A solar power generating facility recently developed by a South African gold mine has made use of Zest WEG’s locally manufactured transformers to serve this specialised application. “Factors like harmonics or ‘noise’ in the current flow mean that solar photovoltaic (PV) applications require specialised transformers,” explains Rynard Potgieter, sales manager for transformers at Zest WEG. “At this site, where 40 MW of renewable energy is being generated, the company supplied ten of its custom-designed transformers of 5 MVA capacity each. In this application, our transformers will step up from 690 V current to 11 kV. A dual input, single output configuration is a cost-effective innovation, allowing one transformer to be fed by a number of string inverters through the dual input.”
He notes that a further innovation of the recent PV project was the use of ester oil – rather than normal oil from hydrocarbons – as a coolant in the transformers. With ester oil being a focus of dedicated research at the WEG Group’s head office in Brazil, this option brought considerable benefits to the South African solar plant. From an environmental point of view, ester oil does not carry the risk of contaminating land or water if it happens to leak from the transformer. Operationally speaking, it is also able to withstand higher temperatures without degrading. It has the advantage of being inflammable, so it would not contribute to an explosion or fire. Ester oil also retains heat better, moderating the temperature of the transformer windings while not activated.
Meeting the Western Cape’s occupational health and safety needs
News
“A-OSH EXPO Cape Town is a dedicated platform where visitors can explore the latest products, services and training to safeguard their teams, improve workplace conditions, and ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
Read more...Bühler hosts Student Career Expo
News
Bühler Southern Africa recently hosted its fourth annual Student Career Expo, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring and guiding the next generation towards diverse and rewarding career possibilities.
Read more...The unseen crisis in our taps
News
South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment.
Read more...A technical partnership that lasts Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex reflects on the longevity of the partnership with Sasol, the key technology milestones along the way, and the most recent project in South Africa.
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.
printer friendly version