Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its Altivar Solar ATV320 variable speed drive (VSD), a solar-powered drive solution that is compatible with a wide range of water pumps, catering for water challenges and decarbonisation of irrigation pumping and agriprocessing machinery.
The Altivar Solar ATV320 is Schneider Electric’s replacement offer for the Altivar Solar 312 model, which has reached the end of commercialisation. The Altivar Solar ATV320 drive is robust, simple to commission and easy to integrate for pumping applications.
“This product is part of our Access to Energy portfolio, so it is designed for use in remote areas, or areas with no access to energy. However, it can also reduce energy costs if used in applications where there is electricity, because it is solar-powered. When not connected to solar panels, the drive can be connected to the grid,” says Luthando Makiwane, industry automation marketing manager at Schneider Electric South Africa. Altivar Solar ATV320 VSD is suited to a range of different types of pumps, including submersible, surface-mounted, and water storage tank pumps.
Agricultural applications
“The Altivar Solar variable speed drive has seen significant uptake in the agricultural sector, where farmers are looking to reduce energy costs and also to adopt green technology in their operations,” says Makiwane. He notes that Schneider Electric’s Access to Energy portfolio is committed to connecting 100 million people by 2030 with green electricity. This will be through dedicated product offers and solutions aligned with the company’s purpose and mission as an impact company that builds to deliver a positive effect in the long run.
The Altivar Solar ATV320 features various advanced features compared to the previous ATV312 range, including:
• Dual power supply mode (solar and grid): A wide DC voltage range enables users to connect high-wattage panels to the ATV320 solar drive.
• Remote On/Off of the pump through SMS or EcoStruxure Energy Access on the Livelihood platform.
• Dedicated solar drive with built-in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and solar-specific functions for multiple solar applications.
“This variable drive harvests the maximum solar energy to run the pump for the maximum duration in a day by controlling the speed of the motor based on the power available from solar panels,” says Makiwane. “The built-in MPPT function helps to ensure that you get the most power out of the solar panels and that the pump operates optimally throughout the day.”
Energy savings
Because the Altivar Solar drive can connect to the grid and solar PV source, it helps to ensure water pumping can be done at night, and even on cloudy days. The drive is optimised for pumping applications and can achieve up to 30% energy savings. Additionally, the Altivar Solar drives have a built-in monitoring function to help prevent the pump from running dry. If there is no water in the pump, the released heat could damage it over time, potentially shortening its service life.
Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.
Read more...Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.
Read more...The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.
Read more...SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...World’s largest production capacity mine hoist
Motion Control & Drives
BB has been selected by global mining company BHP to deliver, install and commission three friction hoists and a further electrical system for a Blair service hoist to its Jansen Potash project in Canada.
Read more...Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
printer friendly version