PEM to Develop Digitalized Hydrogen Value Chain for Mining Sector
The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, which specializes in digitalization, has joined forces with several partners to launch the DigHy research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The aim of the three-year project is to develop a digitalized, scalable, and sustainable hydrogen infrastructure that is specifically tailored to the requirements of mining. The primary focus will be on providing carbon-free energy for heavy mining vehicles using hydrogen produced by electrolysis with the help of renewable energy from treated mine water.
The entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to distribution and use in fuel cell vehicles, is to be systematically integrated and physically implemented in the form of prototypes.
PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker, says:
Taking climate targets seriously means we have to address all energy-intensive areas and take advantage of the benefits of artificial intelligence,
The use of digital twins and AI-based control systems are therefore intended to optimize operation, efficiency, and costs.
According to the researchers, the goal is to create an adaptive, robust overall system which decarbonizes energy-intensive mining processes and will be validated in real-world operation. The developed solution will also be compared with alternative carbon reduction approaches such as battery-electric drives, overhead line/pantograph vehicles, and IPCC (In-Pit Crushing and Conveying) systems in terms of energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and emission reduction.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology and “N+P Informationssysteme” will participate in the project. In addition, “Nivelsteiner Sandwerke und Sandsteinbrüche” as well as “HYDAC International” will be acting as associated partners.
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PEM to Develop Digitalized Hydrogen Value Chain for Mining Sector, source
