The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University, together with several partners, has launched the research project "DigHy." The Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space funds the three-year initiative. It aims to create a digitized, scalable hydrogen infrastructure tailored to the requirements of mining.
Implementing Hydrogen Value Chain with Prototypes
The core focus is on the emission-free energy supply of heavy mining vehicles using hydrogen. This hydrogen is to be produced by electrolysis with renewable energy from treated mine water. The entire value chain from production through storage and distribution to application in fuel cell vehicles is to be systemically integrated. By the end of the project, prototypes are expected to be available.
Digital Twins and AI-Based Control to Optimize Efficiency and Costs
Digital twins and AI-based control systems are intended to optimize operation, efficiency, and costs. "If we take climate goals seriously, we must address all energy-intensive areas and leverage the advantages of artificial intelligence," says PEM head Professor Achim Kampker. The goal is an adaptive, robust overall system that decarbonizes energy-intensive mining processes and is validated in real operation.
Comparison with Battery Drive, Overhead Lines, and Process Optimization Planned
The researchers aim to compare the developed solution in terms of energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and emission reduction with alternative approaches to CO2 reduction. These include battery-electric drives, overhead line vehicles, and so-called IPCC systems (In-Pit Crushing and Conveying).
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) is involved as a research partner in the project. The consortium also includes the company N+P Informationssysteme. The Nivelsteiner Sandwerke and Sandsteinbrüche and Hydac International act as associated partners.
