Open-Pit Mine Online Temperature Monitoring

The online temperature monitoring system for open-pit mines is located in the complex environment of open-pit mining areas. The 10KV box-type transformers distributed throughout the area are critical equipment for ensuring the power supply for mining production. Traditionally, temperature monitoring of transformers mainly relies on manual periodic inspections, which is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, but also fails to provide real-time monitoring of temperature changes at critical internal connection points (such as busbar connections, cable heads, etc.), posing safety hazards due to overheating that could lead to equipment failure or even power outages.

To address this problem, Maxon has customized and implemented an online temperature monitoring system for 10KV box-type transformers.  The system aims to achieve real-time online monitoring and early warning of transformer operating temperatures through automated and wireless technologies, ensuring the stability and safety of the power supply system.

Integrated Solution

This solution adopts an integrated architecture of "passive wireless temperature sensors + low-power network + cloud platform":

Front-end Sensing Layer: Passive wireless temperature sensors are deployed at critical heat points inside the transformer (such as circuit breaker contacts, cable joints, etc.). These sensors use inductive power harvesting technology, eliminating the need for batteries and fundamentally solving the problems of high-voltage isolation, long-term power supply, and frequent maintenance.

Data Transmission Layer: Sensor data is initially aggregated through a low-power wireless network, then accessed by explosion-proof DTUs or industrial-grade wireless CPE devices, and reliably transmitted to the remote monitoring center via uplink links such as 4G/5G or wired networks. Simultaneously, within the workshop or plant area, wireless APs/bridges are deployed to achieve seamless wireless signal coverage and flexible networking, ensuring no blind spots in data transmission and laying the foundation for large-scale, low-cost data acquisition.

Platform Application Layer: Data is aggregated to an intelligent management and control platform, displaying real-time temperature values ​​and temperature curves for each measurement point on a central screen, computer, or mobile app. The system can set multiple alarm thresholds; once the temperature is abnormal, it immediately triggers alarms through various methods such as sound, light, and SMS. 6.

Core Problems Solved/Improved by the Solution

Solved the problem of "invisible" safety hazards:  Achieved 24/7 real-time monitoring of hidden heat points inside transformers, changing the previous passive situation of "only discovering faults after they occur," thus preventing accidents before they happen. 

Improved the limitations of manual inspections: Replaced high-risk, low-efficiency manual inspections, avoiding the safety risks associated with personnel approaching high-voltage equipment.  The data is also more objective and continuous, significantly improving inspection quality and efficiency.

Enhanced predictive maintenance capabilities: Through trend analysis of historical temperature data, potential defects such as equipment aging or loose connections can be detected in advance, guiding maintenance personnel to conduct predictive maintenance, avoiding unplanned downtime, and extending equipment lifespan.

Achieved intelligent management of the power supply system: The establishment of this system is a crucial step for the mining workshop's power supply system towards "unattended operation and intelligent maintenance," providing a solid data foundation and safety guarantee for the intelligent construction of the entire workshop.

Maxon's online temperature measurement system, with its reliable and practical technical solution, effectively addresses the pain points in the safety management of high-voltage power supply equipment in the mining workshop, significantly improving the reliability, safety, and intelligent management level of the power supply system.