Introduction
Our History
BPI is a proudly South African OEM specializing in the development of battery energy systems, electrical traction systems and high-speed charging systems for underground mining equipment. We aim to remove all emissions and harmful equipment from use in mining operations as part of our innovation-led approach to sustainable mining. This approach applies innovative thinking and technological advances to address mining’s major challenges. BPI originated as the Technologies Division of Thuthukani Engineering Solutions. Following the attention gained by the performance and proof of concept on our initial product testing, the IDC stepped in as a development facilitator. At this point, Thuthukani Technologies broke away from its parent company and BPI was founded as an independent entity.
Our Aim
BPI aims to target zero-emission underground mining equipment with our advanced battery energy systems technology offering, developed by a team of young, local engineers. All of BPI’s products are designed and manufactured in South Africa, by local engineers for the South African mining industry. BPI seamlessly combines extensive expertise in electronic systems engineering, experience in meeting the challenges faced by the mining industry, and the latest in advanced battery technology, to provide solutions to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of mining operations.
Our Services
Electric Vehicle Traction Systems
The system that we have designed for electronic vehicles utilized a multi-wheel driven unit with independent steering and drive that enabled the vehicles to operate on gradients over 9 degrees. The battery and charging system was designed to reload the battery within two hours and to utilize opportunity charging to mitigate energy-related risks.
Underground Battery Operated Equipment
BPI offers full turnkey conversion of traditionally fuelled vehicles to battery-driven systems. BPI designs, manufactures, and integrates all necessary components for full electrical traction systems and high-speed charging, including; all auxiliary systems, battery storage units, electrical propulsion including traction control and torque vectoring, cooling systems, electrical management, and distribution systems.
Battery Energy Systems
BPI implements the full integration of Lithium-based battery systems and testing. The advantages of implementing Lithium-Ion technology include minimal maintenance, quick recharge time, no exposure to toxic chemicals, longer life cycle and increased efficiency. BPI’s battery energy systems have applications for trackless equipment as well as underground mining vehicles and rail-bound equipment.
Vehicle Charging Systems
BPI offers both on-board integrated charging systems and external high-speed charging systems. BPI provides a cost-effective means of high-speed charging for onboard battery systems and ensures that our designs can integrate with manufacturers’ operating systems. We have developed a 250 kW high-speed charging system and a 25 kW low-speed charging system for application with battery-driven trackless mining machines. The charger provides electrical and information systems support to mine shaft operations allowing the charging systems to be centrally controlled and monitored.
Benefits of BPI Technology
- High-efficiency designs able to outperform traditional diesel-fuelled vehicles
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Energy cost savings
- Lower overall machine costs.
- Half the maintenance requirements of traditional diesel-powered machines.
- Integration with existing infrastructure for charging and servicing of
equipment - Many of the components and battery types that we use are completely
recyclable - Our systems address the mining industry’s biggest challenges – productivity,
costs, fatigue and safety
Get in Touch
BPI’s offering meets the toughest challenges that is facing the mining industry: productivity, costs, fatigue, and safety.
Our professionals are always ready to assist.