Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, is taking its medium voltage solutions to Zambia in a two-city roadshow at the end of January 2014.The showcases will take place in Lusaka at the Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel and is exclusive to the country’s state owned power company, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation and in the Copperbelt in Kitwe at the Moba Hotel

In addition to ZESCO’s northern and Copperbelt divisions, the second showcase will be open to the Copperbelt Energy Corporation, all Copperbelt mines, electrical contractors, local distributors, and other industries, rendering an ideal opportunity for Schneider Electric’s existing and prospective customers to both learn about the latest features and benefits of its MV products and solutions, and be part of a live product demonstration.

Following both showcases, Schneider Electric South Africa will donate the majority of its equipment demonstrated to ZESCO for training purposes.

The French-owned company, with an entity in South Africa that services the southern African region, will in particular focus on its Premset solution and gas insulated switchgear.

According to Canninah Mapena, director of Schneider Electric South Africa’s Energy Division, Premset architecture is the future of MV distribution. “Premset embraces the smart grid’s functionality and changes the way the power industry views the design, installation and operation of MV distribution installations,” she says.

She further highlights nine of the many ways that Premset switchgear represents a technological breakthrough, opening the pathway to unprecedented safety, efficiency, and ease of use. These include:

1. The Shielded Solid Insulation System maintains optimal performance in any environment. “Thisreduces the risk of internal arcing and improving the safety of people and assets,” explains Mapena.

2. The solution guarantees up to a 30 percent increase in life expectancy due to the absence of pressurised gases.

3. The highly modular and flexible design facilitates easy modifications, optimised delivery times and improved cost savings.

4. Premset offers trouble-free installation. “This is thanks to an up to 50 percent reduction in footprint and extended possibilities of cable entry,” adds Mapena.

5. The solution’s smart-grid-ready architecture with distributed intelligence allows for easy integration, easy configuration and enhanced efficiency through advanced monitoring and control.

6. It’s the safest switchgear in its class. “With an intuitive three-in-one design that has proven itself to be the most reliable and end-user friendly,” confirms Mapena.

7. “Schneider Electric is a global player enabling us to ensure high quality and local project and service capabilities,” she comments.

8. A full range of compact, reliable circuit breakers to choose from, designed to deliver the best performance at optimised cost.

9. Premset’s end of life management is made easier as the SF6-free design means there are far fewer labour and administrative considerations.

In addition to its Premset and GIS solutions, Schneider Electric will showcase its ring main units, air insulated switchgear, auto reclosers and various relays.

“Schneider Electric provides superlative energy management solutions for mining, from measurement to control, whereas energy is one of the main aspects of mining cost; and currently, all scenarios indicate that energy cost will increase. Efficient solutions that address the anticipated future energy scarcity is thus a necessity,” says Mapena.

“Through live demonstrations, our aim is to illustrate to, rather than just tell Zambian customers that Schneider Electric’s MV solutions are an answer to building a smarter, sustainable future, and that reliable and efficient energy on the continent is achievable.”

As experts in the Mining, Minerals and Metals and Utilities sectors, Schneider Electric provides solutions to maximise production, increasing overall efficiency and optimising asset utilisation. Visit www.schneider-electric.com and see how the company can support your sustainable growth.