Zest gensets keep farms running smoothly

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

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.

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Zest gensets keep farms running smoothly

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