Energy Efficiency Made Simple Vol IV 2015

Conclusion A recent report by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) states that solar and wind projects in South Africa generated an R8,3 billion benefit for the country from January to June this year. Opportunities are rife for local cable manufacturers who are able to meet the demand for quality, durability and sustainability. South Africa’s local environmental conditions drive the need for innovation in cable design, ensuring protection against water, UV and ozone exposure as well as flexibility. Stricter standards will soon come to the fore, with low halogen or halogen free cables becoming more prevalent. Cables will not only have a significant role to play in transmitting much needed renewable energy to where it is required most, but will also feature in the smart homes and smart grids of the future. References [1] SANS 1339. 2010. Electric cables - Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cables for rated voltages 3,8/6,6 kV to 19/33 kV. [2] SANS1507. Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric ini insulation for fixed installations (300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V). [3] SANS 97. 1999. Electric cables impregnated paper insulated metal sheathed cables for rated voltages 3,3/3,3 kV to 19/33 kV. [4] IEC 60502-1. 2004. Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV). Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV ((Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV). [5] IEC 60055. 2005. Paper-insulated metal-sheathed cables for rated voltages up to 18/30 kV (with copper or aluminium conductors and excluding gas-pressure and oil-filled cables). [6] IEC 60502-2. 2005. Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV). Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV). [7] ASTM G155-00 (superseded by ASTM G155-13). Standard practice for operating Xenon Arc Light apparatus for exposure of non-metallic materials. [8] IEC 62930. Electric cables for Photovoltaic systems.

and sheathed, although covered by SANS 1507 [2], is not a standard design used in South Africa. This need has, however, emerged in the last couple of years through the renewable power projects launched by government. Solar PV cables produced in South Africa have, therefore, been designed and manufactured to the SANS 1507 [2] standard by leading players in the sector in either a reduced halogen emission xlpe/pvc (LH) or halogen free xlpe/eva single core flame retardant, UV stable designs. Local legislation does not require the use of halogen free cable designs for fixed installations, but current standards do ensure that cables are prevented from releasing harmful halogens, toxins or significant volumes of smoke if they do burn during a fire. Solar cables make use of flexible Class 5 tinned conductors for flexibility and require compatibility testing in order to ensure that insu- lation and sheathing compounds do not mutually affect one another during operation. UV resistance testing is carried out in accordance with the American standard, UL 1581 [6], which utilises the American Society of Testing and Materials method (ASTM G155-00 [7]). The IEC TC20 Working Group (WG) 17 is currently in the process of drafting a new standard for solar PV cables (IEC 62930 [8]) with participation from the Association of Electric Cable Manufacturers of South Africa (AECMSA). The chairman of the AECMSA Technical Sub-Committee will lead the committee on a proposal to the SABS for the introduction of a new part to SANS 1507 [2], which will cover solar PV design and performance requirements specifically. Future outlook Solar PV cables are required for rooftop PV systems and it is envisaged that the current power situation in South Africa will lead to some homeowners and businesses wanting to be self-sufficient during power outages or able to make energy cost savings during the day when the sun is up. This will lead to an increase in the demand for PV cables from a residential and corporate perspective. Further to this, with the onset of future smart homes, smart businesses and smart energy projects, cables could take on multiple roles, providing solar and grid energy as well as broadband access. Cables in renewable energy plants could then communicate the status of energy generation more effectively and ensure the efficient, remote control of grids and systems. More and more renewable power generating plants are being con- structed or planned on the African continent and it is envisaged that South African consulting engineers, with the experience gained in local renewable projects, will specify cables compliant with the SANS standards for use in these projects. This will lead to cross-border opportunities for local cable manufacturers.

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Even though aluminium, which is being used more and more in renewable energy cables, is less attractive

to thieves (from a value perceptive), cable theft is likely to remain an issue going forward. Themarking of cables with unique identifiers, so rightful owners can be identified, and other mitigation meth- ods should not be discounted.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015