Bornman, WaldoDirker, JacoArndt, Deon C.Meyer, Josua P.2018-02-082017-08Bornman, W., Dirker, J., Arndt, D.C. & Meyer, J.P. 2017, 'Integrated energy simulation of a deep level mine cooling system through a combination of forward and first-principle models applied to system-side parameters', Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 123, pp. 1166-1180.1359-4311 (print)1873-5606 (online)10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.05.163http://hdl.handle.net/2263/63896Mine cooling systems typically account for around 25% of the total electrical energy consumption of deep level mines. Numerous energy saving strategies have been implemented, with various levels of success. Most of the previously implemented strategies involved load shifting, energy efficiency and demand reduction. To achieve this, some levels of control are often introduced to control chilled water consumption, water and air mass flow rates as well as scheduling cooling system operation in order to shift the load primarily to off-peak periods. To support and sustain further reduction of energy consumption and optimisation of savings, a simulation model of the integrated cooling system represented by smooth and continuous equations is needed to assist the optimisation computation. This study focused on developing such an integrated mine cooling system simulation model to mimic the thermal hydraulic behaviour along with the energy consumption of the complete mine cooling system. This was achieved by coupling various models representing the major cooling system components such as chillers, cooling towers, pumps and fans. Although various cooling system energy simulations were considered before, very few quantify the simulation accuracy on a component basis; furthermore, only limited cases were found where the entire system was considered. For these cases not all components were always based on explicit models which would eliminate the requirement for iterative computation which deter optimisation applications. The simulation model was used to predict the energy consumption of the integrated cooling system of a deep level gold mine in South Africa. The simulation model obtained an average error when compared to the mine’s system data of 3.5% for a selected dataset and 2.5% for another dataset one month later. The successful energy simulation of an integrated mine cooling system would allow for a holistic view on the total power consumption as one parameter or any combination of parameters of the system changes.en© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Applied Thermal Engineering. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 123, pp. 1166-1180, 2017. doi : 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.05.163.SimulationCooling systemModellingEnergy efficiencyChilled waterStrategyCondenserAlgorithmPerformanceManagementOptimizationOptimal operationRefrigeration systemsHVAC systemsHeating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)Engineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-07SDG-07: Affordable and clean energyEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-13SDG-13: Climate actionPostprint Article