Battery Thermal Management for Mining Equipment: Lumikko’s Tailored Cooling Solution for Sandvik

The Challenge: Battery Cooling in Underground Mining Conditions

In 2015, Sandvik began developing a new generation of battery-powered mining machines to replace diesel-based equipment.

While the transition offered clear operational and environmental benefits, it also introduced new technical demands. Battery systems and power electronics generate significant heat, especially during charging and high-load operation.

In mining environments, this challenge is intensified by:

• High ambient temperatures
• Humidity and dust
• Mechanical stress and vibration
• Limited installation space

Without effective thermal management, system operation would be significantly compromised.

Lumikko was selected based on its strong expertise in high-performance cooling applications and its ability to collaborate closely throughout the development process.

The solution was developed with a focus on:

• Reliable thermal performance under varying load conditions
• Compact design for confined spaces
• Durability in harsh mining environments
• Designed for demanding underground use

According to Sami Haikio, Head of R&D at Sandvik, both deep application understanding and technical expertise were essential in meeting these requirements.

The resulting cooling unit includes:

• Compact and mobile structure suitable for underground use
• Robust design for mechanical stress and environmental exposure
• Four independent cooling circuits
• Simultaneous cooling for two battery systems and two charging units

The system is designed to maintain stable operating temperatures even under high-performance duty cycles.

From Development to Serial Production

The development process included multiple testing and validation phases. A key milestone was reached around 2020, when the solution moved into serial production.

According to Product Engineer Jaakko Vierikko, this confirmed that the system met both technical and operational requirements in real-world conditions.

Results: Proven in Practice and Validated by Customer Feedback

The cooling units have accumulated thousands of operating hours in underground environments.

“The feedback has been minimal—which is a very good sign.
It means the product works as intended, and no modifications have been needed”

Sami Haikio

Head of R&D, Motion Drive and Technology, Sandvik

“We’ve achieved exactly the kind of product we were aiming for. We have strong confidence in Lumikko, and the collaboration has been seamless.”

Pasi Mankinen

Supplier Development and Quality, Sandvik

Collaboration: Co-Development in Practise

The partnership between Lumikko and Sandvik is based on continuous co-development.

“When you have the right people involved and a shared understanding of the goals, the results speak for themselves.
Lumikko approaches this as if it were their own project — and it shows.”

Jaakko Vierikko

Product Engineer, Sandvik

Mankinen adds that the collaboration has been straightforward and efficient.

“Development progresses quickly and flexibly, and communication works seamlessly. We share knowledge and build together. Our collaboration has also contributed to the development of Lumikko’s production capabilities.”