According to Ammar Ali, Ex Engineer Intern at Freeport Indonesia with expertise in Mine Ventilation DMLZ-PB4, the VOD concept is one of the energy-saving principles in underground mine ventilation systems (can be applied to all commodities). VOD is the ability to provide air intake into underground mines to areas that need it, in other words the air supply is given to areas that need it, areas that do not need air are reduced in quantity or not even provided.
A ventilation-on-demand (VoD) system is designed to optimize the delivery of fresh air in environments such as underground mines, tunnels, and buildings by supplying airflow only where and when it is needed. The main purposes of a VoD system are:
Energy efficiency and cost reduction
By providing ventilation only in occupied or active areas, VoD systems significantly reduce the overall energy consumption associated with moving air throughout a facility. This targeted approach can lead to energy savings of up to 50% compared to traditional, constant-flow ventilation systems. Lower energy use translates directly into reduced operational costs and extends the lifespan of ventilation equipment by minimizing unnecessary wear and tear.
Enhanced safety and air quality
VoD systems ensure that fresh air is delivered precisely where it is needed, which helps maintain safe levels of oxygen and remove hazardous gases, dust, and humidity, especially in underground environments. By continuously monitoring air quality and occupancy, these systems can quickly adapt to changing conditions, ensuring personnel are not exposed to excessive contaminants.
Operational flexibility and adaptability
VoD systems use real-time data from sensors (such as air quality, pressure, and occupancy sensors) and advanced algorithms to dynamically adjust ventilation based on current needs. This adaptability supports varying operational demands, such as during blasting in mines or fluctuating occupancy in buildings, and can be integrated with other automated systems for comprehensive control.
Environmental sustainability
By reducing unnecessary energy consumption, VoD systems help lower the carbon footprint of operations, supporting sustainability goals and compliance with environmental regulations.
To conclude, the purpose of a ventilation-on-demand system is to intelligently manage airflow, enhancing safety and air quality while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs, making it a critical technology for modern, efficient, and sustainable operations in challenging environments like underground mines and large buildings.
