Mechanical Technology June 2015

⎪ Sustainable energy and energy management ⎪

every component. The company uses original spare parts and accessories, according to strin- gent OEM specifications. Preventative maintenance for diesel engine generators also reduces long-term operating costs and ensures extended service life of the system. By following diesel maintenance proce- dures and a manufacturer’s recommendations, the risk of failure on critical power applications during start up is reduced. Project successes Vert Energy’s recent projects include the re- winding of a 750 kVA exciter stator, in situ below deck, on board a vessel out at sea near Mozambique, without any interruptions to the normal operation of the ship. Vert technicians also installed and commissioned new generators aboard a vessel in Namibia during a recent the retrofit programme. These units were tested under various loads and operating conditions out at sea. Other notable challenges involved the servic- ing and maintenance of three 7 000 kVA alter- nators at a gas turbine power plant in Nigeria and the restored operation of a faulty 800 kVA, 525 V generator in Lesotho. Vert Energy is the authorised sales and sup- port partner of Leroy Somer EPG (Electric Power Generation) products in southern Africa and carries a full range of genuine spare parts for low and medium voltage LS alternators. Spare parts, such as diodes, varistors and automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), are always readily available and complement the full range of alternators from 20 kVA to 2 000 kVA, which are carried ex-stock in the Johannesburg warehouse. Vert Energy also offers an intensive product training programme, which entails an in-depth look at the value of alternators used in electric power generation. q

loads supplied by the alternator. Customised high-, medium- and low-voltage LS alternators, also available in either 50 or 60 Hz and with 4 to 24 poles, are rated from 500 kW to 25 000 kW and can be driven by diesel or gas engines, turbines fuelled by gas or steam, wind turbines or hydro turbines. Also in the LS range are alternators designed for specialised applications, for

example, in agriculture. The robust Tractelec is a gen- erator driven by a tractor’s power take-off (PTO) shaft, p r ov i d i ng

an alter- n a t i v e source of

energy production. This 3-phase Partner alter- nator, which operates efficiently in demanding farming environments, is coupled to a gearbox with oil-cooled lubrication and an electrical protection and distribution box. Servicing isolated parts of Africa According to Robertson, the company’s “highly skilled technicians” have the expertise to as- sist with inspections, diagnostics and repair procedures; re-assembly, installation and commissioning, as well as the implementation of preventative and predictive maintenance programmes. “It is important, especially in isolated locations, to have a secure and efficient power supply and a reliable support facility. For this reason, our on-site service offering is well received, particularly by companies in remote areas. This field service includes inspection and fault finding, as well as refurbishment and repair of most types of generator. “Where repairs are not possible on site, work is undertaken at Vert Energy’s Johannesburg workshop, or at a certified repair facility in Africa.” Apart from the company’s 24-hour assis- tance with any emergency electro-mechanical breakdown or repair situation, Vert Energy also offers a customised preventive and emergency maintenance programme, designed to minimise the downtime of either prime power or standby generators. Proactive maintenance management not only increases reliability of a system, but also upholds consistent procedures and schedules and maintains the factory warranty coverage of

The removal of the rotor from a 1 650 kVA alterna- tor with a failed stator at Vert Energy’s Meadowdale premises in Edenvale, Gauteng. The unit is being stripped and checked to ensure there is no damage to the rotor.

Mechanical Technology — June 2015

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