Electrical substations pose a number of unique challenges including vandalism and the theft of copper. This is especially true for mini substations, which are often located in residential areas and in remote rural areas, and applies to those owned by power utilities as well as private owners.
While larger substations are often protected using surveillance equipment, this is not always feasible with mini substations and, apart from the unnecessary disruption of electrical services, the damage done to these installations could have potentially lethal consequences for maintenance personnel.
Constructed as a complete unit
Working in collaboration with Eskom, WEG Transformers Africa (WTA), part of the Zest WEG Group, developed a vandal-proof mini substation that is now approved by the power utility.
Andre Mans, chief operating officer of WTA, says that this approval is very important as it confirms the functionality as well as reliability of the vandal proof substations. “This level of approval not only shows that the mini substations meet all the criteria, but also gives absolute assurance to the marketplace,” he adds. “Notably, the mini substations are targeted at both power utilities and private end users.”
The WTA vandal-proof units are ideal for installation in high-risk areas. The entire enclosure, including doors and lock protection facilities, are constructed from 6 mm steel with the doors being specially reinforced and heavy-duty door hinges complement the four-way locking mechanism. The transformer unit is sealed, further protecting the installation.
A major benefit is that the mini substation is constructed as a complete unit and is offloaded on site with its roof in position. This is advantageous to contractors as installation does not necessitate assembly of the unit.
Mans says that orders totalling just over 90 units have been received for the 500 kVA 11/0,42 kV mini substation, which are destined for new residential development areas. The first batch of these was delivered in 2015.
The substations are manufactured at WTA’s Wadeville facility, which underwent a complete modernisation programme over the last two years including streamlining of processes and upgrading of equipment. The facility produces standard distribution, power and special application transformers ranging from 50 kVA to 10 MVA in voltages up to 66 kV with off-load tap switch or on-load tap changers.
Raptor switches Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.
Read more...Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
Read more...Multimeters: the perfect entry-level choice Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Experience the precision, durability and safety of professional-grade test tools with the entry level Fluke 15B+ and 17B+ digital multimeters.
Read more...What’s driving the IE3 motor revolution? WEG Africa
Editor's Choice
The International Efficiency 3 (IE3) motor standard will soon become South Africa’s legal minimum standard, mandating that local suppliers offer more efficient electric motors. What is driving this change, and how does it affect the many industries that rely on these modern electric workhorses?
Read more...South Africa can become an important EV manufacturer
Electrical Power & Protection
A year ago, South Africa was mired in loadshedding, with the importance and relevance of electric vehicles (EVs) far from the public imagination. Fast forward a year and much has changed
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
Biral, now part of the Senseca Group, and a specialist in environmental and meteorological measurement instrumentation, has launched its BTD-200 lightning warning system, which is a complete detection and warning system.
Read more...Taking the pain out of panel building Omron Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.
Read more...Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.
printer friendly version