A solar power generating facility recently developed by a South African gold mine has made use of Zest WEG’s locally manufactured transformers to serve this specialised application. “Factors like harmonics or ‘noise’ in the current flow mean that solar photovoltaic (PV) applications require specialised transformers,” explains Rynard Potgieter, sales manager for transformers at Zest WEG. “At this site, where 40 MW of renewable energy is being generated, the company supplied ten of its custom-designed transformers of 5 MVA capacity each. In this application, our transformers will step up from 690 V current to 11 kV. A dual input, single output configuration is a cost-effective innovation, allowing one transformer to be fed by a number of string inverters through the dual input.”
He notes that a further innovation of the recent PV project was the use of ester oil – rather than normal oil from hydrocarbons – as a coolant in the transformers. With ester oil being a focus of dedicated research at the WEG Group’s head office in Brazil, this option brought considerable benefits to the South African solar plant. From an environmental point of view, ester oil does not carry the risk of contaminating land or water if it happens to leak from the transformer. Operationally speaking, it is also able to withstand higher temperatures without degrading. It has the advantage of being inflammable, so it would not contribute to an explosion or fire. Ester oil also retains heat better, moderating the temperature of the transformer windings while not activated.
Celebrating three decades of innovation in Africa's premier industrial software conference
News
With a rich 29-year history, the X-Change User Conference stands as Africa's largest and most prestigious annual gathering dedicated to industrial software and related technology. Hosted by Industry Software Solutions & Support (IS3), this year, X-Change 2024 promises to be even more impactful as it celebrates three decades of innovation and collaboration.
Read more...Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...Bearings International fosters a segment strategy Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...RS Group expands by 10 000 products RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
Read more...Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.
printer friendly version