News


Zest gensets keep farms running smoothly

May 2018 News

The rural and often isolated setting in which many farms operate make them particularly vulnerable to power cuts and damaged power lines. The result is that agriculture can suffer consequences as a result of power outages, which makes it a business imperative for every farm to have a sustainable and secure supply of energy.

The good news is that solutions are available to empower farmers to get the most out of their farming equipment without having to risk a power outage turning into a disaster. A good, dependable backup diesel power generator set can effectively keep everything running smoothly until mains power is restored. While a quality genset does require an initial capital outlay, the benefits and cost saving in the long run turns it into a positive investment.

Industry experts Zest WEG Group offer the experience and capacity to design and provide high quality agricultural generator solutions with top engine brands, for reliable backup or continuous power in various farming applications. The right solution begins with making the appropriate generator selection, by considering the load size, voltages, running cycles, access to site and delivery constraints.

Zest gensets can be supplied in stationary or mobile configurations from 10 kVA up to 3350 kVA, and their capacity can be increased upwards with multiple synchronised sets. All generator sets are supported by customised service and maintenance agreements.

Integrated packages that include mechanical and electrical manufacture and assembly as well as electronic design incorporating in-house control panel manufacture are available. The company also provides supply and installation of transformers, cabling, bulk fuel systems and sound attenuation with standby generators on a turnkey basis, together with project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

To keep costs down for farmers, Zest WEG Group also offers WEG softstarters and WEG variable speed drives (VSDs), which reduce the required genset power capacity.

VSD technology reduces the electric motor’s start-up current, which assists with peak load demands, and also eliminates the need to oversize the generator which would have been a requirement without a VSD.

Another important benefit of using VSDs is the power saved by controlling the output speed of the electric motor, ensuring that the customer uses less energy. Using a VSD allows for the right sizing of the generator which means that the diesel engine will run at its rated loads and maintenance and operating costs are significantly minimised. In many cases, engine capacity can be reduced, with reductions in oil and fuel consumption being realised as a result. Using a smaller engine will also have a positive effect on the cost of parts.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Women belong at the heart of mining engineering
News
Dr Adwoa Boaduo, group head of safety at Rosond, sees an opportunity to challenge outdated perceptions about women in mining and engineering.

Read more...
ACTOM invests in South Africa’s industrial future
News
ACTOM has transformed its Pretoria West facility into an integrated manufacturing hub for large power transformers, high-voltage equipment and lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, quadrupling transformer capacity and establishing a complete local energy storage ecosystem.

Read more...
WEG’s technologies at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, WEG Africa will showcase its top solutions services, and expertise built for the mining sector.

Read more...
SA’s future engineers in action
News
AvenirHoldings sponsors the 2026 SAICE Aqualibrium Schools Competition, supporting young engineering talent across South Africa and Eswatini.

Read more...
Rooibos heads to space in groundbreaking South African STEM initiative
News
Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station as part of a first-of-its-kind South African initiative combining space-based plant science with hands-on STEM education for learners in the Cederberg region and Cape Town.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Turning the tide
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further. South Africa’s manufacturing ...

Read more...
Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.

Read more...
Schneider Electric inspires future women engineers
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric welcomed female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.

Read more...
Supporting an inclusive circular economy transition in South Africa
News
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has released its Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. The document sets out how research, development and innovation can support South Africa’s shift away from a linear economic model.

Read more...
Why sustainability and resilience matter more than ever to navigate the ESG backlash
News
ESG, once heralded as a pragmatic framework for embedding long-term resilience into business, is facing growing resistance. The backlash we are seeing may appear reactionary, but it should not distract us from the facts. In this climate, I often find myself returning to the core purpose behind sustainability - creating long-term value in a world of escalating uncertainty.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved