The dynamic development of photovoltaic systems in the world and in Poland is mainly related to the drop in prices of installation components. Currently, electricity from photovoltaics is one of the cheapest renewable energy sources. The basis for effective energy generation is, first of all, failure-free operation of the photovoltaic system over a long period of operation, up to 30 years. The paper presents the results of a study of a low-cost distributed system for monitoring and diagnosis of photovoltaic installations (SmartPV), capable of assessing the operating parameters of individual photovoltaic panels. The devices were tested by connecting them to an existing photovoltaic installation, allowing the measurement of operational parameters of individual photovoltaic panels as well as operating conditions such as illuminance and panel surface temperature. The data were recorded on a server using wireless Wi-Fi transmission. Interesting data were collected during the tests, confirming the usefulness of the suggested device for monitoring the photovoltaic installations. Differences in performance of the photovoltaic panel depending on solar radiation and surface temperature were recorded. The temperature coefficient of power was determined, allowing for increased accuracy in the prediction of generated power. The correct recording in different situation, i.e., shading, sensor damage or weather anomalies, was verified. Based on the collected data, rules will be defined for an expert application which, in combination with SmartPV devices, will ensure a quick response to any malfunctions of the photovoltaic system, both related to failures and those resulting from natural degradation during operation.

As a result of energy transformation and decarbonization, the production of hard coal and lignite mining plants is gradually being phased out. Mine heaps, i.e., mine waste heaps, created as a result of the operation of these plants, are not attractive as land for housing, for the construction of production plants, or for agriculture. One of the most advantageous ways of recultivating these areas is using them as a place for the installation of renewable energy sources. In the case of post-mining heaps, it seems natural to use photovoltaics and wind turbines due to the artificial elevation of the terrain. This issue was analysed within the RFCS project SUMAD (Sustainable Use of Mining Waste Heaps). Experts from various countries and scientific disciplines analysed possible scenarios for the mine heaps’ management, with a special attention to geotechnical, environmental and socio-economic challenges. This article discusses one of the variants, namely the possibility of constructing the wind turbines on mining heaps.

Perspectives of development of control system dedicated for areas threatened by methane and/or coal dust explosion hazard are presented. Development of self-powered sensors, dedicated for operation in wireless network is one of the development directions. Such a solution will complement typical control systems and it can be used in the places, where there is no possibility of using the typical sensors, in close vicinity to the machine – due to lack of wired connection. General concept of the self-powered sensors with use of two methods of power supply – piezoelectric energy harvester and thermoelectric generator, is given. Perspective of using the methods of artificial intelligence in automatic configuration of sensors network is suggested.

This article presents a proposal for a wireless diagnostic system for checking the air tightness of the ventilation network. The solution is designed to increase crew safety in underground mining plants and increase the energy efficiency of the ventube ventilation system. The system is based on sensors measuring the pressure inside the ventilation duct in relation to the barometric pressure in the immediate vicinity of the duct. The flow of diagnostic data is based on a cascade transfer. The data from the first sensor are transferred successively to the last one. Based on the prior calibration of alarm thresholds in each device, the leakage or factor influencing the increase of air flow resistance is located. The article presents the genesis of the creation and discusses the principle and purpose of the system. In the following chapters, the progress of work related to testing the system in laboratory, industrial, and underground conditions at the Velenje Premogovnik mine (Slovenia) is presented. The authors analyze the test results and indicate the directions of possible further work on improving the system. The proposed leak detection system is based on a network of pressure sensors that communicate with each other to clearly pinpoint the leak location. The system has been designed for operation in underground mining plants with limited space.

As part of the RFCS project, which aimed to improve transport safety in mines, ITG KOMAG proposed a system for monitoring loads and geometric of arch support. The system’s function is to control safety, mainly during suspended monorail runs. This paper presents a hardware model and a measurement method based on the use of vibrating wire strain gauges and draw-wire sensors. The challenge was to properly adapt the vibrating wire strain gauge operation to the requirements of the ATEX directive on the safe use of electrical equipment in underground mines. The signal transducer algorithm and potential mounting locations for the proposed sensors were discussed. The results of tests carried out using the ŁP arc support are presented, reflecting the actual behavior of the casing during loading in accordance with the test methodology proposed by the Central Mining Institute. In order to compare the results with another measurement method, film strain gauges were additionally applied. The results confirm the usefulness of the proposed method for testing in real conditions. The speed and simplicity of installation of vibrating wire strain gauges provides an advantage over the use of film strain gauges, which are very difficult to install in underground conditions.