ACTOM Distribution Transformers, a division within the ACTOM Group that designs and manufactures a range of 16 kVA to 10 MVA distribution and lower range power transformers, recently secured an order for the supply of its Neutral Electromagnetic Couplers with Earthing Resistors and Auxiliary Transformers (NECRTs) to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
ACTOM Distribution Transformers is recognised as a leader in the design and manufacture of NECRTs in sub-Saharan Africa.
NECRTs combine three-phase neutral electromagnetic couplers with neutral earthing resistors and auxiliary transformers. ACTOM Distribution Transformers started refining its design and manufacturing NECRTs in 2010 and is now recognised as a leader in this field in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lee Mbenge, CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers, maintains that within the green energy sector, NECRTs play a crucial role in grounding collector power transformers in the substations. These substations facilitate the transmission of power generated by renewable energy plants into the national grid.
The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine is one of the biggest producers of ultra-high-grade copper in the DRC and is powered by hydro-generated electricity produced by the Mwadingusha Hydroelectric Plant, which was rehabilitated and modernised in 2021.
Mbenge says the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine has been a customer of ACTOM Distribution Transformers for several years and has previously ordered distribution transformers and NECRTs from the business. Last year, ACTOM Distribution Transformers completed an order for NECRTs worth more than R10 million for the mine.
It is a preferred supplier of NECRTs to the mine, which demonstrates that the customer has full confidence in ACTOM Distribution Transformers’ equipment.
“The latest order allows us to strengthen our positioning as the leading supplier of NECRTs not only in South Africa but across the continent,” says Mbenge.
He explains that in developing its NECRT units, ACTOM Distribution Transformers has drawn on lessons learnt in the local market and this has enabled the company to design its products to withstand the harsh conditions in which they usually operate.
“The lessons learnt related largely to strengthening the active parts (internal design) and mechanical integrity, as NECRT units are often transported by road and take a tremendous battering before they arrive at a customer’s site,” says Mbenge.
“This led us to make various improvements to our NECRT product range, to produce a robust design that is suitable for application in hostile environments.”
Improved efficiency and reliability
ACTOM Distribution Transformers’ NECRTs deliver longevity, with a lifespan of about 21 years, trouble-free use, and energy availability, providing for an increase in the efficiency and reliability of customers’ renewable energy plants.
Mbenge notes that cross-border demand for the company’s NECRT units has been increasing steadily and the business is now supplying the products to customers in Namibia, Lesotho and Zambia.
“The latest order from the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine highlights the strength of the ACTOM brand in the design and manufacture of NECRTs and transformers. This will enable us to further consolidate our position in the renewable energy market,” he adds.
The company provides comprehensive backup and support to its customers via after-sales teams that attend to customer queries efficiently. It also usually works with its customers in the commissioning and installation of the NECRTs, to identify any potential problems on site before the units are energised.
For more information visit: www.actom.co.za
