An Experimental Study on Using Electronically Scanning Microwave Radar Systems on Surface Mining Machines

Using a series-model of an automotive short range radar sensor (SRR) and a recently completed experimental radar system, field tests have been performed in a surface mine. It was examined, to what extent low-cost electronically scanning radar sensors can provide useful data for assistance systems in large scale mining machines. The series SRR sensor using mono-pulse principles for cross range measurement, proved to be useful to supervise the safety zone of a bucket wheel excavator. The more complex and sophisticated experimental radar system using digital beam-forming for cross range processing, can clearly detect and map the contours of trenches and escarpments. The overall promising results refer to many more potential applications for electronically scanning radar in surface mining and motivate to adapt the experimental sensor for such applications.