The article discusses the requirements for propellers of bottom mining machines for the development of deep-sea deposits of such unique minerals as ferromanganese nodules, deep-sea polymetallic sulfides, cobalt-manganese crusts. The main factor is the minimal impact on the underwater ecosystem. Based on existing prototypes of mining machines and patents, an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of existing conceptual mechanisms for the movement of mining machines was carried out, as a result of which it was determined that the most promising machines are those that do not contact the surface of the seabed, but such machines have a number of disadvantages. No less promising today are walking and tracked vehicles. The paper presents simplified formulas for determining the required minimum traction force when moving underwater mining machines, and simplified formulas for determining the speed of movement were obtained, which also clearly indicates the advantage of floating mining machines. According to the obtained graphical dependencies, a set of parameters plays an important role in the productivity of mining machines, including the speed of movement, overall dimensions, weight, and shape of the machine. The article also describes a complex for the extraction of minerals dispersed along the seabed, developed by the staff of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of St. Petersburg State University with various configuration options for the complex depending on the type of mineral, as well as the density of its distribution.

The article was devoted to the study of an automated electric drive with a scalar closed-loop speed control system. Severe duty and operating modes of electric drive determine the actual service life. Wear of the induction motor, as a key link of the electric drive, was associated with deviation from nominal parameters. The deviation of parameters of the induction motor equivalent circuit determined the resultant change of characteristics. The parameters of the equivalent circuit determined the accuracy of the adjustment of regulators and optimal algorithms in the control system of the electric drive. In continuous operation modes the possibility of auto-tuning regulators, which requires stopping or no-load mode, was excluded. The paper considered the influence of the magnetization circuit mutual inductance value of the induction motor on the behavior of the electric drive control system. Evaluation of the behavior of the scalar closed-loop speed control system was performed on the basic energy (power factor, efficiency factor) and mechanical (speed, electromagnetic torque) characteristics of the electric drive.

The article examines methods for assessing the efficiency of electric mining excavators, emphasizing the inseparability of operational efficiency from the operator-machine ergatic system. It reviews methods for evaluating operator skills via experimental data and proposes a comprehensive approach to assess the excavator's operational efficiency and the operator's skill level. This method includes analyzing the machine's operating time and energy efficiency using a simulator, thereby offering a novel perspective on the dynamic interaction between human operators and automated systems. With the working cycle's duration measured by the ratio of average to nominal cycle times, and energy efficiency assessed through the comparison of specific energy consumption to theoretical values. The findings suggest prioritizing reductions in operating cycle time for suboptimal machine control and focusing on improving bucket fill rates to enhance energy efficiency. Moreover, the study underscores the potential for utilizing these methodologies in real-world applications, aiming to optimize the utilization of mining equipment and thereby significantly contribute to the advancement of operational methodologies in the mining sector.