E-Newsletter for the Power & Energy Sectors of Southern Africa
Issue 89, July 2015
Installing renewable energy is not an indulgence, it is the right thing to do by Roger Lilley, EE Publishers
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which was established by the South African government's department of energy in 2011, is widely accepted as one of the best... (more)
What is the true cost of renewable energy? by Chris Herold, Umfula
Brian Molefe is a braver man than I am to make such a daring vow that there will be no load-shedding this winter. I have no doubt that it is a fair reflection of what Eskom plans to achieve. Very real strides have been made in... (more)
How technology is changing Europe's energy consumption habits by Simon Hobday, Power-Gen Europe
Technology's integration allows companies to streamline processes, says Simon Hobday, a member of Power-Gen Europe's advisory board and energy partner, Osborne Clarke. But, it's also changing the model of how... (more)
Panel discussion: The pros and cons of using SF6 gas in switchgear
Compiled by Roger Lilley, EE Publishers
Sulphur hexaflouride (SF6) gas has been used in MV and HV switchgear for many years. It is said to be highly toxic and a potent greenhouse gas. It is used because of its excellent electrical insulation properties, but recently... (more)
Nuclear power: South Africa's new build options
by Mike Rycroft, features editor, EE Publishers
Despite numerous concerns about the advisability of embarking on a new nuclear build programme, the DoE has announced that the nuclear power purchase process will commence shortly. Government has proceeded quietly over the last few years with preparation for such a programme, so it comes as no surprise. This article... (more)
Development of a high efficiency and flexible gas turbine
by Toshishige Ai, Junichiro Masada and Eisaku Ito, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems
The development of gas turbines, which Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has continued to pursue, contributes to society in terms of global environmental conservation and a stable energy supply. The company leverages its gas turbine operation experience and takes advantage of its advanced technologies research... (more)
An energy market for rural, islanded microgrids by Alex Densmore and Gisela Prasad, University of Cape Town
Microgrids are increasingly viewed as a tool to expand energy access in remote rural areas. However, because microgrids are a capital intensive investment, risks must be significantly reduced in order to attract private sector capital, which is key to rapidly increasing energy access. One of the principal risks for financing is accurately... (more)
Mixed technology switchgear saves space and time by Mike Rycroft, features editor, EE Publishers
The need to extend or replace existing substation equipment, coupled with limitations on available space, has led to the development of mixed technology switchgear (MTS), which offers the advantages of reduction in space requirements as well as cost, while maintaining the performance of individual switching technologies. Mixed... (more)
Converter transients imposed on HVDC converter transformers Information supplied by Cigré
High voltage direct current (HVDC) line commutated converter (LCC) systems have been in operation for over 50 years. At present there are more than 100 systems in operation transmitting more than 100000 MW of power. Converter transients, imposed on HVDC... (more)
This month, Energize's winning letter is in response to Brian Molefe's claim that there would be no loadshedding this winter. Readers also write about the potential held by solar energy, as well as a response to the story of UJ's "engineering mother"... (more)
Amorphous core material offers lower losses for distribution transformers
by Mike Rycroft, features editor, EE Publishers
Traditionally transformer cores have been constructed of grain orientated steel alloys, but a new material which has an amorphous structure is being used increasingly in distribution transformers. The material offers advantages over traditional materials and... (more)
A case study of climate variability effects on wind resources in South Africa
by Lynette Herbst and Jörg Lalk, University of Pretoria
South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2025. Apart from the climate change question, the necessity for the... (more)
Applicability of solar PV for rooftops
by James Shirley, Schneider Electric
There is a lot of chatter about whether to put "this solar thing" on rooftops. Often, however, the full impact of such an intervention is not understood, and so the differences between the solar options should first be clarified. Solar thermal applications are energy... (more)
Achieving optimal benefits with a demand response system
by Rodney Swartz, Siemens
Mention the word "Medupi", and faces go red with embarrassment, angers flare and all kinds of comments and explanations are offered. The reality is that we need additional supply capacity, that we are facing all kinds of challenges to build new power stations... (more)
Rethinking maintenance procedures using IR thermometers
Information supplied by Instrotech
Non-contact temperature monitoring is an essential tool for ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment. As alternative solutions to portable thermal imagers, both portable and fixed infrared thermometers are gaining importance in preventive... (more)