MechChem Africa September 2017

⎪ Power generation, sustainable energy and energy management ⎪

with cooling fans. These are automatically switched on in the event of a failure of the master cooling system and ensure minimum downtime while the system is repaired. Another useful function of the cooling fans is to allowthe transformer to increase its power output in the event of anoverload situ- ation. Surge arrestors for each transformer were supplied as an added protection against the risk of an unstable voltage supply. Parts of the substation such as potential transformers (PTs) are specifically designed and manufactured for outdoor use with a rating13.2kV/110Vac, 500VA for protection purposes mounted near the auto reclosers. Claassen says that because these mobile mining units are transported to site and in some instances moved from area to area within a mine, it is critical that the structural integrity meets this type of arduous applica- tion. “Trafo transformers are engineered to withstand harsh vibration and are robust in construction. However, where required, it is possible to reinforce the rigidity further. “We find solutions and offer flexibility through understanding the customer’s spe- cific needs and applying an agile approach,” he says. “Traditionally, this type of equipment would be on the critical path for a project, but we managed to have themmanufactured within a five-weekwindow, which allowed for a rapid delivery to the customer.” Claassen emphasises the high energy ef- ficiency of these transformers, leading not only to lower energy consumption but also to less energy loss through heat; thismeans less is demanded fromthe ventilation and cooling systems on these units. An extra benefit – es- pecially for remote sites such asmines in rural areasofAfrica– is that adry-type transformer is virtually maintenance free, significantly lowering its operating cost. q

PV for Mauritian resort’s ‘Tread Lightly’ campaign LUX* Resorts & Hotels has implemented 130 solar-panel systemwith battery back- up to fully substitute diesel-based power generation for the needs of Ile des Deux Cocos in off-grid South-East Mauritius. The 20 kWp project’s excellent design and storage solution will allow for 11 hours of utilisation daily and enable self-sufficiency of the property, including during the night. This demonstrates the value of the group’s ‘Tread Lightly’ programme, where guest participation supports long-term improvement of the properties’ environ- mental impacts. the SDGs and COP22 targets. “We aredependent on the environment and it is our duty to protect it for ourselves and for future generations to come. This can only be achieved through tangible project implementations and responsible resource consumption. LUX* will continue its journey towards renewableenergy solu- tions and eco-products as far as possible, while contributing to the economy and supporting communities.”

AlexandreDunod, AERAGroup adviso- rymanager, adds: “Anothermark of leader- ship in sustainability fromLUX* that should inspire the industry is the declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. “Environmental responsibility and transparency are growing significantly in the hospitality sector on the way to Paris agreement implementation and we are proud of being part of such pioneer efforts in the Indian Ocean and beyond,” Dunod concludes. q

The initiative complements the carbon offsetting contribution of the regional CO 2 compensation projects’ portfolio in part- nership with Aera Group, which maintains a tailored selection of carbon compensa- tion commitments across Africa and Asia, matching accurate and up-to-date GHG impact monitoring across destinations to correspondingbest-in-classoffset projects. Recent entries in LUX* Tread Lightly compensation portfolio include volun- tarily Verified Carbon Standard certified emission reductions by producing green electricity from individual windmill owners in India and support for biogas energy in Eastern Africa. Vishnee Payen, sustainability and CSR manager of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, says: “LUX* pledges sustainable development at the core of its strategy and opera- tions. The Tread Lightly initiative helps to contribute to local and global goals such as energy efficiency and the reduction in carbon emissions – and it also aligns with

GoSolar installing the 20 kW peak solar PV system for LUX* Resorts & Hotels’ Ile des Deux Cocos Resort in Mauritius.

September 2017 • MechChem Africa ¦ 27