Sustainable Energy Optimization in Chilean Mines Using AI
In 2018, my team at CINVESTAV and the University of Chile partnered with the state-owned mining company, Codelco, to optimize energy efficiency in one of its copper mines in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The project, called "EcoMine," leveraged AI and machine learning (ML) to predict and prevent energy waste in the mine's operations.
Our solution combined:
- Sensor data from the mine, including temperature, humidity, and energy consumption.
- Historical data and weather forecasts.
- Advanced ML algorithms (gradient boosting and random forests) to identify patterns and predict energy demand.
The AI system processed 10 million data points daily, providing actionable insights to mine operators. Key outcomes:
- 27% reduction in energy consumption, resulting in a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions (11,000 tons CO2 eq. annually).
- 20% reduction in power generation costs, yielding an estimated annual savings of $1.2 million.
- Improved mine safety by enabling early detection and prevention of potential energy-related hazards.
These results demonstrate the potential of AI in optimizing energy efficiency, particularly in industries with complex operations and high energy demands like mining. By applying these insights to other sectors, we can accelerate the transition to more sustainable, efficient practices.
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