Sparks Electrical News May 2019

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

11

TECHNOLOGY DEAL WITH HAMON BEEFS UP JOHN THOMPSON’S OFFERING

DEHN AFRICA EXPANDS WITH NEW SENIOR APPOINTMENT IN RENEWABLES SECTOR L ightning and surge protection spe- cialist DEHN Africa, part of DEHN + SÖHNE Germany, has strengthened

investment in solutions that improve the reliability of energy supply to their critical devices such as lights, computers, cell chargers and networking equipment. Enabling them to continue with their lives even when the power utility providers fail us. Netshield has expanded its inverter range to include cost effective energy solutions, but the company cau- tions that critical to this is planning and understand- ing exactly what your specific energy objectives are. To start you must ask – what do I really need to keep on when my utility supply fails? Secondly, how long do I need to keep these devices powered for? Lastly, consider the expansion of your system by adding renewable solar panels to reduce your dependency even further and save on your utility bills. “Alternative energy backup and supply sources can be costly which has a lot to do with why small busi- nesses, SOHO offices and even homes are often the hardest hit when the power goes out, because they simply don’t think they can afford it,” says Inus Dreck- meyr, CEO at Netshield South Africa. “Nothing could be further from the truth, a 3 KVA Inverter system like the one we are offering can help to power critical systems and keep the lights on without breaking the bank.” Alternative energy systems have until recently come at an exorbitant cost, but as the global de- mand for clean energy grows in popularity, so costs are coming down. The butterfly effect is that here in South Africa where load shedding and rolling black- outs are the norm, we are starting to reap the benefits of more affordable quality energy solutions. “At Netshield we have developed a smaller bun- dled inverter solution for customers who don’t have high volume energy requirements, but simply need to power a small office or a home. Our 3 KVA and small- er inverter systems require fewer batteries, come in smaller battery cabinets and have direct integration into a solar array or solar panel. It is one of the most cost-effective ways by which to make use of alterna- tive energy and supports multiple applications such as grid assisted, and generator assisted modes,” adds Dreckmeyr. Because the units have a built-in solar interface, or “The agreement greatly strengthens John Thomp- son’s capability to cater to the Southern African mar- ket’s requirements in these fields, particularly to power utilities, the iron and steel manufacturing sector, min- eral processing and petro-chemical industries in the region,” said Shardanand Seeth, the division’s Busi- ness Development Executive. It also provides for local manufacture of substantial portions of the equipment concerned. “With respect to ESPs, the housings for the internal components of the ESPs, as well as the external support structures, ducting and other components will be manufactured by John Thompson,” Seeth points out. “In addition, John Thompson is responsible for manag- ing the execution of the projects and for ensuring that all applicable backup services are provided.” ACTOM has signed a technology and local represen- tation agreement with HAMON – a reputable interna- tional manufacturer and supplier of environmental and power generation systems – to extend John Thomp- son’s offerings in these fields in the local market. The additional equipment and technologies com- prise electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems in the environmental field, plus heat-recovery steam generators (HRSG) for application in the power generation field. This agreement, which took effect in mid-September 2018, gives John Thompson the exclusive right in the Southern African region to sell and support Hamon’s ESP systems, while its representation rights for the oth- er two Hamon systems are non-exclusive. The Hamon systems and services are added to the portfolio of John Thompson’s Utility Boilers & Environmental Solutions business unit, which serves these markets.

its offering in the renewables arena with the appointment of William van Wyk to the posi- tion of Business Development Manager: Re- newables. DEHN Africa managing director, Hano Oelofse, explains, “The renewables energy landscape is an exciting area that increas- ingly reflects the future of the energy sector in its entirety. Here at DEHN Africa we have been offering our solutions in the renewa- bles arena for some years now. The ap- pointment of William signals our intention to grow this area in a focused and consoli- dated manner, in keeping with current local and global trends.” Van Wyk’s new role entails developing and promoting DEHN’s extensive product and ser- vice range within the renewables segment, working actively across the entire southern African region. DEHN’s renewable offerings can be applied across the photovoltaic solar, thermal solar, wind energy and hydro-gener- ation areas. He says, “I’m looking forward to adding positive value to DEHN Africa and help- ing to build a strong DEHN Africa brand, engaging with both local and international clients. My previous employment history

