While crossing over from legacy systems to more modern IP-based, alternative energy systems might seem a daunting task, the cost savings and other benefits derived from the transition are certainly worthwhile!

Electricity+Control's technical director, Ian Jandrell, attended a Rockwell Automation event in Chicago towards the end of 2011. Ian shares his experience and provides insight into the direction in which large organisations, such as Rockwell are moving and what they are doing to remain on top of their game!

High levels of reactive power demand during the start of large motors can have a severe impact on the stability of the voltage supply. This is a case study of one of the world's largest breweries - Carlsberg in Ashkelon, Israel - and their motor start-up solution!

Optimum energy savings and good payback times can be achieved in a wide range of hydraulic systems by employing parallel pump schemes that use a combination of drives and softstarters.

Protection principles are defined to exclude equipment and components as ignition sources. Ignition sources which are caused by sparks from friction or impact, or from electro-static charging have to be prevented in explosion protected equipment by selecting appropriate materials and by constructive measures, and this must be verified and confirmed by the appropriate tests.

ISO compliance needs to become part of the culture of any company to ensure that standards are not compromised. A constant undertaking to continuously strive for higher levels of operational excellence ensures sustainability for a business through the reassurances it can offer its customers.

This article highlights the successes and challenges of implementing an energy management system and improving energy performance at Toyota SA year on year.

During the foundation stages of construction projects, personnel can often be working either underground or in confined and badly ventilated environments. In the summer months, the use of heavy machinery in such environments can cause the temperature to rise to dangerously high levels, creating uncomfortable and unsafe working conditions. Providers of temporary power and temperature control services can assist construction companies from the project planning stages right through to project completion.

A nuclear conference, held in Johannesburg in February, concluded that South Africa is experiencing a ‘nuclear renaissance. The conference was opened by the director-general of the Department of Energy (South Africa), Neli Magubane. Dr Kelvin Kemm, who designed and chaired the conference, gives an account of what was presented.

Organic waste like bio-, municipal- and agricultural waste can be converted into fuel by a ‘laptop' waste conversion plant. This product is a liquid fuel and can be used to generate electricity. ‘BeauTifuel' was showcased at the COP 17 conference in November/ December 2011 in Durban.

At the 6th Southern African Energy Convention held on 17 November 2011 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, Dr Naidoo gave a talk on International Perspectives on Electrical Energy Efficiency. This is a summary of his presentation.