Optimization of Electrical Operation and Arc Flash Risk Mitigation in Medium- and Low-Voltage Systems for Underground Mining

Lopez C.Q.; Camayo J.M.F.; Ignacio L.A.P. · 2025 5th International Conference on Energy, Power and Electrical Engineering, EPEE 2025 (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/epee67527.2025.11428750

Resumen

This study addresses the problems of voltage drops, poor protection selectivity, and high incident energy levels in the medium- and low-voltage electrical system of the Mining Unit from Perú. To solve these issues, a model is proposed based on load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, and arc-flash hazard studies using ETAP 20.0 software. The method incorporates normative derivations from IEEE 1584-2018 and IEC 60909, enabling accurate incident energy calculations and optimization of fault clearing times. The results demonstrate that the proposed settings reduce incident energy from more than 20 cal/cm2 to values close to 12 cal/cm2 and improve overall system reliability. This solution enhances personnel safety, ensures operational continuity, and provides a replicable model for other underground mining operations.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental