Up to now, high EROEI ratios have provided "surplus" energy that has enabled us to move from an agrarian to a services economy. But now resource flow constraints are a reality... (more)
Conclusion of the negotiations for a new bargaining council agreement
by Chris Greager, ECA
Following three meetings between the ECA(SA) and SAEWA, the negotiations for the wages and conditions of employment for all employees falling under the jurisdiction of the NBCEI have almost been concluded. There is one important outstanding issue... (more)
Energy SETA placed under administration
by Chris Greager, ECA
After many years of both the ECA(SA) and employers having to deal with the dysfunctional Energy SETA, it was placed under administration on 17 September 2010... (more)
Annual general meeting of the ECA
by Chris Greager, ECA
Notice is hereby given that the 61st national annual general meeting of the association is to be held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Viewpoint Road, Boksburg on Friday, 26 November 2010 at 14h00... (more)
The contractor and the Consumer Protection Act
by Tim Pearce, Pearce, du Toit and Moodie
The act seems to be directed mainly at suppliers of goods but it also deals with the suppliers of services, and this is where the contractor comes in. I have picked out a few "nasties" which I think contractors ought to be aware of... (more)
Energy efficient lighting in a new factory or office building by G J Hoffman, Light Be
Soaring energy prices and concern about climate change from man-made emissions of carbon dioxide have propelled energy efficiency to the top of the agenda in the boardroom, in public debate and public policy... (more)
Lighting up the Fountains Circle
Information from Beka
On 10 June 2010, just before the start of the World Cup, the newly landscaped main entrance into Pretoria was opened. The Fountains Circle was transformed over several weeks to reflect the vibrant spirit of South Africa... (more)
LED technology needs careful consideration
Information from Lighting Innovations
With LEDs gaining popularity a cautious approach to their application is recommended. Many industry players indiscriminately advise clients that LEDs can be utilised for general illumination, but this is technically incorrect from a lighting perspective... (more)
Assessing induction motor quality during no-load test
by Dr. C D Pitis, B C Hydro
The motor is an electromechanical converter of electrical energy to mechanical energy. To do this job the motor requires first to be fully magnetically loaded. This situation can be replicated on the test bench during a no load test... (more)
Carbon-nanotube electrodes power up lithium-ion batteries
by Mark Botha, features editor
Using carbon nanotubes for one of the electrodes in a battery produces a significant increase (up to tenfold) in the amount of power it can deliver from a given weight of material, compared to a conventional lithium-ion battery... (more)
Building commissioning yields energy savings
Information from Electrical Engineering Solutions
A recent report from Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, in the US Dept of Energy, states that building commissioning is "arguably the single most cost effective strategy for reducing energy, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings today"... (more)
Power modules for hybrid and electric vehicles
by Dr. Volker Demuth, Semikron
In hybrid and electric vehicle power trains, power inverters are exposed to considerable temperature swings. The resultant non-homogenous temperature distribution limits the output power and reduces the service life of the power converter... (more)
Vibration testers that do fast analysis Information from Comtest
Vibration analysers used in condition-based monitoring or predictive maintenance programmes rely on baseline conditions to evaluate machine condition and estimate remaining life... (more)
Project management is like sunscreen - it helps you avoid getting burned
by Michelle LaBrosse, Cheetah Learning
This article is about managing large projects, but it could be helpful for contractors on small projects too. There are seven ways that project management can help you avoid getting burned at work... (more)
The correct battery size for a backup power system
Information from PHD Powerhouse
Very often consumers will opt for a lower cost quote on a backup system without looking at the finer detail. In an attempt to win orders, unscrupulous vendors will often skimp on the batteries, making ludicrous claims on run times... (more)
Energy return on energy invested - EROEI 