Evan Dent, business development manager, Endress+Hauser
Energy has become a key area of attention in recent years. South Africa in particular has a larger than average problem as a result of the capacity shortages it faces in the short term. With a predicted requirement for 3000 MW of savings required by 2012, one method of addressing the problem is the setting of energy efficiency targets in the private, commercial and industrial sectors. Unfortunately this is easier said than done, as the success or failure of energy targeting initiatives depends on human behaviour. A change in human behaviour can achieve savings of up to 30%, but these are often short lived as old bad habits return once awareness of the initiative fades.
Most early energy savings strategies involved the obvious ie, lights, geysers and other such household consumers. These are small savings when compared to energy used in industrial preciseness. One of the initiatives that can be pursued is improving the efficiency of the utilities at industrial plants. This has the potential to make large savings in processes energy consumption. It is key to process efficiency, since most utilities over-supply when compared to the demands of the process. Operational efficiency has the potential to save as much as 40% of the energy consumed in the section of the plant that is targeted. This is indeed attractive.
When streamlining utilities, the focus should be on the production of compressed air and steam, fuel consumption and also the movement of water in the process. These are all generally large energy users in a typical industrial process. Initiatives such as leak detection, pressure monitoring and filter blockage are often put into place. The human problem rears its head as time goes by, and the success of the initiative is reduced as the team falls back into old habits. So how do we make these into sustainable initiatives? To achieve this we have to look at energy management as a continuous cycle.
Read more...Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
Read more...The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.
Read more...Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.
Read more...Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.
Read more...Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...Raptor switches Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.
Read more...Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
printer friendly version