This paper develops two optimal control models for the energy management of a mining crushingprocess based on jaw crushers. The performance index for both models is defined as the energy cost to beminimized by accounting for the time-of-use electricity tariff. The first model is referred to as a variableload-based optimal control with the feeder speed and closed-side setting of the jaw crusher as controlvariables. The second model is the optimal switching control. From the simulation results, it isdemonstrated that there is a potential of reducing the energy cost and energy consumption associatedwith the operation of jaw crushing stations in deep mines while meeting technical and operationalconstraints. Due to the inefficiency of the jaw crushing machine, whose no-load power consumption isbetween 40 and 50% of its rated power, the optimal switching control technique is shown to be a bettercandidate in reducing both energy cost and consumption of the jaw crushing station. The benefit ofhaving an ore pass with a big storage capacity is shown to be of great importance in achieving moreenergy cost reduction of the primary jaw crushing station while improving the switching frequencyprofile associated with the switching controller.
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