Electricity + Control August 2015

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a checklist of tasks, such as inspecting batteries
for corrosion, looking for excessive torque on
connecting leads and other fault-finding, helps
maintain a disciplined approach tomaintenance
regimes.Moreover, awell-documented history of
a standby power infrastructure can be of signifi-
cant use when planning for equipment upgrades
or replacements, or when troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Importantly, acknowledge that critical com-
ponents, such as batteries and capacitors,
will wear out from normal use. The key is to
be ahead of the game and anticipate failures
through regular inspections and diligent main-
tenance before they become catastrophic. Bear
in mind that usually UPS are scrapped from
professional environments every three to four
years – well before they should be. Often, this is
owing to problems stemming from bad servic-
ing regimes and/or a lack of maintenance. The
cost of replacing a UPS is often lower than cost
of repair, further emphasising the value – and
importance - of regular servicing.
STANDBY + BACK-UP
Jack Ward is the managing director of Powermode, a leader in the field of advanced power provi-
sioning systems for medium to large corporations. The company designs, supplies and commissions
a broad spectrum of innovative, turnkey power protection, management and generating solutions.
He has more than 35 years of experience in the IT, telecommunications and power protection
industries throughout Africa in senior executive roles. Enquiries: Email
take note
ROUND UP
Supplying independent power to copper mines - DRC
Master Power Technologies (MPT) has supplied two copper mines in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC) with stand-alone power generation capabilities totalling around 15 MVA.
MPT’s partner in the region, FGWilson, installed the solutions and the company will continue
to provide maintenance services to the mines. The mines in question have rich copper veins
which were to be mined, but there was no utility power in the area. The mines therefore had
to ensure they were able to generate enough power independently to support the long-term
mining of the area. As a recognised power management solution provider in the area, Master
Power was tasked with the project after winning the tender with FG Wilson P1250P3 diesel
generators MPT was able to deliver a high quality 15 MVA power station solution to this remote
area of the DRC.The power solutions were built and the main portion was tested in Caterpillar’s
UK facility, and again at Master Power’s headquarters in Strijdom Park. The client then came
from Australia to witness the testing prior to it being containerised and transported by road to
the DRC. FGWilson and MPT then reassembled the power solutions on site and ensured they
were running optimally before the new mining operation started.The process of designing and
delivering the solution took less than five months. More than simply supplying the solution, FG
Wilson provides the mines with local service and warranty support from local FGWilson dealers.
The system was commissioned on site in the DRC in December 2014 and the mine owners are
satisfied with the reliable and stable power supplied by the solution.
Enquiries: Rory Reid.Tel. 011 792 7230 or email
• Loadshedding in South Africa
has put the spotlight on the
readiness of back-up, emer-
gency power systems to fire at
a moment’s notice.
• UPSs are designed to provide back-up
power for short periods of time.
• Good preventivemaintenance regimeswill
address standby power system reliability
from many perspectives.