MPPT, a customer doesn’t have to rely on only the grid or a generator to charge its batteries, but by di- rectly connecting the panels to the unit you can rely on solar too. This helps to dramatically bring down the total cost of ownership in the long-term by reduc- ing reliance on the power utility and/or the recurring cost of fuel to run a generator. The Netshield solution can be bought outright or combined with an instal- lation fee, where its engineers will help you scope, install and deploy the system in line with your exact requirements. The system is perfect for customers who have identified their critical power needs and done the maths on what they need to run when the power is off and what they can live without. Smaller inverter systems are best used for critical applications, such as lights, computers and smaller appliances. It simply doesn’t make sense to try and run a kettle, washing machine and energy inefficient lighting on them – as this is where the cost lies. The inverters, while smaller in size and scope are able to run in these applications: • Solar interactive mode – The batteries and the load are charged by the solar panels as the primary power source (when sun is available) and when the solar provenance and battery power runs out, the system automatically switches to the grid. • Grid assisted – This is a hybrid mode and will use your solar panels and the grid connection to charge the batteries. It will always seek out the renewable feed first and switch to the grid when there is no sun, or run off the batteries when there is no sun or utility power available. Once either the sun or grid returns, the batteries and load will be fed and recharged. • Generator assisted mode – This mode is applica- ble if you have no grid power but rely solely on so- lar panels. In the event that the solar can’t charge your batteries, or the charge runs out, it will charge the batteries from a generator and automatically switch back over to renewable when fully charged. “The true benefit of alternate energy supplies comes into play when consumption, usage and need is carefully and methodically calculated. Some small- er businesses have already invested in inverter sys- tems, but have been let down by their ability, simply because the calculations have not been done proper- ly. We work with our customers to develop a solution “We are convinced we have found in ACTOM an excellent partner to promote the Hamon Research Cot- trell technology on the African market,” says Eric Binard, Director EMEA, Member of the Hamon Group Executive Committee, “ACTOM has the right competence to man- age and control local fabrication and has an impressive strength to execute the site works as well as to ensure a continuous service close to the customer for main- tenance, trouble shooting and upgrade. The expertise of both partners ensures that customers have a world class organisation fully dedicated to their areas, matching the economic and financial requirements of the region.” ACTOM is also a major local supplier of electrical equip- ment, services and balance of plant to renewable energy projects. It holds numerous technology, distribution and value added reseller agreements with various partners, locally and internationally. John Thompson is a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd with its principal focus on boilers and environmental solutions serving the power generation and industrial markets, locally and internationally. Enquiries: +27 (0)11 392 0900

William van Wyk

includes 10 years in branch management in the pulp and paper industry, as well as eight years in specialised electrical sales and sales management. I believe my strengths include my knowledge of the market segment, my 18 years accu- mulated sales and sales management experience and my knowledge of regional African markets. “Joining DEHN Africa will allow me to ap- ply this experience in a young and dynamic environment and challenge myself. I truly be- lieve in the services and products DEHN Africa brings to the market and the value it adds to consumers,” concludes Van Wyk.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 704 1487

INVERTER SYSTEMS FOR SMALLER INSTALLATIONS E nergy supply will continue to cause chaos in our homes and places of work. To alleviate this, smaller business and home users can make an

tive, can scale, and will provide them a quali- fied return on investment,” ends Dreckmeyr.

that matches their environment. With our smaller 3 KVA inverter systems, we believe we are providing customers with a plug- and-have-energy solution that is cost effec-

Enquiries: +27 (0)12 841 0320

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MAY 2019