The dynamic development of photovoltaic systems in the world and in Poland is mainly related to the drop in prices of installation components. Currently, electricity from photovoltaics is one of the cheapest renewable energy sources. The basis for effective energy generation is, first of all, failure-free operation of the photovoltaic system over a long period of operation, up to 30 years. The paper presents the results of a study of a low-cost distributed system for monitoring and diagnosis of photovoltaic installations (SmartPV), capable of assessing the operating parameters of individual photovoltaic panels. The devices were tested by connecting them to an existing photovoltaic installation, allowing the measurement of operational parameters of individual photovoltaic panels as well as operating conditions such as illuminance and panel surface temperature. The data were recorded on a server using wireless Wi-Fi transmission. Interesting data were collected during the tests, confirming the usefulness of the suggested device for monitoring the photovoltaic installations. Differences in performance of the photovoltaic panel depending on solar radiation and surface temperature were recorded. The temperature coefficient of power was determined, allowing for increased accuracy in the prediction of generated power. The correct recording in different situation, i.e., shading, sensor damage or weather anomalies, was verified. Based on the collected data, rules will be defined for an expert application which, in combination with SmartPV devices, will ensure a quick response to any malfunctions of the photovoltaic system, both related to failures and those resulting from natural degradation during operation.

Projects as regards state-of-the-art mechatronic systems aiming at increase of safety in the mining industry and at improvement of coal production technologies, which have been completed at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, are presented. These projects cover automation, monitoring and visualization systems, systems for implementation of artificial intelligence techniques, and database recording systems.iRIS system for electronic marking, identification, and recording of components of powered roof supports, which was implemented in 31 Polish mining enterprises, is presented as an example of the work directly associated with an increase of operational safety. Specialists from KOMAG, ELSTA, Ltd., and Silesian University of Technology in Poland, have developed flexible, configurable, and scalable system for data management, which refers to all fixed assets of mining enterprises, meeting the requirements of users as regards marking and identification of fixed assets.The system for control of roadheaders using intelligent algorithms, based on artificial intelligence techniques is also the example of innovative actions. This system aims at increasing the safety and effectiveness of teamwork due to a possibility of remote, semiautonomous operation. Introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables adaptation of roadheader mining system to the present mining-and-geological conditions. Moreover, work aiming at implementation of state-of-the-art system for control of mine jig's beneficiation node, integrating machines and equipment in one system, is carried out as regards automation, information integration, and visualization in coal beneficiation process.Work on recovery and conversion of thermal energy, which is a by-product during operation of machines and equipment, especially mine diesel drives, is presented. Systems for energy recuperation are more and more important due to the necessity of continuous increase of power production efficiency.

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In the present day, Europe is moving away from fossil fuels. This is due to the need to reduce CO2 emissions released to the atmosphere. As a result of this process, especially in Upper Silesia, Poland, there will be more areas requiring measures after the closing of mines. Reclamation of post-mining areas is a very difficult task, as there is no universal method of planning the recultivation. During mining operations, we observed many forms of environmental degradation. The article presents the use of one of the newer and increasingly used modeling methods in recultivation processes—the process map. Analysis of the investment is presented, based on the example of the recultivation of a pit after closing the hard coal mine. The main purpose of the analysis was to shorten the designing time of the construction and realization process. Two maps of processes were made, and a map of the existing and desired processes, as well as the benefits from this, are shown. This article presents only one of the stages of the recultivation process—the investment project process—, treating it as an example for optimizing the entire project related to recultivation.

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