Sparks Electrical News March 2025

ENERGY MEASUREMENT AND SUPPLY

11

Transforming solar water heating in South Africa

informed decisions about energy usage. Businesses can identify peak usage times, adjust processes, and implement automation to enhance efficiency. Homeowners can detect high-consumption appliances and modify their habits to reduce their energy bills. The rise of smart technology has further revolutionised energy management. Integration with IoT-enabled devices allows real-time monitoring and control, helping both individuals and businesses make proactive adjustments. By leveraging these technologies, users gain greater control over their energy usage, ultimately reducing costs and improving sustainability. The future of energy management With the availability of top-tier energy measurement solutions, users can take control of their energy consumption. A wide range of tools ensures that whether you are an industry professional, a business owner, or a homeowner, there are effective solutions for precise energy monitoring. Energy efficiency starts with accurate measurement. “By understanding how and where energy is used, we can work towards smarter consumption, lower costs, and a more sustainable future,” said Voltex. “If you have energy, we can measure it.” substantial cost savings, improved energy independence, and sophisticated control capabilities, all backed by local support and regulatory compliance. As the renewable energy sector continues to evolve, solutions like APEX’s SGS demonstrate how innovative technology can address both environmental and economic challenges whilst supporting local industry development. Enquiries: www.apexsolar.tech Large-scale applications The system is particularly useful for residential estates where hot water availability is crucial, whilst satisfying the constraints of off-grid, backup or bulk grid supplies and other public utility load mandates. Using Apex’s MCS microgrid control technology, it is possible to manage a fleet of devices. Harnessing the unique technical abilities of our control infrastructure, centralised control systems can be used to orchestrate a fleet of devices to meet the demands of a constrained connection or optimise it according to tariff structures. Looking ahead As South Africa continues to grapple with rising electricity costs and grid reliability challenges, APEX’s SGS represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions. Its combination of intelligent energy management, user friendly control systems, and proven energy savings positions it as a leading innovation in the water heating sector. For businesses considering renewable energy solutions, APEX’s SGS offers a compelling package of benefits: manufacturing and development of APEX’s SGS carries significant implications for South Africa’s renewable energy sector. Beyond creating jobs and supporting local suppliers, Apex’s innovation is creating real South African IP, which is deployed around the world.

tools are available to cater to diverse energy needs. From basic diagnostic devices to advanced monitoring systems, the right equipment can make all the difference in accurate energy assessment. Some essential tools include: Multi-meters: Essential for diagnosing electrical faults, multi-meters measure voltage, current, and resistance, ensuring safety and efficiency in electrical installations. Smart timers: These devices help schedule electrical appliances, optimising energy use and reducing unnecessary power consumption. Clamp meters: Ideal for non-contact current measurement, clamp meters allow professionals to monitor electrical systems with precision and ease. Smart energy meters: These provide real-time insights into energy consumption, enabling users to adjust usage patterns for maximum efficiency. Efergy energy meters: Designed to track energy consumption, the Efergy meter functions like a speedometer for energy use, giving instant feedback and featuring a budget bar to help manage costs effectively. From measurement to management Measurement is just the first step. The true value lies in using this data to make • Choosing between grid and PV energy sources; • Monitoring real-time system performance; and • Accessing historical data and usage patterns. Installation and compatibility One of APEX’s SGS’ most practical advantages is its compatibility with existing infrastructure. The system can be retrofitted to most geyser cylinders in the market without requiring any plumbing modifications, making it an accessible upgrade for both residential and commercial properties. Installation is straightforward enough that qualified electrical contractors can complete it with minimal specialised training. The APEX SGS has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first and only system of its kind to be approved by the City of Cape Town for installation on its network. This approval underscores the system’s compliance with stringent safety and performance standards, setting it apart from uncertified alternatives that may pose safety risks and insurance complications. “Using uncertified alternative products that do not meet industry standards and regulations poses significant safety, financial, and operational risks,” confirms Smith. The system can also be used to achieve compliance with the SANS10400-XA compulsory requirements, which mandate that at least 50% of household hot water production must come from non-grid sources. This compliance positions the APEX SGS as a future-proof solution for South Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Regulatory compliance and market recognition Local manufacturing impact Rubicon’s commitment to local

effectively, identify inefficiencies, or implement cost-saving strategies. The right tools help detect wastage, reduce unnecessary consumption, and ensure compliance with energy regulations. Understanding energy use also enables businesses to implement sustainability initiatives. By analysing energy data, companies can set realistic targets for reducing their carbon footprint, contributing to a greener future while improving operational efficiency. through an intuitive web app interface. The ability to schedule energy use and control heating times ensures consistent hot water availability whilst minimising energy costs and reducing impact on the grid. Even during loadshedding or in off grid locations, the system continues to produce hot water while the sun shines, providing essential operational resilience. Users can exercise precise control over their water heating systems, including: • Setting custom temperature setpoints; • Defining specific time periods to avoid grid power usage; power over grid electricity when both are available. “The average 60% reduction in energy use per annum with our SGS hot water system is based on an optimised combination of Solar PV energy and intelligent energy management, which is determined by hot water usage patterns,” says Smith. The intelligence behind the system Central to the APEX SGS’s capabilities is the ApexOS platform, which serves as the system’s software core. Through this sophisticated operating system, users gain access to comprehensive monitoring capabilities via APEX’s Fleet monitoring platform. The system provides detailed insights, including energy flow visualisation, temperature control, and usage patterns

By: Ilana Koegelenberg I n an era where energy efficiency and grid independence are becoming increasingly critical, South African technology company Rubicon has, through its technology development brand Apex, developed a groundbreaking solution for water heating that’s transforming the renewable energy landscape. “This solution is innovative because it intelligently optimises solar PV energy for water heating, reducing grid reliance by up to 60%,” explains Ruan Smith, national sales head: Apex. “It retrofits easily, requires no plumbing changes, and offers remote control via ApexOS. Unlike competitors, it can be centrally controlled in real-time, maximising savings and optimising grid connections while ensuring continuous hot water availability.” Innovation in energy management At its core, APEX’s SGS is an intelligent control system that revolutionises how standard electric geysers, boilers, and hot water systems harness solar energy. What sets this system apart is its sophisticated approach to energy management – rather than simply monitoring temperature, APEX’s SGS considers multiple factors to make intelligent decisions about power source selection, consistently prioritising solar

Empowering precision: measuring and managing energy I n today’s fast-paced world, energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Whether in industrial,

commercial, or residential settings, precise energy measurement is the foundation of effective energy management. To optimise energy usage and reduce costs, accurate measurement tools are essential.

The importance of energy measurement

Energy consumption affects everything from business operations to household budgets. Without reliable measurement tools, it’s impossible to monitor usage

Tools for accurate measurement A wide range of high-quality measurement

Enquiries: www.voltex.co.za

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