Load control
May 2008
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent events have brought the reality of large-scale power cuts into our homes and businesses. CBI-electric: low voltage has developed answers to help alleviate the power crisis in the country. The use of a time switch and energy control unit (ECU) in the home achieves the objective of smoothing out consumption during the high demand periods of early morning and early evening, which can make a significant contribution to the national effort to manage load.
The ECU is a load shedding device used to control the power to non-essential loads like electrically heated water tanks, under-floor heating and airconditioning units during high demand periods. For example, when a stove (the controlling circuit) is switched on and the current exceeds the rating of the ECU, the supply to the hot water geyser (controlled circuit) will be temporarily interrupted. The ECU current rating should be low enough to ensure the timely interruption of the controlled circuit. The ECU is compact in size for convenient mounting and is silent in operation.
The CBI electronic time switch can be set to switch on the geyser a few hours before it is needed, eg, the early morning. The same can be done in the afternoon depending on individual household requirements. Alternatively, peak loads can be shed effectively by switching the geyser on only during the night. With the geyser consuming up to 20% of domestic power requirement, the effect of the use of the time switch on load is dramatic.
The time switch can also act as a security device. When users are away the device can be set so that the lights are turned on and off at pre-determined times as they would if the occupants were home.
The CBI electronic time switch is compact with an LCD display that enables users to visually see the time-setting and programs in the unit. It is also equipped with a by-pass override for greater energy management flexibility, and power supply back-up ensures that settings are retained for up to 24 hours in the event of power outages.
For more information contact John Raptakis, CBI-electric, +27 (0)11 928 2089, mnolte@cbi-electric.com, www.cbi-electric.com
Further reading:
Modular UPS system with scalable, high-availability architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Legrand South Africa has launched its fifth-generation TriMOD three-phase modular UPS, available from 10 to 80 kW. The system features hot-swappable modules, multiple input/output configurations, and up to 99% efficiency in Eco Mode, designed for data centres and critical industrial environments.
Read more...
Accurate illuminance measurement for safer, more efficient environments
Electrical Power & Protection
The Sonel LXP-10A illuminance meter is designed for accurate measurement of lighting levels in industrial environments where adequate illumination is essential.
Read more...
Why mining operations need local lightning early warning
Senseca
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Lightning can develop into a serious mining hazard before the first local strike, leaving crews little time to stop work and reach safety. Local early-warning technology can provide valuable lead time, allowing mines to connect developing storm conditions to defined trigger actions that protect people, explosives and equipment.
Read more...
South Africa’s dirtiest fuel is building its most resilient boilers
Electrical Power & Protection
Steinmüller Africa argues that duff coal, the low-grade fines and discards stockpiled over decades, can now underpin reliable, compliant industrial boilers using mature circulating fluidised bed combustion technology, turning a long-standing liability into a phased energy transition pathway.
Read more...
Retrofitting for sustainability
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As budgets tighten and sustainability targets increase, retrofit and modernisation strategies are gaining traction across Africa, allowing organisations to upgrade only what limits performance while preserving existing infrastructure and extending asset life.
Read more...
USB-Datalogger for voltage 0 to 30 V DC
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 5186 is a data logger for DC voltages from 0 V to 30 V with terminals on the top of the device.
Read more...
Pole-top boxes for smarter, more secure electricity networks
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Simplifying electrical design compliance
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems highlights how Rockwell Automation’s Global SCCR Tool simplifies short-circuit current rating compliance for complex industrial electrical systems.
Read more...
Engineering resilience into Africa’s energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
Zutari’s managing director of water explains how Burundi’s landmark Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower projects demonstrate what resilient, climate-adapted infrastructure delivery looks like – and what this means for Africa’s energy future.
Read more...
Voltage Tester with LED-Display
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The PeakTech 1094 is a reliable and robust two-pole voltage tester that has been specially developed for the safe and precise measurement of AC and DC voltages in the 12 to 400 V range.
Read more...
printer friendly version