Electricity and Control July 2025

Energy management + energy e iciency

meeting the objectives to maximise e›iciency and plant reliability / uptime.

Vertiv has launched the Vertiv ™ PowerSwitch 7000, a next-generation static transfer switch, consolidating its position as a complete power solutions provider. The new static transfer switch expands Vertiv’s end-to-end portfolio of solutions that enable the critical digital world to accelerate and perform. Designed to support uninterrupted operations across critical sectors including data centres, financial services, and manufacturing technology, Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000 addresses the growing demand for power reliability in an increasingly digital world. Now available in Europe, Middle East and Africa markets, this solution supports continuity in power supply to help prevent costly disruptions. Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000 operates downstream from redundant uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems in reserve bus and dual bus power architectures for facilities that cannot tolerate power interruptions. The system delivers seamless, automatic transfers between independent power sources, providing critical redundancy for single-corded loads and additional protection for dual-corded equipment. An internally redundant architecture further eliminates potential single points of failure. “Power protection and reliability are increasingly critical concerns for data centre operators, especially when planning for computing growth,” said Greg Hoge, Product Management Global Director at Vertiv. “Combining reliable switching, operational flexibility, maintenance simplicity, and intelligent diagnostics, Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000 sets a high standard for operational excellence in power switching technology for the most demanding data centre applications.” The upgraded system o›ers innovative serviceability features which include a compartmentalised design that separates high voltage sections from maintenance areas, enhancing operator safety and improving overall serviceability. The front-access design losses,” Williams explains. Highlighting further factors that need to be considered, he says the fuel used constitutes by far the highest cost, and this can be managed e›ectively through the recovery of the energy released (boiler heat transfer), ensuring that the maximum amount of energy is recovered from the fuel into the steam. Closely aligned with this are the considerations of fuel costs and quality. With its in-house laboratory, significant buying power, access to market supply and sourcing expertise, AES ensures the best quality fuel is procured at the lowest cost. The quality of the steam supply is another key consideration. Williams says, “This relates to stability of steam pressure, maximisation of condensate return, the dryness of steam and the reliability / continuity of steam supply. These all impact on how a company can use the steam supplied e›ectively to maximise e›iciency and lower usage per unit of product.” E›icient operations also impact positively on aspects such as sustainability and reducing emissions. Improved boiler e›iciency and the maximisation of condensate return also lower resource usage (coal and water) per unit of production. E›ective maintenance management including scheduling, quality execution, planning and recommissioning, all play a part in A new transfer switch for power systems

An illustrative case The beneficial outcome of e›ective energy management is illustrated by a pilot project that AES undertook for a multinational fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) client. “This entailed the installation of an additional boiler, mitigation of liquid fuel use and overall outsourcing of operations. Following operational takeover and maintenance / operations interventions by AES, significant improvements were achieved. A 100% reduction in costly liquid fuel use for steam generation, and a 21% improvement in CO 2 emissions when compared with the client’s operational baseline.” As a result, the client outsourced its largest steam generation facility to AES, achieving similar results with lower steam cost, improved availability and a substantial 35% reduction in fuel use and associated CO 2 emissions. “All these gains confirm that proactive energy management pays o›. AES now services five of this client’s sites,” Williams concludes.

For more information visit: www.aes.co.za

Energy management + energy e iciency: Products + services

allows for maintenance without service interruption, reducing repair time and maintaining continuous power to critical loads. Flexible installation options, including top and bottom cable entry, make the system suitable for raised and non-raised floor environments. Modular SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers), hot-swappable fan

assemblies, and tool-free air filters support quick servicing and consistent performance. The on-unit 9-inch colour touchscreen control panel provides advanced waveform capture capability. This allows the platform to function as a diagnostic tool by capturing power measurements at a high sampling rate during transfer events to support comprehensive root cause analysis. This intelligent monitoring system provides facility managers with easy access to system data, helping them quickly identify and respond to power disturbances. Remote monitoring is available through Vertiv™ Intellislot™ RDU120 communication card, which is UL2900-1 cybersecurity certified, delivering secure, remote access to system status and diagnostics.

Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000 is designed to support uninterrupted operations across critical sectors.

Vertiv™ PowerSwitch 7000 integrates with Vertiv’s comprehensive portfolio of power management systems, including UPS systems and power distribution units, creating a complete power protection ecosystem. The solution is supported by Vertiv™ Global Services, a worldwide network of trained experts o›ering a comprehensive portfolio of project, lifecycle, and digital services to maximise reliability and minimise downtime.

JULY 2025 Electricity + Control

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