Electricity + Control September 2016

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LIGHT + CURRENT
AFL receives six new patents
AFL, represented locally by Comtest, has been
awarded six patents for new products and technolo-
gies that enhance Optical Connectivity and Appara-
tus (OCA) products, fibre optic cable and sensing
products. AFL was awarded a patent for a specialised
Logging Cable designed to more accurately meas-
ure Distributed Pressure and Temperature Sensing
(DPTS). AFL’s OCA business unit received a patent
for a Fibre Splice Enclosure; a patent for the method
and apparatus for a universal XDSL demarcation
interface with multi-functional capability and single
performance enhancement; a patent for an Exterior
Distribution Pedestal Cabinet; a patent for an Optical
Fibre Distribution Cabinet .AFL’s Research & Develop-
ment Centre received a patent for an innovation to
Fujikura’s Optical Fibre Vibration Sensor technology.
Enquiries: Comtest.Tel. 010 595 1821 or
Eskom’s Rob Stephen
elected president of Cigré
Congratulations to Eskom’s Dr Rob Stephen who was
elected President of Cigré, an international council
on large electric systems. As the first African for the
position of President, Dr Stephen is in a favourable
position to expand the benefit of Cigré into less
developed countries in Africa, South America and
Asia. “My experience in the electrification field can
assist to expose engineers in these countries to share
problems and develop solutions in line with Cigré
goals. Important initiatives such as support of young
engineers in the Next Generation Network, as well as
support for women in Cigré need to be continued,”
Dr Stephen said.
Enquiries: Email
Fast Neutron reactor reaches
full power
On August 17, unit 4 of the Beloyarsk nuclear power
plant in Russia started operating at full power for the
first time. The 800 MWe BN-800 unit is fuelled by a
mix of uranium and plutonium oxides which produce
new fuel material as it burns.The reactor is scheduled
to enter commercial operation later this year. Plant
operator Rosenergoatom said, "We will now begin
comprehensive testing of the unit at its rated capacity.
This is the final stage of major preparation before the
unit is ready to deliver power in commercial opera-
tion." The company added, "During the 15 days of
comprehensive testing the unit will have to perform
consistently at its rated power load in accordance with
the design parameters, without deviation."
Enquiries: Email
High performance gearboxes and load detection
BMG’s extensive range of drives and motors encompasses newly launched prod-
ucts from Dinamic Oil, leading manufacturers of hoisting winches and planetary
gearboxes. New to the range are Dinamic Oil high performance HyPer gearboxes
and an electronic load detection system for precise control and enhanced safety.
“HyPer gearboxes combine Dinamic Oil’s GB series gearboxes with the modu-
lar advantages provided by parallel shaft and helical bevel gearboxes, as well as
gearmotors, says Bryan Pickles, BMG’s Varvel brand manager.
“These new combined unit gearboxes offer high torque to weight ratios for opti-
mumperformance in diverse applications, including conveyor drives, construction,
mining and quarries, marine tensioners, industrial and marine lifting equipment
and machines for steel production plants and sugar mills.”
This flexible combined unit has an output torque up to 3-million Nm, a ratio
starting from 40 and electric motor-inverter combinations up to 22 kW.The new elec-
tronic load detection system, which is
mounted on the winch structure, uses
an analogue or digital signal to control
torque, as well as to precisely control
the lifting and lowering load.This flex-
ible system, which is programmed to
users’ exact requirements, permits
load control of the crane’s winch, while
displaying its value on the remote
control. This enables easy movement
and ensures optimum safety.
Enquiries: Bryan Pickles.
Tel. +27 (0) 11 620 1689
or email
Certified Renewable Energy Professional training
A week of renewable experiences is lined up for delegates coming to Port Eliza-
beth where the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) will be host-
ing the Certified Renewable Energy Professional (REP) programme from 20 - 23
September 2016.
The week starts off on Monday the 19th with a visit to the Van Staden’s Wind
Farm near Jeffreys Bay, courtesy of Metrowind and Africoast, and close by is the
Crossways farm where the Rhino Group will be conducting a tour of the famous
Rhino House which is completely off the grid showcasing that building green can
be indeed magnificent.The first five candidates to book and pay for their training,
and confirming interest to attend the Monday excursion will be accommodated at
no extra charge. Additional visitors on the first day excursions will incur a small
fee of R300 for transport.
Tuesday the 20th is course registration where training will take place at the
NMMU engineering campus untilThursday the 22nd . Each afternoon after training
there will be interesting visits to the algae plant to demonstrate a different type of
renewable option, the uYilo eMobility lab showcasing battery storage research as
well as the campus’s solar powered car ports, the Joule and other vehicles, as well
as the PV research facility, with a ride in one of the alternatively powered vehicles.
A voluntary examination will be written the morning of Friday 23
September 2016. All welcome to attend. REP carries 4 CPD credits for ECSA.
Handbook
EnTF is running an offer for the course pre-reading handbook valued at
R2 000 for R500 (including VAT and courier) – please email should you wish
to purchase the handbook to read before your course. Handbooks may also
be collected at the Pretoria or Port Elizabeth offices.
Enquiries: Thieda Ferreira. Email
45 September ‘16 Electricity+Control