Basic HTML Version
Energy and EnviroFiciency
S
chneider Electric
is developing wind energy technology so-
lutions that have considerable benefits over conventional
power generation in terms of efficiency, zero greenhouse gas
emissions and renewability.
Pumeza Tshangela, business development manager at
Schneider Electric South Africa, says while wind energy inter-
nationally has grown at a steady 20% over the past 10 years,
a major obstacle to the adoption of wind power generation
has been the expense, as significant amounts of capital are
required.
“However, by focusing on efficiency and performance, we
have developed a wide range of wind power systems that
reduce the capital outlay and increase productivity by striking
a balance between bulk and adapted products, offering high
quality standards and flexible, customised solutions.”
Running a wind farm is no easy task and it requires high
quality products, expertise and experience through the life
cycle of the equipment. Tshangela says Schneider Electric
now offers integrated electrical solutions for every stage of
the process starting from the wind turbine up to the grid con-
nection of a complete wind farm. “Regarding the wind turbine,
the company offers a reliable and efficient main power circuit,
an automated control of the turbine to optimise a wind farm
operator’s efficiency, and components for all of the auxiliary
circuits. The wind farm medium-voltage collection solutions
ensure optimised equipment safety and availability, while ef-
ficient and reliable connection to the main grid is achieved for
any size of farm onshore or offshore. Schneider Electric also
offers real-time power monitoring and management supervi-
sion services,” she says.
“The objective is to provide a complete and reliable electri-
cal infrastructure that enables wind farm operators to achieve
highly reliable service continuity through products designed
specifically for wind power generation.”
As an example,Tshangela stresses that the Schneider wind
farm products, including the contactor and the low-voltage
circuit breaker, are designed together to reachType 2 coordina-
tion. Should over-voltage occur, it ensures that one piece of
damaged hardware will not harm another.
Enquiries: Jacqui Gradwell.Tel. 011 254 6400 or email jacqui.
gradwell@schneider-electric.com.
Key to cost effective wind-
driven energy