Underground railway control systems manufacturer Battery Electric is a proudly South African company with a focus on the design and development of microprocessor-controlled underground mine locomotive controllers for battery, overhead trolley line and hydrogen fuel cell-powered systems.

Through strategic industry alliances, Battery Electric has developed exciting new technology applications to ensure a safe and eco-friendly underground mining environment.

The company designs and manufactures microprocessor based insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and silicon carbide (SiC) modular controllers that form the foundation of their motor controllers and battery chargers. The system can be integrated with proximity detection systems (PDS), and Store Energy Mechanical Brake (SEMB) systems to enhance safety management in the mining industry.

Battery Electric’s Maxus X locomotive safety management system integrates with its ICON IGBT traction controller and has additional features such as full operator and system event logging and reporting. Reports include battery status and driver behaviour such as proximity detection, which is a requirement for safety in the underground traction environment.

In addition to the controllers, Battery Electric designs and develops traction battery chargers, traction transformers-rectifier sets with traction trolley line auto-reclose protection units, and custom designed power electronic equipment.

Together with precious metals miner Sibanye-Stillwater, Battery Electric recently launched its diesel-to-electric underground locomotive conversion technology using lithium-ion battery technology.

Established in 1988, Battery Electric is now a black-owned entity and believes it has revolutionised the underground mining industry by introducing highly technical electronic manage-ment and control systems, not only to improve productivity but also to enhance safety. The electronic management and control systems are in-house designed and manufactured.

Further, after seeing the need for light emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions for the underground mining industry, the company established a subsidiary in 2009 called BE Lite Technologies which specialises in the design and manufacture of LED lighting systems.

The SANS-compliant company has an international footprint, operating in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Canada and Russia.