L&M Radiator has engineered a new Mesabi Thermal Management System (MTMS) to handle the cooling demands of next-generation mining fleets, featuring field-serviceable steel-framed cores and drawing interest from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This innovation, reported by International Mining on January 14, 2026, responds to the pressing need for advanced thermal solutions as the mining industry shifts toward electric and low-emission equipment. The system manages the significant heat generated by battery packs, fuel cells, and hybrid powertrains in the demanding environments typical of mining operations.
The MTMS combines L&M Radiator’s decades of heat exchanger expertise with new refrigeration technology and intelligent digital controls. Chris Domogalla, Applications Engineering Manager at L&M, noted that the system extends the company’s established removable-tube design—proven for its durability—into refrigeration cycles, which often fail in conventional systems under mining conditions. This approach pairs proven robustness with the thermal efficiency demands of modern mining equipment.
Mining, oil and gas extraction, agriculture, and heavy transportation sectors operate in extreme climates and harsh environments marked by high vibration, abrasive dust, airborne debris, and steep temperature swings that degrade conventional cooling systems quickly. The MTMS withstands these stresses through its signature removable-tube core architecture, a feature L&M products have used for over six decades. The steel-framed, serviceable design enables quick cleaning and field-level repairs without full unit removal—a practical asset for remote mining operations. Nick Takes, an R&D Engineer at L&M, emphasized the unprecedented challenge of developing such a large-scale chilling system for the dynamic loads of a mining vehicle, as similar systems are typically found only in stationary industrial installations.
Each MTMS unit undergoes rigorous internal qualification before shipment. These procedures include comprehensive electrical verification at low and high voltages, leak detection, vibration testing, and sensor calibration. L&M’s engineering team customizes each system to specific application requirements, continually refining hardware and software. The thermal system contains four core refrigeration components: a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Units can be provided as complete, integrated thermal packages that include chilling, heating, and radiator functions, or as individual subassemblies such as standalone condensers and evaporators for OEMs developing customized architectures.
A key feature is the MTMS’s variable-speed refrigeration management. The compressor and cooling fans automatically adjust operational intensity based on real-time system load and temperature demands, reducing parasitic electrical draw and extending battery operating duration. Domogalla explained the efficiency advantage: “We’re running the chiller only as hard as necessary. That means higher operating efficiency and less wasted electrical power. This contributes directly to longer battery life and greater overall vehicle range.” The system accepts high-voltage direct current inputs at typically 700 VDC or alternating current up to 460 VAC, ensuring compatibility with various platforms including underground haul trucks, excavators, drill rigs, and auxiliary vehicles.
The MTMS also includes a secondary function that reverses its refrigeration cycle to heat coolant in sub-freezing conditions, enabling consistent thermal regulation across different climates. All MTMS installations communicate via the standard J1939 CANbus protocol for seamless integration with vehicle management systems, transmitting real-time data. Diagnostic information displays directly on operator dashboards when faults occur, mirroring conventional vehicle warning systems.
As mining companies pursue carbon-neutral operational targets for 2030 to 2050, advanced thermal systems like the MTMS are essential for fleet electrification. Efficient heat management preserves optimal battery performance, supports regenerative braking, and minimizes energy dissipation during duty cycles. Energy otherwise lost as waste heat can be captured and repurposed through regenerative braking technology. Combined with renewable charging sources such as solar, hydroelectric, or wind power, these operations can achieve near-zero-emission status. With prototype systems already in service and growing OEM interest, L&M Radiator’s MESABI® Thermal Management System represents a significant advancement in delivering reliable, energy-efficient thermal control for the next generation of electric and hybrid mining equipment, supporting industry sustainability goals without sacrificing performance standards.
Sources
- https://im-mining.com/2026/01/14/lm-radiators-new-mesabi-thermal-management-system-addresses-nextgen-mining-fleet-cooling/
