Methods for Controlling Temperature Hazard in Polish Coal Mines

Polish underground coal mining is facing more and more difficult climatic conditions at work places every year. In the nearest future these conditions may be expected to get even worse as mining is started at deeper levels and is even more concentrated. This article discusses present climatic conditions in Polish coal mines. The sources of heat load and ways of heat transfer into excavations are discussed. The methods for improving thermal conditions are characterized as well as their ineffectiveness in mines with a great temperature hazard. The methods of air conditioning in underground mines are characterized. The examples of refrigeration and air conditioning systems in Polish mines are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of these systems in Polish mining conditions are given. The directions in which air- conditioning may head towards are determined on the basis of air conditioning systems that are being implemented at the moment.