Scope of application of L.E.D. lighting systems over conventional lighting arrangements in open cast mines

Abstract

This paper presents general requirements of lighting including sources of lighting in surface and underground mines. Performance of various lighting sources such as sodium vapor lamps, tungsten filament, incandescent, fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halides etc are discussed. Regulations related to mine lighting and advantages of LED system of lighting over conventional system are also discussed in detail. Iluminance Measuring techniques and instrumentation for conducting illumination survey are briefly enumerated. Illumination levels at different working places in Tirap open cast coal mine, NEC, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited are illustrated. Comparison between Conventional Sodium/Mercury vapor lamp Vs. LED Light is presented emphasizing the importance of application of LED system of lighting for effective energy conservation, better illumination, resistant to shock and vibration etc..