Electricity + Control August 2015

STANDBY + BACK-UP

a checklist of tasks, such as inspecting batteries for corrosion, looking for excessive torque on connecting leads and other fault-finding, helps maintain a disciplined approach tomaintenance regimes.Moreover, awell-documented history of a standby power infrastructure can be of signifi- cant use when planning for equipment upgrades or replacements, or when troubleshooting. Conclusion Importantly, acknowledge that critical com- ponents, such as batteries and capacitors, will wear out from normal use. The key is to be ahead of the game and anticipate failures through regular inspections and diligent main- tenance before they become catastrophic. Bear in mind that usually UPS are scrapped from professional environments every three to four

years – well before they should be. Often, this is owing to problems stemming from bad servic- ing regimes and/or a lack of maintenance. The cost of replacing a UPS is often lower than cost of repair, further emphasising the value – and importance - of regular servicing.

• Loadshedding in South Africa has put the spotlight on the readiness of back-up, emer- gency power systems to fire at a moment’s notice. • UPSs are designed to provide back-up power for short periods of time. • Good preventivemaintenance regimeswill address standby power system reliability from many perspectives.

take note

Jack Ward is the managing director of Powermode, a leader in the field of advanced power provi- sioning systems for medium to large corporations. The company designs, supplies and commissions a broad spectrum of innovative, turnkey power protection, management and generating solutions. He has more than 35 years of experience in the IT, telecommunications and power protection industries throughout Africa in senior executive roles. Enquiries: Email garrethj@powermode.co.za

ROUND UP

Supplying independent power to copper mines - DRC Master Power Technologies (MPT) has supplied two copper mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with stand-alone power generation capabilities totalling around 15 MVA. MPT’s partner in the region, FGWilson, installed the solutions and the company will continue to provide maintenance services to the mines. The mines in question have rich copper veins which were to be mined, but there was no utility power in the area. The mines therefore had to ensure they were able to generate enough power independently to support the long-term mining of the area. As a recognised power management solution provider in the area, Master Power was tasked with the project after winning the tender with FG Wilson P1250P3 diesel generators MPT was able to deliver a high quality 15 MVA power station solution to this remote area of the DRC.The power solutions were built and the main portion was tested in Caterpillar’s UK facility, and again at Master Power’s headquarters in Strijdom Park. The client then came from Australia to witness the testing prior to it being containerised and transported by road to the DRC. FGWilson and MPT then reassembled the power solutions on site and ensured they were running optimally before the new mining operation started.The process of designing and delivering the solution took less than five months. More than simply supplying the solution, FG Wilson provides the mines with local service and warranty support from local FGWilson dealers. The system was commissioned on site in the DRC in December 2014 and the mine owners are satisfied with the reliable and stable power supplied by the solution. Enquiries: Rory Reid.Tel. 011 792 7230 or email rory@kva.co.za