Sparks Electrical News January 2022

STANDBY AND EMERGENCY POWER

10

Cummins offers a range of solutions for load shedding and back- up power

Schneider Electric unveils a new generation of ComPacT moulded-case circuit breakers

Cummins’ technology is particularly suited to dealing with load shedding due to features such as full load acceptance for critical equip- ment. A full range of alternative power solu- tions is available from mines to factories and even the small business and residential sector. “Our key differentiator is that we can supply a small 17 kVA genset for residential or com- mercial use, all the way to a 3 750 kVA unit for mining, data centre and hospital applications, for example,” comments Warrick Gibbens, Power Generation Leader, Cummins Southern Africa Cummins’ energy-efficient engines comply with international emission standards and also have a high fuel tolerance level, which makes them ideal for arduous African operating con- ditions. In terms of automatic start-up, Cum- mins gensets have one of the best response times on the market. In addition, Cummins can also supply one- stop solutions for multiple back-up power requirements for largescale clients such as mining operations or factories. It not only pro- vides the gensets themselves, but all ancillary components, from air and oil filters and even coolant. “Our value proposition is to offer the high- est-quality products, and also ensure that they are serviced and maintained properly,” says Gibbens. Cummins has a fully-fledged training facility where its own technicians and clients can receive customised training on any engine platform. This training is fully accredited, with certificates presented to all successful candi- dates. Another significant benefit for Cummins’ clients is that it can supplement its gensets with maintenance contracts of varying dura- tion, depending on the application and spe- cific requirements. This ranges from simple inspection and cleaning to a recommended yearly service of any standby units. “Clients also have peace of mind in that we only use certified installers, in addition to being able to offer the type of warranty that sets an industry benchmark,” stresses Gibbens. Cummins can even become involved with Eaton’s new 9395P high-performance UPS is a must to ensure business continuity and op- erational efficiency, particularly as South Africa faces continued power interruptions because of load shedding. The Power Xpert 9395P UPS builds on the success and track record of the Power Xpert 9395, providing even more benefits through proven technologies and ad- vanced features. “With South Africa’s power grid in crisis and more businesses and even residential estates looking to make the move to renewable en- ergy, the Power Xpert 9395P offers an energy efficient solution for key applications and in- dustries including data centres,” says product manager, Jaco du Plooy.

all stakeholders,” concludes Southern Africa Managing Director Racheal Njoroge. SUBTITLE: About Cummins Inc. Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business seg- ments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components includ- ing filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, batteries, electri- fied power systems, hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Colum- bus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 57,800 people committed to powering a more pros- perous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy com- munities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations world- wide and earned about $1.8 billion on sales of $19.8 billion in 2020.

the design phase of alternative power solu- tions, all the way through to installation and commissioning. Fully-trained technicians are located throughout South Africa, in addition to an extensive dealer network that can also ac- commodate remote locations. “The main aim is to limit the impact of load shedding for our customers and to ensure they have minimal downtime,” Gibbens ex- plains. An innovative solution in this regard is the PowerCommandCloud 550 remote moni- toring system, which is ideal for large-scale customers such as financial institutions that operate multiple gensets. Here monitoring each genset individually is not practical or cost-effective. Instead, Power- CommandCloud 550 provides a convenient means of remotely monitoring gensets, trans- fer switches and output controls. Users can access the system from any computer using a Microsoft Silverlight-enabled web browser, with no additional software required. Customers also stand to benefit from Cum- mins South Africa now officially being a Level 4 B-BBEE contributor, having progressed from its previous Level 8 status. “It positively con- tributes to our customers’ own scorecards, enabling them to increase their procurement spend as they are now dealing with a compli- ant Level 4 supplier. It is certainly a win-win for

Schneider Electric , a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced a new generation of its respected ComPacT moulded-case circuit breakers. Featuring a re- freshed design that retains the footprint of previous models, the Com- PacT breakers are tailored for operational excellence and major simplifi- cation of maintenance activities. The ComPacT range now comes connectivity-ready, and modular ‘plug-and-play’ accessories expand the capacity for advanced moni- toring capabilities. By keeping the new units the same shape and size as their predecessors, electrical professionals can easily retrofit break- ers already in use. This also opens the opportunity to expanding the capabilities of ComPacT breakers trans-generationally to unleash digital intelligence. The simplified wireless connectivity feature revolutionises and enhanc- es installing, maintaining, or upgrading the all-new ComPacT range. New wireless auxiliaries give users improved insight into their electric distribu- tion system, to maximise power availability. By putting data in the hands of users anywhere, anytime, for increased monitoring and decision mak- ing, this advancement redefines how we work in the IoT age. A major design improvement is the introduction of a semi- transparent front faceplate. This innovation makes it easy to see at a glance which auxiliaries are at work in the breaker, and that they are correctly positioned. The ComPacT range continues to feature EverLink connectors for reliable and quick bare cable connections, as well as built-in DIN-rail mounts that allow the breakers to snap easily into place. With the new generation of ComPacT molded-case circuit breakers, Schneider Electric further establishes its dedication to helping panel builders deliver correctly installed, state-of-the-art power distribution systems that enhance their reputation. Battery materials made in DRC could lower supply-chain emissions T he Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials, says BloombergNEF. James Frith, head of energy storage at BNEF said: “For regions to successfully attract battery component or cell manufacturing they need to have either a supply of key raw materials or local demand for batteries. If they have access to raw materials, they can use this supply to attract downstream manufacturers. If they have local de- mand for batteries cell manufacturers will move to the region to be close to their customers, particularly in the automotive industry. Af- rica has a wealth of critical battery raw materials and is in a position to use these to attract more value-add in downstream processing and manufacturing.” The President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu said: “Africa must benefit meaningfully from its abundance of energy transition metals by changing the extraction model. Unlike pre- vious price booms, African countries need to move up the value chain through mineral beneficiation, smelting and refining, and move away from exporting unprocessed commodities.” Enquiries: www.se.com

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 451 3400

UPS for mission critical applications

Enhanced benefits Eaton believes a UPS should be measured by its value, not its initial cost. The Power Xpert 9395P offers a lower total cost of ownership through efficiency that significantly reduces operational costs. Its 97% rating of double-conversion efficiency ensures 33% less heat, which reduces cooling costs, with 20% more power for the same footprint as its predecessor. In addition, the modular design allows scalability, giving businesses, organisations and other entities the ability to ‘pay as you grow’ by adding an extra power module to the existing UPS as needed. Eaton’s new UPS uses a three-level converter topology design that greatly extends the lifespan of key components. This is achieved through operating components at less than half the stress of a conven- tional converter. It also employs smaller components, which helps to

ensure quieter, more efficient operation. On an operational level, the HMI design allows customers to pro- gram the LCD display according to their unique site layout, using remote controls, colour-coded status of the power system’s critical components and real-time metering displays. The fully automated SCADA solution can be used to monitor equipment for failures of the switchgear bus, cable terminations/joints and transformers. It’s worth noting that replacing an older generation UPS with the new- er 9395P High Performance UPS allows customers to earn back the price of the UPS in just two to three years. The proof is in the more than 13 000 units from the series that have already been installed worldwide.

Enquiries: customerserviceafrica@eaton.com

Enquiries: www.bbnef.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2022