My Journey in South Africa’s Power Sector Early Career at Eskom (1974-1975) In the heart of South Africa’s power sector, my career began with an eye-opening experience at Eskom, the nation’s primary electricity supplier. From October 1974 to May 1975, I was immersed in the practical aspects of power distribution and transmission, gaining firsthand knowledge […]
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Transforming Asset Management—A Path to Sustainable Infrastructure Introduction: The Road to Better Asset Management In 2005, South Africa took a crucial step in improving its asset management practices. A decree was issued requiring each government department to maintain two separate asset registers: a major asset register for assets valued over R5,000 and a minor asset
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Peruse this document for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject addressed in this paper. While power electronics equipment can enhance efficiency and control, they can also cause distortions in the power system, leading to power quality issues. Harmonics, which distort the standard sinusoidal waveform of power, can result in various problems such as equipment
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What could possibly prompt Eskom or any power distribution companies to look into issues of unbalanced power networks? Could it be the threat of legal proceedings? I understood that a representative from Eskom was notified about potential network imbalances at the Modderbee municipal substation, but it might have been disregarded as unlikely. However, since I
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The modern power network stands at a crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented shift in energy dynamics. As the global push for sustainability accelerates, traditional grids are being challenged by the rise of decentralized, renewable energy sources, unpredictable demand patterns, and evolving technological advancements. The power network is in flux—requiring innovative solutions to balance intermittency, ensure
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On the 2nd of October 2023, I published an article with the heading “Phase Imbalance in Distribution Networks” in which I stated that “In a recent unrelated “survey”, I came across a 10-minute averaged voltage unbalance of 327% between Phase 2 and Phase 1”. I also asked the question: is Eskom aware what is happening
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The global shift towards renewable energy sources has brought about significant structural changes in electrical power transmission. With the increase in buying and selling electricity across vast distances, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems have become an essential component in modern grids. Both HVDC systems and solar power generation rely extensively on power electronics devices
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On September 24, 2023, I posed an article in which I explained how poorly maintained switchgear could lead to long-lasting power quality issues. In that article, which was based on an actual incident in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, I mentioned that the voltages of two of the three phases increased by more than 51% while
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In the latest newsletter which would be published on November 14, 2023, I am making another attempt, this time, to catch the attention of accountants and financial officers explaining to them how unbalanced voltages, phase-shift variations, and harmonics disturbances would result in enormous economic losses. But first, I must go back to a previous blog
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In the mid-1980s, I embarked on a mission to resolve persistent “power failure” complaints from the National Accelerator Centre (NAC) in Faure, Western Cape, now known as iThemba LABS—the largest accelerator facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Invited for private tours, I delved into their operations, even entering the high-stakes environment of the operating room. Witnessing
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