Evaluation of primary frequency regulation in Dominican Republic mine using scooptrams and electric trucks as battery storage systems

Abstract

The use of electric vehicles in the mining sector aligns with the growing demand for tools that reduce energy consumption in productive processes. This study investigates how electric mining vehicles with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can be integrated into power grids to improve system stability and frequency regulation. In the context of mining operations and the provision of auxiliary services (such as primary frequency regulation) to an interconnected electrical system, a regulatory framework that enables V2G integration should be established. This issue is addressed through a case study involving DIgSILENT PowerFactory simulations. The goal is to evaluate the productive process of a mine and the contribution of V2G technology to the primary frequency regulation of the electrical system under different scooptram integration parameters and battery electric trucks. This study also explores the challenges of V2G implementation in the absence of a regulatory framework. Different configurations of electric scooptrams and shovel that can affect frequency regulation are assessed. The obtained optimal configuration involves two truck loaders and three shovel loaders; the capacity of the current electrical infrastructure can support this configuration without affecting the capacity of the mine's electrical system. The simulations verify that applying V2G technology to mining vehicles helps stabilise the frequency of electrical systems and reduces the probability of component failure.