Analysis of the Algorithm Monitoring the Geometric Parameters of the Powered Support Based on Station Tests

The powered roof supports in the longwall complex are placed and interconnected next to one another, typically about 125–250 units in a longwall face. It is an essential component in the longwall complex, which also includes a shearer (or plow) and an armored face conveyor. Powered roof support perform two main functions, the first and most important is to support and control the immediate roof in the work area, and the second is it moves the armored face conveyor and assembly forward as the shearer cuts the coal face. A robust, reliable and interconnected hydraulic system is used to perform these 2 vital functions. Research on developing the real time measurement system for monitoring the powered roof support operation parameters was based mainly on the data from longwall mining panels. For this purpose, a prototype measurement system for the powered roof support was designed and built. The structural elements measured are the roof, the stringer, the lemniscate system and the shield system. A mining wall was selected, in which the sections of the powered roof support were equipped with suitable sensors for measuring. Based on the adopted mathematical relationship, the longitudinal and transverse slope coefficient for the safe operation of the powered roof support was determined. The real conditions tests confirmed the correct operation of the measurement system.