Sparks Electrical News September 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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COST-EFFECTIVE POWER-TOOL BRAND LAUNCHED T he AEG Powertools brand has been added to the Upat stable. While not new to the South African mar- ket, Upat’s distributorship is expected to increase the

Manager, Jaco Jansen. Aftermarket service and training will be a major focus to ensure customers receive the highest level of support. “Our sales staff have received in-depth training from AEG Powertools in order to be able to provide customers with market-leading support throughout the lifespan of the tools.” Upat has established a dedicated AEG Powertools service centre, in addition to a comprehensive spares’ holding to ensure rapid and efficient servicing. AEG Powertools come standard with a one-year warranty, which can be extended by an additional year free-of-charge if registered on www. aeg-powertools.eu within 30 days of date of purchase.

brand’s footprint significantly. Initially, corded power tools will be introduced, and will be followed by tools using advanced cordless technology in accordance with market requirements. The range to be introduced to the local market includes grinders, drills (masonry and steel), planers, saws, sanders and some accessories. This is the first time Upat has offered a dedicated power tool brand for retail and reseller markets. “We identified a gap in the market for a high-quality, simple-to-use, and cost-effective power-tool brand,” explains Upat Retail Sales

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 624 6700

ENERGY EFFICIENT WEG W22 IE3 MOTOR KEEPS SA ECONOMY ALIVE R educing energy consumption is essential for all industries in South Africa, and the WEG W22 IE3 premium efficiency electric motor can rightfully claim to be the most efficient motor to be is turning industry in the country. the elements constituting the external components of the designed motor. The frame is a fundamental component in the design because, besides constituting the mechanical structure reference, it is the main conduit responsible for the heat dissipation generated inside the electric motor.

Available from Zest WEG Group, the WEG W22 IE3 is available in models with a rated capacity up to 1 000 kW and has been engineered specifically to reduce energy consumption, optimising on total cost of ownership in numerous applications. The WEG W22 IE3 product line was engineered using latest generation computational tools such as structural (finite element method) and fluid flow analysis as well as electric design optimisation software. This has resulted in a robust product that offers reduced energy consumption and thermal efficiency as well as a reduction in noise and vibration levels. Fanie Steyn, manager responsible for rotating machines at Zest WEG Group, says that because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, during design close attention was paid not only to the internal efficiencies of the working motor, but also to

“In addition, the frame and the end shields ensure the enclosure of the electric components, protecting them against the environment where the motor is installed,” Steyn says. “The frame design ensures high thermal exchange and high reliability where mechanical strength is essential.” The terminal box is located at the front of the frame thereby increasing the heat dissipation area and providing a uniform air flow over the motor frame. Reliability of the frame was also deemed important, so careful consideration of construction materials led to the selection of FC-200 cast iron, produced in WEG’s own facilities. Interestingly, this is the same material as used in WEG’s explosion-proof motors. Fan and fan cover The main function of the fan, when assembled

when the cooling system is operating to promote heat dissipation, it generates acoustic noise and mechanical losses, which can be caused by a combination of the friction of the fan blades through the air and ineffectual design of the fan cover’s shape. Good ventilation is key to reducing mechanical losses, particularly for two-pole motors. Because of its high efficiency, an IE3 motor has inherently less demand for heating removal, so the ventilating system can be optimised to reduce mechanical losses and consequently acoustic noise. WEG’s design on the cooling system on the new motors was conceived using the most advanced simulation software and fluid flow analysis software, resulting in an innovative aerodynamic profile with reductions in mechanical and acoustic noise. Terminal box Because the terminal box is the point of contact between the user and themotor,WEG first carried out a field survey amongst installation and maintenance experts to determine optimal design performance. This research resulted in a new terminal box concept that prioritises the interface with the user, providing

easier access and handling of the power and accessory cables and ensuring more reliability and versatility in the motor installation. The new terminal box allows improved cable housing, ensuring larger contact areas between the cables and the motor terminals and allowing correct tightening torque. The diagonal cut design of the terminal box base and the terminal box cover enables easier access to the electrical connection and gives a better view of the interior of the terminal box during installation procedures. Using the same WEG exclusive BMC (polyester with 20% fibreglass) die-cast terminal blocks that are used for the terminal blocks of hazardous area motors ensures high electrical insulation resistance and durability. In addition, the accessory cable connections are made with quick coupling connectors. “With a focus on designing for efficiency, coupled with the ability to understand and implement market needs, WEG W22 IE3 motors are a long- term solution to the ongoing need for energy usage reductions,” Steyn concludes.

directly on the motor shaft, is to promote air flow over the frame fins, thus dissipating the heat generated inside the motor. The function of the fan cover is to protect the fan against external agents and to ensure continuous air flow over the motor fins, regardless of environmental conditions within which the motor is operating. As a natural consequence,

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 723 6000

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INTRODUCES EASY UPS 3S TO AFRICA

“We look forward to

the industry standards for the 10-to-40 kVA UPS to a new level. Available with or without batteries, to address different business needs, Easy UPS 3S users also benefit from the start-up service option to ensure the unit is configured properly and safely for optimal performance, reliability, safety, and peace of mind. “Easy UPS 3S addresses a market need we have seen for a solution that offers best-in-class power availability, reliability, manageability, quality, and convenience for small and medium businesses, data centres, and manufacturing facilities,” says Riaan de Leeuw, Vice President, Schneider Electric ITD Anglophone Africa.

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC South Africa has announced the launch of its Easy UPS 3S in Africa. Making business continuity easy for small and medium businesses, Easy UPS 3S is a 10-to-40 kVA Uninterruptible Power Sup- ply (UPS) that offers robust electrical specifi- cations and compact design. Easy to install, easy to use, and easy to service, the Easy UPS 3S is an exceptional combination of optimised footprint design and advanced product features, providing protection for critical equipment fromdamage due to power outages, surges and spikes. The unit delivers up to 96% efficiency in double conversion mode and up to 99% efficiency in energy-saving ECO Mode, taking

bringing this new 3 phase 10-to-40 kVA offer to the continent, where Easy UPS 3S is ideally suited for use in a wide range of industries and environments.”

Enquiries: www.se.com/za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2018