MechChem Africa March-April 2023

Rand-Air adds energy storage to hire fleet Rand-Air sales and marketing manager, Byrone Thorne, talks about the role of Atlas Copco’s ZenergiZe energy storage solution for those looking for clean, reliable and efficient short-term solution where grid power is intermittent.

ZenergiZe from Rand-Air can manage energy supply generated from intermittent renewable energy sources and from hybrid solutions that combine renewable and non-renewable generators.

noise levels, the virtually maintenance-free system is a particularly suitable solution for noise-sensitive environments such as events, film-making, shopping centres, etc. At the heart of this powerful and com pact unit are high-density lithium-ion bat teries which are capable of providing over twelve hours of power. These batteries are lighter in weight than other technologies and ZenergiZe is also 70% more compact in contrast to traditional alternatives. This facilitates effortless transportation and installation of the system. The unit incorporates a number of con nectivity features and benefits including a smart start and stop function, an Energy Management system (EMS) complete with battery management communication (BMS), a remote monitoring system, a Bluetooth mobile application as well as a parking mode. Rand-Air has been a trusted, profes sional, reliable and responsible hire partner for mining and other industries across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa since 1973. The company has made significant invest ments in its rental fleet to offer customers complete hire solutions via an extensive range of high quality, reliable and efficient machines backed by expert service. “Our comprehensive rental fleet includes mobile oil-free and oil-injected air compres sors; diesel and electric-powered screw air compressors; diesel generators from 30 kVA to 1 000 kVA; lighting and pumping plant; and steam boilers are coming soon,” concludes Byrone. www.randair.com

a clean, reliable and efficient short-term solution where grid power is intermittent. The ZenergiZe can be used in combina tion with a generator and also has the ability to manage energy generated from intermit tent renewable energy sources, offering a hybrid power solution for a wide range of industries. Moreover, micro-grids can be created to provide energy to residential, commercial, industrial or public service applications. The escalating price of diesel is pushing up the costs of running a generator. Byrone explains how operators can reduce fuel bills significantly by alternating between ZenergiZe and the generator. “In addition to consuming less fuel, running the generator for shorter periods will also reduce machine wear and subsequently maintenance and related costs,” he explains. Byrone also recommends using the ef ficient ZenergiZe when demand is high, and then switching to the generator when demand is low. “Generators use less fuel when they run at lower stages.” This innova tive storage system offers a cleaner energy solution for a wide range of industrial and retail applications across diverse segments – from food processing and data centres to the entertainment and tertiary education sectors. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ZenergiZe range features a trio of zeros, de livering both economic and environmental benefits to customers and end-users. Using zero fuel and emitting zero CO 2 , the unit will substantially reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions for operators. With zero

B usinesses and industry are un der ever-increasing pressure to increase production, improve ef ficiencies, decrease costs and protect worker safety while at the same time looking to shrink their carbon footprints. South Africa’s intermittent power supply adds a further challenge as companies look for in novative solutions to keep the lights on and ensure business sustainability. Fundamental to this is process and plant optimisation through the use of efficient machines and equipment. To assist customers and end-users in sustainably achieving these objectives, Rand-Air is continuously looking at offering cleaner and more cost-effective renewable green energy rental solutions that will deliver lowest possible operational expen diture (OPEX) and total cost of ownership (TCO) to customers and end-users. “Reinforcing our commitment to provid ing customers with clean rental solutions, we recently added the new ZenergiZe ZBC 250-500 kVA battery energy storage sys tem to our hire fleet,” says Rand-Air Sales and Marketing Manager, Byrone Thorne. He explains that whilst ZenergiZe cannot replace grid power completely, this highly efficient modular energy storage unit offers The ZenergiZe energy storage system from Rand Air can be used in combination with a generator to provide hybrid power solutions for a wide range of industries.

34 ¦ MechChem Africa • March-April 2023