African Mining June 2021 | Page 39

SOLAR INVERTER STATIONS FOR PV GENERATION PLANTS

As solar energy contributes increasingly to cleaner , renewable energy for a more sustainable world , WEG has introduced its complete ESW line of central inverter stations for photovoltaic power generation plants . These are available through Zest WEG , WEG ’ s South African operation .
The WEG ESW 750 centralised solar inverter stations are custom engineered for large scale solar plants , comprising a range of WEG ’ s SIW 750 inverters , with a modular design to promote greater flexibility in their application . They can easily be integrated to suit the specific requirements of each solar power plant , and can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions including ambient temperatures from minus 10⁰C to plus 50⁰C .
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Available in capacities up to 10MW at 1500V , these WEG solar stations represent an integrated solution with central inverters developed and manufactured with cutting-edge technology . Their design allows for quick installation and simplified operation and maintenance .
As one of the world ’ s largest manufacturers of electric motors , electronic equipment and systems , WEG has the know-how to ensure that every solar station is fit-for-purpose and assures safety , efficiency , and reliability .
The WEG ESW 750 centralised inverter station , housed in a 12m container installed on site .
Solar power has become an increasingly competitive renewable energy source around the world and offers fast installation with low environmental impact . Developed to support this important global trend , WEG ’ s central inverters provide a complete solution for investors who want to take the lead in contributing to a more sustainable future .
Zest WEG

NEW APPROACH TO AIR QUALITY

The ISO 23875 is a new international standard for a consistent approach to designing , testing , operating , and maintaining the air-quality systems of operator enclosures . manufacturers and mine owners have become increasingly aware of the need for standard practices in the design and performance of operator enclosures .
Adoption of the requirements and test methods outlined in the standard , protect personnel inside operator enclosures .
The standard ’ s five key performance requirements , include :
• Increased filter efficiency requirements : A filter that meets more stringent evaluation criteria , typically an ISO 15 E or higher efficiency , ISO 35 H HEPA filter , is required in ISO 23875-compliant cabins in mining .
• Maximum allowable CO₂ level : Ambient CO₂ plus 400 parts per million
• Fresh air and recirculation system requirements : Maximum respirable particulate matter concentration of less than 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air at start / end of decay test , with a maximum of 120 seconds delay time .
• Established cabin pressurisation levels : Operator enclosures must maintain minimum pressurisation of greater than or equal to 20 Pa , even when the HVAC is turned off .
• Real-time operator cabin monitoring : Monitor must include an audible alarm for CO₂ and pressurisation to alert the operator when levels go beyond the permissible threshold .
Safety in mining operations is of concern to all involved in owning , developing , managing , and working in mining environments . Routine mining activities can generate airborne particulates that may be hazardous to human health . Therefore , it is necessary to develop controls which limit the operator ’ s exposure to airborne particulate while operating equipment from within the operator enclosure .
With the rise in the number of countries regulating air quality in mining , construction , and industrial environments ; machine
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All operator enclosures , either on new machines or existing machines currently in operation , are expected to provide consistent air quality performance . The technical aspects of an operator enclosure are universal as are the design and performance testing methods and this new standard addresses the needs of fixed and mobile operator enclosures .
The NEW ISO 23875 standard will place a greater emphasis on the air quality inside the cabin than previously addressed . It differs from past standards because it is a lifecycle standard , addressing cabin air-control systems from the time of design , to when equipment arrives on site and throughout its operating life . ISO 23875 outlines specific engineering and ongoing testing to ensure compliance .
This means designers and operators will need to consider aspects of control of airborne contaminants such as dust but also address the effects of CO₂ ( a product of human respiration ) dilution in the cabin environment . This will allow for operator enclosures to perform at a level that provides sustained air quality , reducing concentrations of respirable particulate matter and carbon dioxide ( CO₂ ) that are harmful to human health .
The design specifications are universal in their application and do not contemplate specific mining environments . As Sy-klone ’ s southern African Distribution Partner , Trysome Auto Electrical Engineering ( Pty ) Ltd , is the largest , single-source supplier of auto-electrical , heavy-duty components , collision avoidance and air-management systems and associated technical services in southern Africa . •
African Mining African Mining • June 2021 • 37