A truly groundbreaking diesel-saving innovation poised to revolutionise surface mining and quarrying operations was unveiled at Electra Mining Africa by Booyco Engineering. Recognising that diesel consumption is one of the highest operating costs in these sectors, Booyco Engineering has developed an anti-idle auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that when applied across operational fleets, particularly haul trucks, will result in significant cost savings and a reduction in carbon emissions.

The Booyco Engineering APU is designed to keep the HVAC system running inside an operator cab while the machine's main diesel engine is turned off. This ensures operators remain cool and comfortable during idle periods, such as waiting for loading. By eliminating the need to use the main engine to power the HVAC system while idling, diesel costs are dramatically reduced.

Grant Miller, Executive Director at Booyco Engineering, says the company, a specialist in heating, ventilation and cooling equipment for mobile mining machinery, engineered the APU to drive in-cab air conditioners. “In the high ambient conditions prevalent on southern African mines, mining truck operators must often keep the main engine running to maintain a comfortable cab temperature while waiting to be loaded. While this is understandable in terms of maintaining a cool environment from both a safety and productivity perspective, this practice can consume between 30 and 50 litres of diesel per hour,” he explains.

Miller says that the Booyco Engineering APU addresses this inefficiency by allowing the main engine to be powered down during idle times. “And our APU consumes just 1.5 litres of diesel per hour while still keeping the cab cool and comfortable.”

Safety is not compromised with the introduction of the Booyco APU. The unit ensures that all essential systems, such as proximity detection systems and communication systems, remain powered and operational even when the main engine is off. This attention to safety, combined with enhanced efficiency and reduced operating costs, makes the APU an indispensable tool for modern mining operations.

Developed in response to the need for comfortable working conditions and reduced costs, the Booyco Engineering APU is particularly valuable in hot climates such as those found across the African region where daytime heat necessitates constant use of HVAC systems. It maintains comfort during unproductive periods, such as when haul trucks are waiting to be loaded by mining shovels or similar equipment. Beyond reducing diesel consumption, the APU also helps lower carbon footprints, enabling mines to progress toward their ESG goals.

Significantly, the cost of the APU is offset by its relatively short payback period, thanks to its low running costs.

The robust 24 Volt air conditioning system used in mining trucks and other equipment integrates seamlessly with the APU. The APU is T3-rated and suitable for operation in ambient temperatures up to 46 degrees Celsius.

Further, Miller explains, it can be configured to suit individual customer requirements

By significantly cutting diesel consumption and carbon emissions, the Booyco Engineering APU is a pivotal advancement for the mining industry, enabling operations to enhance efficiency, reduce operating costs and meet carbon emission targets while ensuring safety and comfort for operators.