Power demand is outstripping supply across the globe and, for a developing continent such as Africa, the problem is magnified, says international engineering group Atlas Copco.

Interruptions in power supply through the grid are unpredictable, both in terms of time and duration. These inevitable power supply disruptions, which are caused by power supply not being able to meet increased demands, have debilitating effects and disastrous financial implications for mines and plants, the company adds.

Atlas Copco aims to provide customers with reliable, consistent and efficient power supply for seamless operation by providing a holistic approach to power generation. “Atlas Copco Predictable Power is a core value that perfectly positions the company as a power supply solutions partner to mining and industry. This includes the company’s range of 14 kVA to 1 250 kVA on-site generators, which deliver a consistent and reliable power supply to ensure the sustained productivity of critical applications.

“Predictability of generator performance is the watchword here and reliabi- lity and consistence are the common denominators from design to after-sales service. Atlas Copco knows how its generators perform under certain conditions and it knows how much power they generate, therefore, allowing the company to ascertain the predictability of its generators,” says Atlas Copco Compressor Technique business portable energy division line manager David Stanford.

Stanford points out that Atlas Copco applies this holistic approach across its entire product portfolio. “The company has built a reputation of product and service quality, performance and reliability, which is what customers have come to rely on over the years and what ultimately ensures peace of mind.”

He notes that predictable power comprises three main values. “The first value is the lowest overall cost of ownership – only when an on-site generator is in operation can its true value be measured in terms of performance, efficiency, consistence and reliability.

“The second value is reliable performance, and encom- passes all Atlas Copco generators. This is highlighted in the way the company designs, develops and manufactures its units. It continues through advice and product recommen-dation, commissioning, operation and testing for vibration and temperature and, finally, after-sales services, such as maintenance and repair,” explains Stanford.

The critical nature of having a generator that provides the best possible uptime, which automatically limits downtime, is central to risk-free operation, which is the company’s third value. “Atlas Copco has standardised components and maintains high stock levels, providing customers have quick access to parts. The company aims to do everything it can to ensure that maintenance and repair are performed as quickly as possible to keep customer downtime to the absolute minimum, with the least possible hindrance to their operation,” he notes.

Predictability means certainty and, although it is no longer a matter of ‘if’, when the power supply is disrupted, Atlas Copco on-site generators offer customers the peace of mind that there will be no disruption to their operations with a direct and positive impact on their opera- tional costs. “With uncertainties over unpredictable power supply removed, customers can confidently plan ahead, accurately predict outcomes and realise the benefits of seamless production,” Stanford concludes.