A SUSTAINABLE SHIFT

PARKER AUSTRALIA'S ELECTRIFICATION SOLUTIONS IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY WHILE ALSO REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS.

Parker Australia's SMART electrification technology is helping mining companies grab the energy transition with both hands, with electric-powered systems capable of cutting carbon emissions, improving efficiencies and slashing operational costs.

Scott Addison and Andrew Rowley from Parker's electrification team spoke to Australian Mining about how the company's approach to electrification is revolutionising the sector.

"Parker's SMART electrification revolves around three core pillars: integrated, connected and efficient systems," Addison said.

"These pillars guide Parker's product design and implementation of electrification solutions for various mining applications, from vehicles to drill rigs." Addison said the efficiencies and power density of Parker's GVM PMAC liquid-cooled motors are what truly sets the company's solutions apart from traditional internal combustion engines.

"When you compare the efficiencies of our liquid-cooled Parker GVM motors, which typically operate at 94-96 per cent efficiency, and digital inverters, which are about 98 per cent efficient, it becomes clear why these systems are superior," he said.

"In contrast, internal combustion engines typically experience losses ranging from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, making them highly inefficient in conjunction with the continued diesel and ongoing maintenance costs." The key to maximising the benefits of mining electrification lies in optimising the entire system.

Parker's designs integrate multiple layers of technology for electric power takeoff (ePTO) and traction applications, including hydraulic motion control, GVM PMAC electric motors and GVI inverters for motor control, which are all managed through Parker's IQAN digital control platform.

This holistic approach ensures that every component of the system works seamlessly together, creating a more efficient, reliable and sustainable solution for mining operations.