Sparks Electrical News June 2024

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

10

Danfoss integration of BOCK Compressors expands expertise in Africa D anish multinational engineering group Danfoss has finalised its acquisition of BOCK GmbH, reinforcing its position as a preferred provider of energy-efficient solutions. This deal is transferring to Africa, with Roy Naidoo, in-class CO 2 and low-GWP semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors and condensing units, the new BOCK additions to the Danfoss offering solutions will help organisations worldwide to further accelerate energy efficiency and decarbonisation.” The sales director says that innovative technologies for greener cooling and heating will assist Africa in its transition

Sales Director Sub-Saharan Africa for Danfoss Climate Solutions, expressing his excitement about the transition: “BOCK is a global leader with over 90 years’ experience in developing compressors, and has an impressive reputation for quality, climate-friendly technology. The addition of BOCK’s product portfolio to our existing range of compressors has given Danfoss the opportunity to tap into new markets and grow our reach within Africa.” As of March this year, the sales of BOCK compressors to resellers, contractors and end users were transitioned to distribution partners, while certain key original equipment manufacturers will continue to be supported directly. “BOCK’s renowned compressors – one of the largest portfolios in the world - are a natural fit for Danfoss’ extensive existing solutions range,” says Naidoo. “With best

towards more sustainable practices, where we would then, in turn, contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. “The integration of BOCK compressors represents a strategic alignment of a shared vision of using innovation, climate-friendly technology and sustainability to fast-track decarbonised cold chain and heating systems worldwide,” adds Naeem Fakir, Sales Driver Sub-Saharan Africa for BOCK. “We believe that the new distribution partnerships will pave the way for significant growth opportunities within Africa and ensure a smooth transition for our local clients.”

Enquiries: www.danfoss.co.za

Fluke multimeter allows for precise & reliable measurement every time C ompanies like Fluke, distributed in South Africa by Comtest, ensure that its devices are able

What causes lithium-ion battery fires? W here there is a spark, there is a fire. Behind the convenience of lithium-ion batteries lies a potentially hazardous science, says SafeQuip, a leading distributor of fire-related equipment.

Mitigating the risks Here are some practical steps to help you stay safe: • Use genuine batteries: Always use genuine, manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers for your devices. Counterfeit or substandard products are more likely to pose risks. • Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your devices and batteries away from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or inside a hot vehicle. • Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect your devices and batteries for any signs of physical damage, such as swelling, punctures, or leaks. If you notice any issues, replace the battery or device as needed. • Charge safely: Charge your devices on non-flammable surfaces, away from combustible materials. Do not leave them unattended while charging, especially overnight. • Store properly: If you need to store lithium-ion batteries for an extended period, keep them in a cool, dry place with a partial charge (around 50%). Avoid storing them fully charged or fully depleted. • Dispose of old batteries: When it is time to replace a lithium-ion battery, recycle it properly. • Invest in a Lith-Ex fire extinguisher: Lith-Ex fire extinguishers contain AVD – a naturally occurring agent specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires. AVD is made from the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite combined with water. It is a very effective agent that, cools, encapsulate, prevent propagation, and extinguishes lithium-ion battery fires. SafeQuip remains dedicated to elevating fire safety standards in South Africa and worldwide, ensuring the effective mitigation of lithium-ion battery fire risks. SafeQuip’s lithium-ion fire extinguisher range will soon be accessible through retailers like Makro, Game, MIDAS, Matus, select Buco and Buildit outlets, Takealot, and local fire extinguishing service agents.

Understanding lithium-ion battery construction At their core, lithium-ion batteries consist of three essential components: 1. Anode: This is the negative electrode, typically made of a carbon-based material that stores lithium-ions when the battery is charged. 2. Cathode: The positive electrode, often composed of lithium cobalt oxide or other lithium-based compounds, is responsible for receiving and releasing lithium-ions during charging and discharging. 3. Electrolyte: This is like the battery’s bloodstream. It is a liquid or gel that helps lithium-ions move around between the cathode and anode. It is important to note that the liquid or gel is flammable. These elements are sandwiched together and housed within a protective casing. The casing serves as a barrier to contain the potentially volatile materials inside the battery. The phenomenon of thermal runaway Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries is a dangerous situation where the battery gets extremely hot, leading to the rapid release of heat and gases that can result in fires or explosions. Several factors can trigger thermal runaway, including: 1. Overcharging: Charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its recommended voltage limits can cause the electrolyte to break down, leading to overheating. 2. Physical damage: Punctures, crushing, or mechanical stress can compromise the structure, allowing internal components to come into contact and generate heat. 3. High temperatures: Exposure to excessive heat, such as leaving a device in a hot car, can accelerate the onset of thermal runaway. 4. Manufacturing defects: Faulty manufacturing processes or substandard materials can weaken the internal components, increasing the risk of thermal runaway. Potential hazards from lithium-ion batteries include: 1. Fire: When a lithium-ion battery undergoes thermal runaway, it can generate enough heat to ignite the internal materials or surrounding objects. This can lead to a fire, posing a significant safety risk. 2. Explosion: In extreme cases, the build-up of pressure from the gases produced during thermal runaway can rupture the battery casing, resulting in an explosion. While such incidents are rare, they can cause severe injuries or property damage. 3. Toxic gas emission: Lithium-ion batteries may emit toxic gases, such as hydrogen fluoride and phosphorus pentafluoride when they overheat or explode. Inhalation of these gases can be harmful to human health.

to deliver the best results no matter the environmental circumstances or situations. Fluke’s 83V multimeter packs a lot of power in its punch, delivering accurate readings that are easily read by operators. Here are a couple of things to remember when using a multimeter…

Measuring DC voltage 1. Turn the dial to DC voltage. Some digital multimeters (DMMs) also include DC millivolts. 2. Insert the black probe into the COM jack. 3. Insert the red probes into the V Ω jack. NB! When you are finished, remove the probes in reverse order: Red first, then black. 4. Connect the test probes to the circuit: Black to the negative polarity test point (circuit ground), and red to the positive test point. 5. Read the measurement in the display. 6. Modern multimeters default to Autorange based on the function selected on the dial. To select a specific fixed measurement range, press the RANGE button multiple times until the desired range is selected. If the voltage measurement falls within the range of a lower DC millivolts setting, follow these steps: 7. Press the HOLD button to capture a stable measurement. It can be viewed after the measurement is complete. 8. Press the MIN/MAX button to capture the lowest and highest measurements. The DMM beeps each time a new reading is recorded. 9. Press the relative (REL) or delta button to set the DMM to a specific reference value. Measurements above and below the reference value are displayed. Voltage measurement analysis • Voltage measurements are normally taken to establish that voltage exists at a given point and ensure that the voltage is at the proper level. • AC voltages can vary widely (between -10% and +5% of the power source rating) and cause no problems in a circuit. Yet with DC voltages, even small variations may indicate trouble. • The exact amount of acceptable DC voltage variation depends on the application. • In some DC applications, large DC variations are not only acceptable but intentional.

Enquiries: www.safequip.co.za

Enquiries: www.comtest.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JUNE 2024