Modern means of underground transport – technical and economic effects and benefits to the working environment resulting from the operation of VOLTER monorail battery-powered locomotives

Abstract

Battery-powered means of transport are increasingly being used in underground mining. The article describes a suspended VOLTER battery-powered locomotive designed for the transport of equipment, materials and people. The technical and economic effects related to the operation of this innovative solution in comparison with diesel locomotives, including energy (fuel) costs and maintenance time, are presented. The article also describes the benefits to the working environment connected with the use of battery locomotives resulting from the lack of exhaust emissions and a significant reduction in noise and heat generation, which improves the climatic conditions in comparison with diesel locomotives.