Integrating thermal storage in hybrid renewable mine energy systems; a techno-economic feasibility assessment

As a major contributor to Canadian industrial carbon emissions, miners are placing more emphasis on decarbonization efforts by developing greener strategies and sourcing cleaner energy for their mining operations. Despite some progress, decarbonization attempts by mining companies have been underwhelming mainly due to the financial challenges of renewable system implementations. This study aims to perceive an all-inclusive hybrid hydrogen-renewable storage energy system which can be financially competitive with the conventional mine energy system (usually diesel-fueled). Accordingly, the present research for the first time offers a novel solution to achieve full decarbonization of mine power system by integrating a multi-storage (Battery/Fuel Cell/Thermal Storage) and renewable power generation systems (i.e. wind or solar) for application in remote mine sites. Given the heavy reliance on diesel fuel in remote mines deployment of the proposed hybrid renewable system offers a significant potential for carbon savings.

Faculty Supervisor:

Seyed Ali Ghoreishi-Madiseh

Student:

Mohammad Amin Shadi Diznab;Hosein Kalantari

Partner:

HATCH Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

University of British Columbia

Program: