MechChem Africa January-February 2022

Mobile power innovation for a cooler and cleaner environment

Atlas Copco’s David Stanford talks about some the innovative solutions emerging from the company’s Power Technique business line, with developments being driven primarily by the global group’s commitments to applying science- based targets in its efforts to help meet the Paris Agreement.

mobile solutions for onsite use in remote locations or anywhere where connected power is limited,” he continues. “Our power systems drive the tools that construction workers or miners might use on a daily basis to complete project work, and include compressed air to power pneu- matic tools, along with hydraulic systems and electrical and diesel drives. Where, in the past, a site was typically powered by diesel driven electrical generators, hybrid solutions that combine solar panels and lithium-ion battery banks with diesel gen - erators are now available for the supply of off-grid electricity – and the use of renew-

able solutions for mobile applications is advancing.” Power Technique is mostly associated with the manufacture of mobile power so- lutions for the construction, oil and gas, mining and general industries. “These are typically deployed in harsh environments where they are expected to deliver cost- effective, reliable power. They are used as mobile rental units for project work, mostly as temporary solutions. But due to power uncertainty across the region, some of our systems become preferred investments in longer-term and, on occasions, permanent installations,” says Stanford.

P ower Technique’s approach to innovation comes directly from the ambitions of the global Atlas Copco Group for a cleaner and greener society. “As from 2022, the Group has committed to following science-based targeting with respect to emission reduc- tions and global warming. This means that all our operational and product innovation efforts will be geared towards limiting global average temperature increases to an absolute maximum of 2.0 °C and, if possible, to 1.5°,” begins David Stanford, the business line’s regional manager for Southern Africa. “We have long aimed towards UN sus- tainable goals and the Paris Agreement. These have been influencing our product development and production for some time now. We are striving to develop products that offer sustainable solutions that are more efficient, greener and, ultimately, carbon neutral. Power Technique is therefore already using biofuels in the testing of our mobile compressors and incorporating solar energy and other renewable sources for our fac- tories. This to drive global emissions down towards the ultimate goal of net zero,” he tells MechChem Africa , adding that reducing water use, reducing waste and environmen- tal diversity are also key. “These strategies have already enabled us to reduce our own CO 2 emissions by some 28% over the past three years. Not enough, we know, but a clear indication of our commitment.” In terms of the products and services offered, he says that the business unit is not called Power Technique because it supplies generators. “We see our role as developing and installing products that are powered by their own source, whether that source is electric, diesel, hydraulic or pneumatic. We look at whole systems and applica - tions with a view to identifying the most convenient power option to do the work that needs to be done. Our key focus is on

The use of Zenergize battery packs also brings solar panels into play, which can simply be added to supplement the energy available to the system.

Zenergize with Atlas Copco compressors form a total deliverable, modular and flexible solution.

38 ¦ MechChem Africa • January-February 2022