Dry-type mini substations for DRC copper giant
April 2023
Electrical Power & Protection
Signalling its recognised and specialist expertise in dry-type transformers, Trafo Power Solutions will design and deliver almost 50 mini substations to a growing copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “This significant order is testament to Trafo Power Solutions’ experience and capability, and the value that we have created for customers over the years,” says the company’s managing director, David Claassen.
The customer’s specifications for the mini substations vary between 630 and 1600 kVA, and will be supplied in both 11 kV and 33 kV formats – with multiple configurations of low-voltage output from 400 V and 690 V, including dual secondary in some cases. The design specifications will allow the units to be applied in both surface and underground applications requiring compact designs and innovative approaches to cooling.
Among the benefits of dry-type transformers in underground mines are their safety features. Due to the absence of oil as a cooling agent, they are a very low fire risk, and there is also no environmental risk of oil leakage or spillage. Maintenance is also minimised by the use of air for cooling instead of oil; this eliminates the need for regular oil testing and replacement.
“We have a good understanding of the rigours of deploying electrical equipment like this in a demanding mining environment,” Claassen said. “As an African company we have worked all over the continent and understand the conditions; this has developed our ability to design and manufacture mini substations for various applications.”
Further reading:
Decarbonising the energies and chemical industry without the risk
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric argues that decarbonisation in Africa’s energies and chemical industry need not compromise production or profitability. A phased, digitally enabled approach, starting with energy efficiency improvements, can reduce emissions while strengthening competitiveness.
Read more...
Modular UPS system with scalable, high-availability architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Legrand South Africa has launched its fifth-generation TriMOD three-phase modular UPS, available from 10 to 80 kW. The system features hot-swappable modules, multiple input/output configurations, and up to 99% efficiency in Eco Mode, designed for data centres and critical industrial environments.
Read more...
Accurate illuminance measurement for safer, more efficient environments
Electrical Power & Protection
The Sonel LXP-10A illuminance meter is designed for accurate measurement of lighting levels in industrial environments where adequate illumination is essential.
Read more...
Why mining operations need local lightning early warning
Senseca
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning can develop into a serious mining hazard before the first local strike, leaving crews little time to stop work and reach safety. Local early-warning technology can provide valuable lead time, allowing mines to connect developing storm conditions to defined trigger actions that protect people, explosives and equipment.
Read more...
South Africa’s dirtiest fuel is building its most resilient boilers
Electrical Power & Protection
Steinmüller Africa argues that duff coal, the low-grade fines and discards stockpiled over decades, can now underpin reliable, compliant industrial boilers using mature circulating fluidised bed combustion technology, turning a long-standing liability into a phased energy transition pathway.
Read more...
Retrofitting for sustainability
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As budgets tighten and sustainability targets increase, retrofit and modernisation strategies are gaining traction across Africa, allowing organisations to upgrade only what limits performance while preserving existing infrastructure and extending asset life.
Read more...
USB-Datalogger for voltage 0 to 30 V DC
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 5186 is a data logger for DC voltages from 0 V to 30 V with terminals on the top of the device.
Read more...
Pole-top boxes for smarter, more secure electricity networks
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Simplifying electrical design compliance
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems highlights how Rockwell Automation’s Global SCCR Tool simplifies short-circuit current rating compliance for complex industrial electrical systems.
Read more...
Engineering resilience into Africa’s energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zutari’s managing director of water explains how Burundi’s landmark Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower projects demonstrate what resilient, climate-adapted infrastructure delivery looks like – and what this means for Africa’s energy future.
Read more...
printer friendly version