Application of artificial intelligence in mine ventilation: a brief review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how artificial intelligence can improve mine ventilation by addressing complex system challenges and enhancing safety.

Contribution

The paper highlights promising AI applications in mine ventilation and identifies unresolved challenges for future research.

Findings

AI methods like machine learning and evolutionary algorithms improve monitoring and control of mine ventilation.

AI can help identify resistance faults and calculate ventilation parameters during emergencies.

Optimizing large-scale mine ventilation networks with AI remains an unresolved challenge.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into mine ventilation systems. A mine ventilation network presents a complex system with numerous interconnected processes, some of which pose challenges for deterministic simulation methods. The utilization of machine learning techniques and evolutionary algorithms offers a promising avenue to address these complexities, resulting in enhanced monitoring and control of air parameter distribution within the ventilation network. These methods facilitate the timely identification of resistance faults and enable prompt calculation of ventilation parameters during emergency scenarios, such as underground explosions and fires. Furthermore, evolutionary algorithms play a crucial role in the advancement of methods for visual analysis of ventilation systems. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the current utilization of AI technologies in mine ventilation is limited and does not encompass the full spectrum of challenging-to-formalize problems. Promising areas for AI application include analyzing changes in air distribution caused by unaccounted thermal draft and gas pressure, as well as developing novel approaches for calculating shock losses. Moreover, the application of AI technologies in optimizing large-scale mine ventilation networks remains an unresolved issue. Addressing these challenges holds significant potential for enhancing safety and efficiency in mine ventilation systems.

Figures