In the heart of China’s coal mining industry, a revolution is brewing, one that promises to enhance safety, efficiency, and intelligence in fully mechanized mining operations. At the forefront of this transformation is Jiyun Zhao, a researcher from the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou. Zhao’s latest work, published in Meitan xuebao, the Coal Technology journal, delves into the intricate world of high-power liquid supply systems for hydraulic supports, a critical component in underground coal mining.
The liquid supply system is the lifeblood of coal face operations, providing the high-pressure hydraulic power necessary for the safe and efficient functioning of hydraulic supports. These supports are vital for maintaining the stability of coal faces, ensuring the safety of miners, and enabling the continuous operation of mining equipment. However, the current systems face challenges in meeting the demands of modern, intelligent mining operations.
Zhao’s research systematically analyzes the configuration and working principles of high-power liquid supply systems. “The performance and reliability of the liquid supply system are key to the safe, intelligent, and efficient operation of fully mechanized mining equipment,” Zhao emphasizes. By summarizing the development status of these systems and refining the key technology requirements, Zhao aims to pave the way for significant performance improvements.
One of the critical aspects Zhao’s work addresses is the pressure stabilization control methods. The research compares various pump control and valve control configurations, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each. This comparative analysis is crucial for developing more efficient and reliable liquid supply systems.
The study also focuses on the continuous control of pressure and flow, which is essential for the precise operation of hydraulic supports. Zhao analyzes the characteristics, structural principles, and working parameters of high-pressure, large-flow, and high-water-based proportional unloading valves and proportional flow valves. This detailed examination helps identify the key challenges in achieving high-pressure, large-flow, and high-water-based continuous control.
Moreover, Zhao discusses the practical significance of unsteady flow mechanical modeling methods for long pipelines in hydraulic supports. This modeling is vital for understanding and improving the pressure stabilization control strategies in systems with strong time-varying liquid supply demands.
The research also reviews the current state of intelligent operation and maintenance technologies for liquid supply systems, including monitoring and diagnosis. This review is crucial for ensuring the security and reliability of these systems, which are essential for the safe operation of mining equipment.
Zhao’s work does not stop at identifying current challenges. The researcher also analyzes the theoretical bottlenecks restricting the breakthrough of control performance in liquid supply systems. By summarizing the shortcomings in key technology research and development, Zhao provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field.
The implications of Zhao’s research are far-reaching. By improving the control performance and reliability of liquid supply systems, the mining industry can enhance the safety and efficiency of fully mechanized mining operations. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity and reduced operational costs, making coal mining a more viable and sustainable energy source.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for intelligent and efficient mining technologies will only grow. Zhao’s work, published in Meitan xuebao, the Coal Technology journal, provides a roadmap for the future development of high-power liquid supply systems. By addressing the current challenges and identifying the key areas for improvement, Zhao’s research is set to shape the future of the mining industry, making it safer, more efficient, and more intelligent.
