Sparks Electrical News September 2024

SPARKS DIGITAL

6

An app to check machine performance S tatistics reveal that approximately 50% of lubricants used on industrial machines and equipment eventually makes their way into the environment where just one litre of used oil has the capacity to poison about a million litres of water. Significantly, the global market for lubricants is rising and in 2019 increased by 2% to more than 45 million tons showing Solutions are hard to find considering the importance of lubricants in machines ranging from cars to tractors, ships and manufacturing equipment, almost every moving application that bears weight or creates friction needs lubrication to avoid abrasion and heat. Bearings, shafts, spindles and gears are just some of the items that keep the wheels of industry “working like a well-oiled machine” but there is hope with newer and better ways

Expanding critical digital infrastructure L ast month Vertiv introduced 1kVA to 3kVA capacities of the Vertiv Liebert GXE, an online double conversion, The Liebert GXE rack/tower models provide scalable runtime for applications

“The rapid advancement of digitalisation, including AI and the

growing reliance on data services, makes power continuity increasingly crucial for all businesses, even at the network edge,” stated Andrea Ferro, vice president for channel, IT and edge applications at Vertiv in EMEA. “The Liebert GXE provides energy efficient and reliable power protection, helping small and medium businesses sustain operations in these distributed applications.” The UPS is available with a comprehensive range of limited warranty extensions and service programs designed for single-phase UPS systems. These service programs are available in select countries. EMEA resellers in participating countries can earn points through the Vertiv Incentive Programme (VIP) for various activities, including sales of the Liebert GXE and other products in Vertiv’s IT channel portfolio.

that need extended backup during AC mains outages, achievable by adding up to four external battery cabinets, and a fast recharge time thanks to its powerful 6 Amp internal charger. The hot-swappable VRLA batteries are user-replaceable without needing skilled personnel or powering down the loads, ensuring smooth operation and reduced maintenance costs. The Liebert GXE features an intuitive LCD display that offers insights into the UPS status, facilitating effortless installation and operation. This unit provides remote monitoring capabilities, enabling convenient access to IT infrastructure via the optional Vertiv Liebert Intellislot Unity Communications card, along with a complimentary download of the Vertiv Power Insight software. Finally, Vertiv offers a wide service offering including limited warranty extensions, Power Emergency packages, and other options, depending on the country and UPS model.

single-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for 230V applications designed to support critical applications deployed at the network edge. With the addition of the new models, the Liebert GXE family is now available in a complete 1kVA to 10kVA capacities range and is ready for immediate shipping from stock within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia, and LATAM warehouses. The Liebert GXE 1-3KVA UPS is available in a compact tower-only model or in a flexible rack/tower convertible design and delivers high efficiencies of up to 91% in online mode and up to 96% in ECO mode. It features a battery management system that supports prolonged battery lifespan and minimises the need for replacements. Additionally, its output power factor of 0.9 allows for more active loads to be connected within a given space, while its online double conversion technology protects equipment from power disturbances.

that have already been developed to mitigate the need for grease and oils. At the forefront of these is world leading motion plastics manufacturer, igus, who has embarked on a decades long development journey to produce thousands of different formulae of polymers that are tribologically designed with built-in lubrication to operate without oils and grease. As a result, polymers such as its iglidur and others are rapidly replacing steel in applications such as bearings, bushings, gears, robotics and is even used in tandem with steel in applications such as shaft linear guides, energy chains and other friction and abrasion applications. With no requirement for lubrication these developments have quickly found favour in global clean room applications, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and other applications, while its applications in heavy industry, earthmoving, agriculture and some of the toughest environments have enjoyed a slower uptake thanks to its initial scepticism over plastic’s ability to withstand tough tasks. However, the skyrocketing cost of lubrication and the ongoing cost of maintenance in recent years has pushed the agenda and thankfully has steadily filtered through to the point where today the use of plastic bearings is commonplace in the heaviest machines where they have proven to outlast other materials in a wider range of applications. “One must remember that in earthmoving alone, a small 16-ton excavator uses about 60 litres of grease per year which is mostly destined to end up in the ground and ultimately in our rivers. Larger machines and industrial plants use proportionately much more and can often be replaced by our igus’ motion plastics solutions,” says igus South Africa managing director, Ian Hewat. More recently the company even introduced a free-to-use App for smartphones that automatically scrutinises photographs of machines or applications uploaded to the application to identify igus solutions to improve performance with solutions that also negate the use of lubricants. igusGO App is a cutting-edge solution that is free for anyone to download and use. Fortunately, wherever more complex solutions are required, igus’ team of polymer experts are at hand to advise users on applications and are able to call on its German and international laboratories and counterparts to find solutions for customers’ unique requirements.

