Electricity + Control March 2018

round up

PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT

Eskom incorporates extended power range A multimillion rand two-year frame contract awarded by Eskom to ACTOM Power Transformers in early-2017 represents an extension of the range of power transformers covered compared with the previous frame contract. The current contract, effective from April 2017 through to March 2019, covers the production and supply of power transformers of 1,25 MVA up to 160 MVA at 132 kV, encompassing both standard double-wound units and autotransformers. The previous equivalent two-year frame contract, which ended in 2014, covered standard transformers from 1,25 MVA to 80 MVA at 132 kV. “The latest contract not only covers the production and supply of units up to 160 MVA, as against up to 80 MVA in the previous contract, but it also caters for the provision of autotransformers in addition to standard units,” commented Wilma Muller, ACTOM Power Trans- formers’ Project Manager. In the period between the expiry of the former contract in early-2014 and prior to the award of the latest contract, ACTOM Power Transformers commenced production of autotransformers as part of a series of expansions and upgrades undertaken at its Wadeville, Germiston, plant, which resulted in substantial extension of its production capacity as well as its design, manufacturing and test capabilities. The latest expansion and upgrade of ACTOM Power Transformers’ plant and test facility, completed in 2013, raised the top level transformer it is capable of producing to 315 MVA at 275 kV. During the interim period between the two sets of frame con- tracts the government introduced new regulations aimed at encouraging the further development of local manufacturing capabilities and capacities by affording local manufacturers some measure of protection against foreign imports through the introduction of more stringent local content re- quirements for products and equipment purchased by state-owned enterprises. At the same time it designated locally-produced items to be purchased and used by parastatals for all infrastructur- al development, refurbishment and maintenance under their control. Locally-manufactured power

transformers, among many other items of electrical and infra- structural equipment, have been so designated. Consequently more stringent local content requirements apply in Eskom’s current frame contracts for power transformers than previous- ly. “Any transformers we produce and supply between April and December 2017 are required to have a local content of not less than 70%,” said Muller. Enquiries: Steve Jordaan.Tel +27 (0) 11) 824-2810 or email steve.jordaan@actom.co.za ACTOM Power Transformers’ Project Manager Wilma Muller and Sales Manager Gert Kriel check the specifications for a 80 MVA power transformer manufactured under the current frame contract with Eskom, while Sarah Tolo (second from left), Wiring Department Foreman, and Mthethwa Mkhize, Wireman, do some finishing touches to the unit.

World’s largest energy storage facilities in the UK GE and Arenko have formed a strategic alliance to build grid scale energy storage systems in the UK. The companies will seek to leverage the advantages of combining GE’s battery technology solution, power electronics and advanced controls with Arenko’s leadership in operating batter- ies in the UK market and proprietary energy trading software platform. Arenko has invested in a 41 MW battery energy storage system supplied by GE, who is providing a fully integrated battery storage solution. The project is one of the largest in the UK and globally with the ability to provide affordable, on-demand power to the equivalent of approximately 100 000 UK homes. This battery storage system is sited at a key strategic location in the Midlands and will commence operations in 2018. Once operational it will integrate GE and Arenko’s advanced control technologies and will be commercially operated though Arenko’s software to digitally deploy energy and access multiple services and system needs. The battery system’s reliability and performance will be underpinned

and protected by GE’s long-term support. The project will relieve pressure on the UK energy system and provide flexibility at times when it is most needed to deliver a more balanced, secure energy system and contribute to reducing the cost of energy to the UK consumer. Enquiries: Email Allison.J.Cohen@ge.com

Electricity + Control

MARCH 2018

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