Additional research regarding the application of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in underground mining areas was done. Additional analysis on methodology of the project was planned. Preliminary investigation shows that in underground mining areas, BEV will have greater life cycle expectancy when compared to diesel vehicles. Two analyses were done for the study, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis were done to help with the study.
SWOT analysis shows that diesel vehicles have an advantage in operational flexibility and lower downtime, at the cost of creating more DPM particles in the area. Electric vehicles have the advantage of lower operational cost and maintenance. Moreover, Electric battery does not produce DPM particles. Having less DPM particles in the workers area may increase the satisfaction and well-being of the workers.
From the results gathered using Cost-Beneficial Analysis (CBA) it was shown that Electric vehicles have lower operational cost for the expected 13 years life span of Broadmeadow Mines. Although there were some calculation issues that stems from the assumptions made for the LCC model inputs, which reduces the accuracy of the model. Further studies are required, and missing data needs to be collected to improve the accuracy of the model.
In EGH400-1, the progress that was discussed was the mathematical modelling that was done before a change happened in the objective. At the end of the semester, a project plan was devised to follow for the next semester. However, in EGH400-2, there was a problem found during testing of the microwave. Radiation leakage was found to be happening around the entry and exit points of the microwave that shifted the priority of the project. Now, the main objective was to create a bottom cover for the microwave to prevent that from happening and ensure the safety of the workers working in Agridry.