Two Yuchai 16VC 2400kW high-voltage containerized diesel generator sets delivered and commissioned by Zhaoyuan Hexi Gold Mine Co., Ltd. in 2021 - each rated 2400kW, directly connected to the 10kV mine distribution network, serving as N+1 redundant emergency standby power for the underground mine's life-safety loads (ventilation, dewatering and hoisting). The mine is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baoding Technology (002552) in Zhaoyuan, Shandong - China's "Gold Capital".
1. Background: Zhaoyuan and the Hexi Gold Mine
Zhaoyuan, a county-level city in Yantai, Shandong Province, is officially designated "China's Gold Capital" (中国金都) by the China Gold Association. Shandong is the country's largest gold-producing province; Yantai leads nationally, and Laizhou and Zhaoyuan together account for about 90% of Yantai's output. In 2024 Zhaoyuan produced 14.86 tonnes of mineral gold.
Zhaoyuan Hexi Gold Mine Co., Ltd. ("Hexi Gold Mine") operates an underground gold mine in Hexi Village, Canzhuang Town, Zhaoyuan. With a mining area of about 1.908 km² and a licensed capacity of 300,000 t/year, it is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baoding Technology (002552). In 2025 the mine produced 540.48 kg of gold, with revenue of RMB 517 million and net profit of RMB 183 million - a clear illustration of how critical, uninterrupted power is to a profitable underground operation.
Gold mining is both energy-intensive and safety-critical: every tonne of ore brought to surface depends on continuous electricity underground.
2. Why Two 2400kW High-Voltage Container Sets
Underground mining has three lifelines that must never lose power:
· Ventilation (通风) - supplies fresh air and dilutes hazardous gases;
· Dewatering (排水) - keeps the workings dry and prevents flooding;
· Hoisting (提升) - the shaft elevator that moves personnel and materials.
These are first-class "safety loads". A simultaneous loss of the dual external power feeds would trap personnel, allow flooding, or let gas accumulate. Mine safety regulations therefore require a reliable emergency (third) power source.
Hexi Gold Mine commissioned two Yuchai 16VC 2400kW high-voltage container sets in 2021 to meet this need. Two units deliver N+1 redundancy: one set can be serviced while the other still covers the critical loads, and the combined 4800kW comfortably covers all safety loads. The 10kV direct connection to the mine high-voltage switchgear eliminates the need for a step-up transformer - less loss, faster response.
3. Key Technical Specifications
· Configuration: 2 × Yuchai 16VC (16-cylinder V-type, containerized)
· Rated Power (per set): 2400 kW
· Total standby capacity: 4800 kW (N+1 redundant)
· Output Voltage: 10 kV (direct to mine distribution, no step-up transformer)
· Rated Speed: 1500 r/min
· Rated Frequency: 50 Hz
· Enclosure: Factory-integrated container (weatherproof, outdoor deployment)
· Protection: Dust-proof and moisture-proof treatment for the mine environment
· Generator: High-voltage brushless synchronous + AVR
· Commissioned: 2021
· Main Functions: Emergency standby for ventilation / dewatering / hoisting, black-start support, N+1 redundancy
· Operator: Zhaoyuan Hexi Gold Mine Co., Ltd. (Baoding Technology 002552 subsidiary)
4. Operational Value Since Commissioning
Since 2021 the two units have remained in hot-standby: on loss of external power they auto-start and restore electricity to ventilation, dewatering and hoisting, enabling safe evacuation and continuous flood control.
The N+1 layout means routine maintenance never leaves the mine unprotected - one set is always available. Spare parts are standardized and maintenance is straightforward, fitting the mine's high-availability requirement. For similar underground metal mines, a "main grid + redundant high-voltage container standby" architecture has become the standard safeguard.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Hexi Gold Mine 2400kW high-voltage container generator set?
A: Two Yuchai 16VC 2400kW high-voltage containerized diesel generator sets commissioned by Zhaoyuan Hexi Gold Mine in 2021 for emergency standby of underground life-safety loads (ventilation, dewatering, hoisting).
Q: Why does a gold mine need standby generator sets?
A: Underground ventilation, dewatering and hoisting are life-safety loads; loss of power can trap personnel, cause flooding or gas buildup. Standby power ensures safe evacuation and continuous critical operation.
Q: Why two units (2×2400kW)?
A: It provides N+1 redundancy - one set can be serviced while the other covers the critical loads, and the combined 4800kW covers all safety loads.
Q: What does the model designation 16VC mean?
A: 16 denotes 16 cylinders, V denotes a V-type cylinder arrangement, and C denotes a containerized design.
Q: What are the key technical features?
A: Rated 2400kW per set; 10kV direct connection without step-up transformer; 1500 r/min, 50Hz; factory-integrated weatherproof container; dust- and moisture-proof treatment; high-voltage brushless synchronous generator with AVR.