Air circuit breaker talks back
May 2006
Electrical Power & Protection
CBI has introduced its new World Super AE Air Circuit Breaker (AE-SW) that is well described as the ACB that talks back. Like the MCCBs, its new interface modules make communication possible between the ACB and PLC/scada systems and these modules can be applied to various open networking systems such as Profibus, CC-Link (Asia Open standard) and Modbus.
The range comprises nine models, with frame sizes from 630 A to 4 kA, each available in fixed or draw out configurations. The main features of the range are:
* New compact-sized AE2000-SWA model, making it one of the smallest 2 kA ACBs in the world - and the coolest running.
* Increased mechanical durability from 10 000 to 25 000 cycles (AE630 to AE2000SWA).
* Increased breaking capacity and superior short-circuit protection. It has been increased from 50 kA to 65 kA at 690 V for the AE630 to AE2000SWA ACBs and from 50 kA to 75 kA at 690 V for the AE2000 to AE4000SWA ACBs.
* Expanded short-time withstand performance (Icu = Ics = Icw = 65 kA/ 75 kA for 1 second).
* Retrofitting to previous models is possible with no modifications to bus bars or mounting brackets.
* Electronic trip relay meets diverse customer requirements by combining various kinds of modules to one common base.
In addition, the range features a new display module for measured values, alarm information and trip history while a new VT module makes it possible to measure voltage, power, energy and current harmonics. All electronic trip relay accessories are modular, unlike the previous range of ACBs, and can be added to the electronic trip relay base at a later stage as and when required. The AE-SW is already available for retail and was officially launched in February 2006.
For more information contact Ettienne Delport, CBI, 011 928 2063, 083 618 7773.
Further reading:
Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric’s Rohit Chashta argues that the biggest gap in Africa’s green transition is not ambition but execution, and outlines how advisory services, bankable project roadmaps, digital visibility and SF6-free switchgear can turn sustainability commitments into measurable progress.
Read more...
High-efficiency half-brick DC-DC converters
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half-brick DC-DC converters from Vepac Electronics use synchronous rectification for high conversion efficiency, in a six-sided metal case built to withstand harsh industrial and transportation environments.
Read more...
Zinc-based batteries power a more sustainable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zinc-based batteries are gaining ground as a safe, recyclable and cost-effective energy storage option, from consumer electronics to grid-scale systems. The International Zinc Association’s Simon Norton explains why zinc is well placed to support the clean energy transition.
Read more...
Energas introduces lower-cost German gas genset for South African market
Electrical Power & Protection
Energas Technologies will supply R Schmitt Enertec’s new Energy Line genset to the South African market, offering German-engineered gas-to-power generation of 400 to 500 kW at a lower entry cost through focused standardisation and a simpler standalone architecture.
Read more...
ACTOM plays key role in large transmission substation project in Swellendam
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has been appointed to engineer, procure, construct and commission the 1000 MVA main transmission substation for the Overberg Wind Farm in Swellendam, one of the largest substations of its kind in South Africa.
Read more...
Reliable power conversion from high-voltage DC buses
Conical Technologies
Electrical Power & Protection
The MEAN WELL DDRH-240 from Conical Technologies is a high-reliability DIN-rail DC-DC converter with a wide 250 to 1500 V DC input range, deriving stable low-voltage power directly from high-voltage DC buses in renewable energy, storage, charging, railway and industrial installations.
Read more...
AES maintains a strong value and safety stance on boiler retrofits
Electrical Power & Protection
AES Commercial Director Dennis Williams explains when a boiler retrofit makes more sense than replacement, outlines the range of efficiency and emissions upgrades available, and draws the line at safety: a boiler not legally signed off is shut down, no exceptions.
Read more...
The grid needs to become more intelligent
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s power grid is becoming bidirectional and far more dynamic as distributed energy resources proliferate. Schneider Electric’s Nishandra Bajinath explains why digitalisation, DERMS and aggregation are essential to keep this increasingly complex grid stable and efficient.
Read more...
ACTOM’s integrated electrical solutions reduce project risk and accelerate delivery
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM has secured multiple orders across four divisions for the Naos-1 hybrid solar and battery project in the Free State, demonstrating its integrated model for supplying the full electrical chain from high-voltage equipment to distribution transformers.
Read more...
Smarter energy management starts with intelligent electrification
ABB South Africa ABB Electrification Products
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB Electrification specialists Adeline Maleka and Nokulunga Dube explain how the convergence of electrification, digitalisation and automation is helping South African industries gain real-time visibility, reduce energy waste and build operational resilience.
Read more...