From left: Ann de Beer, Johannesburg branch manager, SAIMC Johannesburg and Jenine Jansen Van Vuuren, Comtest.
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch March 2025 technology event was hosted by Comtest, the Fluke agent in southern Africa. The presenter was Jenine Jansen Van Vuuren, who is well-known to the SAIMC and consistently provides informative sessions. The topic was ‘Renewable Energy Resources’.
She began with the question: “What comes to mind when thinking about renewable energy?” Wind, solar, hydropower, and biogas were some of the resources mentioned.
Her next statement was “To measure is to know.” The question revolves around how many of these are truly renewable processes; in other words, what is required to measure these resources and what proportion of the components used are renewable? For example, solar energy requires lithium batteries which have significant recycling challenges. Upon further examination, there are additional renewable energy sources: PV systems, wind farms, hydro generation systems, thermal-based systems, biomass systems, and green hydrogen.
Each system must meet specific IEC criteria and standards. Various types of measuring equipment are also necessary, such as pressure measurement, temperature measurement, vibration monitoring, gas leak detection, alignment systems, ultrasonic monitoring, and thermal imaging systems. In certain measurements, critical components must be sourced. Renewable energy resources are important, but it is essential to consider the entire picture: what is needed, how it is measured, and what environmental impact each component has.
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC extends its thanks to Jenine and Comtest for their contribution to the event.
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