with economical advantages over diesel powered units. Solar lighting is fast beginning to emerge in the Mining Industry as the industry's answer to the ever increasing pressure to save costs onsite and move toward a more sustainable energy. t he advantages of this lighting solution, extends well beyond cost savings and a greener company footprint. One considerable benefi t of the units is zero noise emissions during operation. This permits use, in close proximity to personnel and residential areas throughout the night without affecting the surrounding residents or work groups. The units are suitable for general area lighting on mine sites, around crib huts, site amenities, during shutdown works and at traffi c intersections. The units have in-built safety features for the protection of both operators and towers. The tower has the ability to self-lower in high winds to ensure the unit cannot tip over. Once wind strength has decreased to safe levels it will automatically elevate back to full height and recommence operation. The solar charging system remains functioning whether stationary or in transit. The towers are constructed to buyer specifi cations and to achieve MDG15 compliance. There is a delivery time of 10 weeks to site in most cases. Once placed in a north facing position they are immediately operational. The onboard battery system has a life expectancy of at least fi ve years. The solar panels have a life span of 20 years. Each unit has a 12 month warranty with an optional buy-back scheme if they are in service for three years. The towers are extremely robust with a towing weight of two tons; they can be easily moved between locations by light vehicles. The entire system works at an extra low voltage of 24 volts on board to ensure worker safety. It also has a small compact 3.3KVA 24 volt DC generator set on board to back up the solar charging system. Whilst it is unlikely that this should ever be needed, it serves as an added contingency to make sure the site will never be without lighting. The solar towers have enough stored energy with in the batteries onboard to last four days without exposure to sunlight and still provide 12 hours of operation each night. Lamp Colour (kelivn) Lamp Life (hours) Cost per lamp Nightly run time Activation/deactivation Fuel required Average annual fuel use (based on 12 hours daily, 365 days) CO2 Emissions Audible noise Daily labour cost (manpower charges) Diesel Lighting Tower Blue/white 200 to 2 000 $180 - $230 User defined: manual/timer Manual/timer –Timers need variation throughout the year Yes Approx 8 – 10 000 litres Yes Yes Yes Solar Lighting Tower White 10 000 $29 Dusk until dawn – with manual overide Automatic no variation required No None None None No The Australian designed and constructed solar lighting towers allow for real savings in any operation. The reduced consumption of diesel fuel is the most signifi cant saving. Diesel operated lighting towers consume almost $11,000 in diesel per unit annually. There are no ongoing cost requirements for the solar powered lighting towers. Furthermore, the maintenance costs are reduced as there are no labour costs associated with refuelling and servicing. As the solar tower systems rely on an air operated system to raise and lower the masts, there are no costs associated with the use of hydraulic systems. The table below clearly contrasts the strengths of solar lighting towers with conventional lighting towers: