Electricity and Control July 2025

Energy management + energy e iciency

SEW-EURODRIVE is helping South African farmers reduce irrigation costs and improve operational e›iciencies. By leveraging its world class expertise in conducting energy audits on drive systems and supplying premium IE3 motors and durable gearboxes tailored for centre pivot systems, the company is helping farmers to optimise irrigation operations. As part of its full-service o›ering to the farming community, SEW-EURODRIVE supplies robust and energy e›icient gearboxes and motors for centre pivot irrigation systems and can conduct in-depth energy audits to identify ine›iciencies and recommend optimised drive solutions tailored to each operation. Willem Strydom, Business Development Manager: Electronics at SEW-EURODRIVE, highlights that: “Electricity is one of the fastest growing input costs in agriculture, placing significant pressure on farmers who depend on irrigation for consistent crop yields. In our energy audits, we take a holistic view of the system, assessing all aspects, from motor and gearbox performance to how e›ectively power is used.” However, thermal runaway is an issue. This can occur when overcharging, a short circuit, or high temperature creates a feedback loop that rapidly accelerates temperatures until there is an explosion. Using a cathode with a higher temperature tolerance, such as iron phosphate (FePO4), mitigates thermal runaway. New battery technologies, such as saltwater and liquid metal batteries, which promise both low maintenance and cost, are coming on the market. Importance of battery maintenance The question of whether batteries are worth it for a working facility can be answered by considering priorities and costs. Lead-acid batteries have low upfront costs but high ongoing maintenance costs, including weekly cleaning, testing, and top-up tasks. Lithium ion batteries have high upfront costs but low ongoing maintenance costs. Nonetheless, as the costs of lithium-ion and other non-lead acid batteries decline and the adoption of solar and wind energy grows, batteries will become an increasingly essential part of a facility. About the author Michael Ginsberg is also a Chief Executive O›icer of Mastering Green, Helping farmers drive down irrigation costs

where he has trained nearly a thousand technicians worldwide in solar PV installation, maintenance, and operation. The Fluke 500 Series Battery Analyser is an ideal test tool for maintenance, troubleshooting and performance testing of individual batteries and battery banks in critical battery backup applications. Reference [1] IRENA Report 2017: https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2017/Oct/ IRENA_Electricity_Storage_Costs_2017_Summary.pdf?la=en&hash=2FDC44939920F8D2BA29CB 762C607BC9E882D4E9

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

Energy management + energy e iciency: Products + services

The audits typically evaluate the condition of installed equipment, the suitability of motor sizes for the application, and the potential for savings by upgrading to premium e›iciency IE3 motors. SEW-EURODRIVE has already standardised on IE3-rated motors across its irrigation solutions – a step ahead of some competitors that still supply lower e›iciency IE1 motors. “By replacing outdated or oversized components, our customers oŽen achieve a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and associated costs,” says Strydom. “In many cases, the investment pays for itself within just a few irrigation seasons.” This proactive service is particularly valuable for large-scale commercial farms and irrigation-intensive operations, where even incremental gains in e›iciency can translate into substantial savings. It also aligns with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s recently implemented Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which places increasing emphasis on energy e›iciency in industrial equipment. “As well as the benefits of working with SEW-EURODRIVE’s products, our customers gain access to our nationwide network of service teams and technical specialists. We conduct on-site inspections of drive systems, identify opportunities for optimisation and provide practical cost saving recommendations,” Strydom says. Within its strategy of ‘closing the loop’, SEW-EURODRIVE provides a complete drive solution for centre pivot irrigation – from local assembly and inspection, to supply and installation, repair and energy optimisation. This end-to-end approach is backed by extensive local stockholding and standardised internal gearing across gearbox ranges, which enable fast turnaround times for repairs and refurbishments. “We are proud to o›er more than just components; we o›er long-term value,” says Strydom. “Energy audits are just one of the many ways we are helping South African farmers become more e›icient, resilient and sustainable.”

SEW-EURODRIVE helps farmers comply with Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electric motors, standardising on energy-efficient IE3 motors.

For more information visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za

JULY 2025 Electricity + Control

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