Enquiries: www.vertiv.com

AI and the Internet of Things enhance operational efficiency

I n this article Frost & Sullivan consultant Hannro Steenekamp explores the transformative potential of Africa’s mining sector. The African mining sector is poised for a transformative era driven by technological innovations, sustainability imperatives, and global demand for critical raw materials (CRMs). As the world transitions towards clean energy, Africa’s vast mineral resources position the continent as a crucial player in the global supply chain. Below, I explore the multifaceted opportunities emerging in African mining, focusing on technological advancements, sustainability practices, and strategic investments. Companies worldwide are increasingly seeking sustainably sourced minerals to meet growing consumer and regulatory demands for environmentally responsible supply chains. The integration of cutting-edge technologies is revolutionising mining operations across Africa. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) enhance operational efficiency, safety, and productivity. Companies like Nokia and Sedna Industrial IT Solutions are collaborating to introduce digital twins, edge computing, and autonomous drones in South African mines, showcasing the industry’s commitment to digitalisation. Over the past decade, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 3D imaging and modelling, and data analytics have significantly impacted mining operations. Looking ahead, autonomous vehicles and drones, AI, and advanced 3D imaging and modelling (including digital twins) are expected to be the most

importance in the CRM market. This trend drives investments in local mining ecosystems, recycling initiatives, and innovative extraction methods. The urgency of these efforts is underscored by projections indicating a staggering 168.8% supply shortfall for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) by 2030, highlighting the critical need for increased production and efficient resource management. The transformation of Africa’s mining sector attracts substantial investments and fosters strategic partnerships. Global players like Huawei are deploying advanced technologies, including 5G networks, in African mines to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency. Despite the promising outlook, the African mining sector faces infrastructure deficits, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical risks. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. Investments in infrastructure development, workforce training, and technology adoption are essential for overcoming these hurdles and realising the sector’s full potential. The African mining sector is poised for significant growth, driven by technological innovation, sustainability practices, and the global demand for critical raw materials. By embracing these opportunities and addressing challenges through strategic investments and collaborations, Africa can strengthen its position as a worldwide mining powerhouse while contributing to sustainable economic development across the continent.

transformative technologies in the sector in the next ten years. De Beers’ USD 2 billion investment in the Venetia Underground Mine in South Africa exemplifies this trend. The company aims to create one of the world’s most mechanised and automated mining operations. Such initiatives improve productivity and significantly enhance worker safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions. The global push for sustainability has catalysed a shift towards environmentally responsible mining practices in Africa. Mining companies increasingly adopt eco-friendly technologies and community engagement programs to ensure long-term project sustainability. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, reduces the mining operations’ carbon footprint while aligning with global sustainability goals. Virtual twin technology, as offered by Dassault Systèmes’ GEOVIA brand, enables miners to simulate and assess the environmental impact of its operations, supporting more sustainable resource management and minimising ecological disruption. Africa’s rich deposits of CRMs, crucial for clean energy technologies, present a significant opportunity. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its vast cobalt reserves, are pivotal in the global battery supply chain. Developing Special Economic Zones for battery manufacturing in the DRC and Zambia underscores the continent’s potential in this sector. The push for supply chain diversification away from China further amplifies Africa’s strategic

Enquiries: www.igus.co.za

Enquires: www.frost.com

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2024