At the 2024 ElectraMining expo, ComAp, a wellestablished 34-year-old company specialising in generator controller solutions, showcased its cutting-edge power management systems.
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
ComAp’ s power management for industry
At the 2024 ElectraMining expo, ComAp, a wellestablished 34-year-old company specialising in generator controller solutions, showcased its cutting-edge power management systems.
Marc Smit, the sales manager for Southern Africa, detailed ComAp ' s unique approach to optimising power usage in the industrial sector.
ComAp distinguishes itself in the market through its sophisticated ability to manage multiple generators operating in parallel. This isn ' t just about ensuring continuous power, it ' s about maximising efficiency and extending the lifespan of the generators. Smit explained, " We are able to have multiple generators in parallel, and we can power manage so they are all synced together, can be switched on and off as needed. We can do up to 64 generators all in parallel, controlling each other depending on the power command and demand."
The benefits of this parallel management are multifold. Instead of relying on a smaller number of generators running at their maximum capacity, ComAp ' s system can intelligently distribute the load across a larger fleet, allowing each generator to operate at a more optimal, sub-maximum speed – around 75 % in the example Smit provided. This not only leads to greater fuel efficiency but also significantly extends the longevity of the expensive generator assets. " Instead of having, say, two generators running at maximum speed, rather have three generators running at 75 % which is a more optimal speed efficiency, leading to longer longevity of the generators."
Many other systems bring generators up to full speed before synchronising them – a process that can cause significant stress and wear on the equipment. " We sync right from the beginning, so it ' s not a harsh start. We run each generator up to full speed and then sync.”
ComAp ' s sophisticated power management is orchestrated by its robust hardware controller. This intelligent unit, equipped with sensors for comprehensive data acquisition, can manage up to 64 generators with remarkable efficiency. However, ComAp ' s forward-thinking approach transcends conventional dieselonly power. Acknowledging the growing prominence of renewable energy, it has pioneered a cutting-edge hybrid microgrid control solution. This innovative system seamlessly integrates the operation of generators with photovoltaic( PV) inverters and battery storage, enabling the most economically sound and efficient power delivery to the load. As Smit articulated, " We are able to then control the generators, control the PV, control the base, control renewables that might be and control that power to supply the most, the cheapest and efficient to the lake."
Smit emphasised the wide-ranging applicability of their power management solutions across diverse sectors, including hospitals, shopping malls and data centres – essentially any environment where dependable and efficient backup power is paramount. Furthermore, even in locations with consistent grid power, ComAp ' s controllers provide valuable features such as intelligent load shedding during power disruptions. " In the controller, we can switch off the non-essential loads and keep on the critical loads of refrigeration, air conditioning and security." This capability ensures the uninterrupted operation of essential services during outages. CLA
Image by Freepik
ComAp ' s controllers provide valuable features such as intelligent load shedding during power disruptions.
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