ABB has delivered a complete modular packaged substation to Sasol’s Secunda plant in Mpumalanga, almost eliminating unplanned power outages during annual shutdown periods. The mobile substation is made up of 14 panels of UniGear ZS1 medium voltage (MV) switchgear, future-proof protection and control technology. This innovation, aptly named E-House, is specifically tailored to Sasol’s needs such as slope plant flooring and constant movement around the plant.
The E-House was designed by ABB and Sasol Engineers with a scope which required a universal switchboard in a mobile substation, suitable to be operated at 3,3, 6,6 and 11 kV without significant changes to the switchgear configurations. This optimised solution was created to energise and protect motor feeders, transformer feeders and line feeders without changing of protection equipment.
During the design phase, the team recognised that Sasol Secunda switchgear replacement can only take place during shutdown periods when process equipment is not in full operation. As the switchgear in the plant is reaching its end-of-life span, it was critical to find an alternative replacement strategy to increase the number of switchboards that can be replaced without relying on the shutdown period. Due to limited time and resources during the annual shutdown of 8-10 days, the number of switchboard replacements were limited with increased risks to plant and personnel. The challenge was to conduct switchgear replacements outside the shutdown period, without creating plant disruptions or unplanned outages.
The substation is connected and currently utilised to do the first replacement project at Sasol Secunda site. Product group manager secondary switchgear and modular systems, Hermanus Jooste, says that this project was exciting because of the many considerations such as the air suspended trailer to enable effortless plant mobility for the substation. “The outcome is a brilliant solution for Sasol which further demonstrated our ability to go the extra mile for our customers,” he adds.
ABB and Sasol together developed the scope requirement by using ABB ZS1 Digital switchgear as the main switchboard platform, and the mobile substation had to be fitted permanently on a purpose-built trailer that could be moved around the plant as required.
Hitachi Energy’s power quality solution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hitachi Energy has announced the deployment of its power quality solution to connect Tanzania’s leading gold producer, Geita Gold Mine (GGML) securely to the national grid.
Read more...PPS delivers containerised distribution board for Western Cape hybrid power project
Electrical Power & Protection
South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project on a site in the Western Cape.
Read more...The choice of a thermal carrier is critical for optimal processing
Electrical Power & Protection
Historically steam, fuelled by coal, has been the most prevalent thermal carrier in South African industry. However, times are changing, with the manufacturing and processing sector needing to review the energy reticulation systems and thermal carriers currently in use.
Read more...ABB’s blueprint for a net zero future
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s Mission to Zero is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future characterised by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero waste.
Read more...General-purpose 350 W AC-DC power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
The TDK-Lambda GUS350 series of compact single-output general-purpose power supplies addresses the need for an economically priced product while maintaining reliability and quality.
Read more...Ground-breaking battery tester Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Midtronics offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Read more...Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version