October 2011
Africa features more prominently than usual in the October edition of Electricity+Control. I am pleased that we have an article from Kenyan authors this month. Their interesting research focuses on neglected equipment, surge arresters in particular, at the Kenyan Power Utility itself, and the effect this has on a power system. The EnviroFicient article, ‘Africa mega trends', puts forward arguments for and against renewable power expenditure on a continent which, while the smallest contributor of global CO2 emissions, experiences dire conditions of poverty, drought, famine, lack of skills and access to basic services. The moral question has to be asked, in the light of these conditions, where should funding be directed?
In November, Electricity+Control will celebrate 25 years in the industry. If you have interesting anecdotes about the industry during this period that you would like to share with us, please send through a mail. We'd love to hear from you.
Wendy Izgorsek
Editor, Electricity+Control
Email: ec@crown.co.za
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Basis for reliable balance sheets
By J Alexander, Krohne
The product featured in this article reliably measures the operating, standard volumetric and mass flow of conductive and non-conductive liquids, gases and vapours.
It's your fault: Guide to power cable fault location
By A Joyce, Megger
The author describes his company's logical approach to finding cable faults in power cable networks - quickly and accurately.
Cables in power chain systems
By D Nixon, Lapp Group Southern Africa
The life of a power chain system depends on how the cables are assembled within the system... this article offers advice on how to ensure that the life of the power chain system is not reduced.
Are surge arresters important in power systems? The story of neglected equipment
By E Bosire and A Yarrow, Kenya Power and Lighting Company
Based on the experience of catastrophic failures of surge arresters in the Kenyan Power Utility, the research undertaken by these authors identifies SPDs as neglected equipment.
Overcoming barriers to wireless adoption
By A Lutovsky, ProSoft Technology Inc
This article addresses concerns regarding security, reliability and capacity of wireless; it also provides insight on how to overcome obstacles.
Radar technology to measure bulk levels in cement industry
By J Skowaisa, VEGA
The author illustrates how non-contact radar technology has addressed one of the challenges of the cement production process - continuous determination of the levels of bulk materials in silos, storage halls, crushers or clinker coolers.
Africa mega trends: Renewable power
By R Bruton, Frost & Sullivan
Could the allocation of funding towards capital intensive renewable power be justified in a continent beset with serious problems - lack of skills, famine, poverty and disease? This - apart from the fact that Africa is the smallest contributor of CO2 emissions!
Managing energy generation
By L Marquis, Wave Star
The author's company has been dedicated to the development of reliable, commercial wave energy technology since 2003. Their 500 W energy machine, in the North sea, near Denmark, has been in operation day in and day out since September 2009, through 15 storms, with minimum maintenance - a milestone for international wave energy.
