Model and Analysis of Rope Winch Operation in Underground Rail Transport

The primary means of rail transport in inclined workings up to 45° are typically single- or double-drum rope winches. These winches are part of a transport system consisting of the winch itself, a rope with a diameter d and length Ll, a track system, and a return drum with a rope tensioning mechanism. A fundamental challenge in employing winches in a given working is accounting for their operational conditions, which include the route length Lu, its inclination αu, and the value of the hauled mass (weight) Gm, given a specified load transport velocity vpł. These factors influence the drive load parameters, such as the winding rope force FC, unwinding rope force FS, and drive motor power Np. Manufacturers of these devices provide their structural (Lumax), kinematic (vpj), and energy-related (Np) parameters. However, it is the responsibility of the prospective user to assess the suitability of a specific winch for the conditions present in their transport excavation. To address this need, an analytical model, algorithm, and computer program have been developed to dynamically determine the required parameters while considering the winch’s operating conditions.