Wedoany.com Report-Dec.8, TLT Turbo Africa launched its new SMART Fan technology on 4 December 2025 at a demonstration event in Pretoria, South Africa. The intelligent ventilation system is designed specifically for underground mining operations and enables automatic, real-time airflow adjustment without human intervention.

The SMART Fan is a retrofit electronic control package that can be integrated into any existing TLT auxiliary fan. It uses a variable-speed drive controlled by a programmable logic controller, receiving data from on-board sensors and user-defined setpoints.

Mechatronics engineer Natascha Minges Freitas, lead designer of the system, explained: "The SMART Fan control system uses the fan curve along with the fan laws to adjust revolutions per minute in order to deliver the desired air flow at the end of our system, therefore minimising power consumption. This system automatically compensates for the resistance change, leakage and variations in air density."

Traditional fixed-speed fans are sized for worst-case scenarios and often deliver excess airflow, resulting in unnecessary energy use. The SMART Fan continuously matches output to actual demand, significantly reducing electricity costs.

Sales Director Vusi Madlopha stated that ventilation typically accounts for 60–70% of a mine's operational energy expense. He estimated annual savings of R14 million to R20 million for small to medium-scale operations, offering rapid payback on the investment.

CEO Jurie Theron emphasised enhanced safety benefits: the system provides ventilation officers with instant visibility of underground airflow conditions, helping prevent exposure to harmful gases and dust while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Production will take place at TLT Turbo Africa's 2,700 m² facility in Pretoria, incorporating high local content for rapid spare-parts availability. Full commercial units are expected to be ready for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, with customisation options and comprehensive 24/7 after-sales support included.

The SMART Fan targets deep-level and high-control underground mines across all commodities, supporting the company's focus on innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable ventilation solutions.