Siemens Energy launched its new SWT-3.0-101 direct drive wind turbine at the European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition in Warsaw. The new SWT-3.0.101 with a rated power of 3 MW, offers innovation through a direct drive concept utilising a permanent magnet generator. With fewer parts than a conventional geared wind turbine, the new units require less maintenance and provide increased profitability for customers. The new wind turbine features a rotor diameter of 101 metres and is now available for sale for onshore and offshore projects around the world.
“Under the attractive feed in tariffs announced last year for renewable energy we see a great potential for wind projects in this market. The excellent wind conditions in South Africa are well suited for the Siemens Wind Power technology. Siemens is very interested in the domestic market and closely following further developments,” says John Hazakis, business unit director for Siemens Renewables Division.
The new SWT-3.0-101 will offer 25% more power than the present 2,3 MW machine, but with a lower weight and only half the parts. The objective was to reduce complexity in order to increase reliability and profitability.
The unit features a gearless drive train design with a compact synchronous generator excited by permanent magnets. The generator of the first prototype machine, which was installed in Denmark in 2009, was produced by the Large Drives Business Unit within the Siemens Industry Sector. The main advantage of permanent magnet generators is their simple and robust design that requires no excitation power, slip rings or excitation control systems. This leads to high efficiency even at low loads. A major advantage of the new machine is its compact design: with a length of 6,8 metres and a diameter of only 4,2 metres, the nacelle can be transported using standard vehicles commonly available in most major markets. The nacelle of SWT-3.0-101 weighs only 73 tons, which is less than the nacelle of the standard 2,3 MW wind turbine.
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...AI-based quality inspection scales across P&G operations Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and Procter & Gamble are expanding an AI-based visual inspection system across P&G’s manufacturing operations worldwide, inspecting products in real time at full line speed, and reducing scrap rates by 10 to 20% depending on the product.
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...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
News
South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
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.
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.