TOOLS &TOOLING
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SEW-EURODRIVE brings intelligent energy optimisation to Electra Mining A t Electra Mining Africa this year, SEW-EURODRIVE will dedicate one of its two exhibition stands to Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa.
We can also demonstrate how intelligent automation can eliminate hidden energy waste. In some conveyor applications, for example, systems continue to run unnecessarily because they lack basic control intelligence.
“A key attraction will be demonstrating how we conduct plant energy surveys using specialised measurement equipment deployed by our field service teams,” he says. “These surveys provide practical insights into reducing energy use, carbon emissions and operating costs.” Strydom points out that many customers
showcase an exciting range of electronics and mechatronics solutions to help mines improve reliability and reduce operating costs. This will offer an immersive look at the future of intelligent plant operation, as the company focuses on predictive maintenance, digital monitoring and real- time energy optimisation, according to
SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says one of the company’s key findings from site assessments is that many industrial applications remain over-engineered. “We can also demonstrate how intelligent automation can eliminate hidden energy waste,” Engelbrecht says. “In some conveyor applications, for example, systems continue to run unnecessarily because they lack basic control intelligence.” SEW-EURODRIVE’s stand will also feature one of the largest motors ever displayed by the company locally - an 11-tonne medium- voltage motor rated at 1850 kW and 6,6 kV - which highlights its expanding presence in heavy-duty mining and industrial applications. Strydom says the company expects strong interest from mining operations across southern and central Africa, where energy-supply constraints are increasingly shaping operational strategies. “With mines expanding into areas where infrastructure cannot always keep pace, companies are being forced to become more efficient in everything they do,” he concludes.
initially believed that simply installing higher-efficiency motors would solve their energy challenges. However, the company’s experience shows that much larger savings often lie elsewhere in the system. “We look at the whole system, not just the motors, and analyse operating loads, automation logic, gearbox efficiency and maintenance practices,” he explains. This process identifies where energy is being wasted unnecessarily, with applications such as pumps, conveyors and lifting systems often among the most promising opportunities for optimisation. Visitors to Electra Mining Africa will also be able to see how SEW-EURODRIVE’s DriveRadar® Internet of Things (IoT) platform continuously monitors equipment condition and performance. “This enables mines to shift away from time-based maintenance schedules toward condition-based interventions,” Strydom says. The predictive maintenance system also enables operations to compare equipment performance before and after maintenance, providing measurable feedback on whether interventions are improving plant efficiency. Werner Engelbrecht, Works Manager for Electronics and Mechatronics at
SEW-EURODRIVE’s MOVILINK® DDI hybrid cable integrates power, data and diagnostic communication into a single cable, simplifying installation and enabling smart drive technology.
www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
Trafo Power Solutions builds on proven success to expand market share A s demand for reliable engineered electrical power solutions grows across Africa, Trafo Power Solutions integration and containerised power systems designed for rapid deployment and long-term reliability. The company’s growth strategy has
In industries such as mining, any power interruption can directly affect productivity, safety and operational efficiency.
continues to build on its strong track record of delivery, innovation, and technical support to expand its market share across key sectors. Having established itself as a trusted specialist in dry-type transformers and modular electrical infrastructure, the company is strengthening its position across mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications by delivering tailored solutions for increasingly complex operating environments. According to Managing Director David Claassen, sustained growth in market share is being driven by a combination of technical expertise, application-specific engineering and a proven ability to respond quickly to customer requirements. “Growth in our market share is a direct result of consistently delivering reliable solutions that address the operational realities our customers face,” Claassen says. “Clients are looking for partners who understand the risks associated with power reliability, uptime and safety - and who can engineer solutions that perform in demanding conditions.” Originally recognised for its expertise in dry-type transformer technology, the business has broadened its offering over the years to become a comprehensive provider of electrical power solutions. This includes transformers, mini-substations, switchgear
focused strongly on sectors where reliable electrical infrastructure is business-critical. In mining, for example, reliable power distribution is essential to maintaining production continuity across both surface and underground operations. “In industries such as mining, any power interruption can directly affect productivity, safety and operational efficiency,” Claassen says. “Our focus is therefore not only on supplying equipment but also on understanding the application and engineering a solution that supports long- term performance.” A key differentiator for the business has
expansion plans. This consultative approach has helped the company secure repeat business and strengthen long-term relationships with customers across southern and central Africa. The business also continues to invest in technical capabilities, regional support structures and partnerships that improve response times and after-sales service, all of which contribute to growing customer confidence and market penetration. As infrastructure investment, mining development and energy projects continue to gain momentum across the continent, Trafo Power Solutions believes its growth trajectory remains strong. “Our growth is built on performance, trust and engineering excellence,” says Claassen. “By continuing to deliver solutions that meet evolving market needs, we are well positioned to further strengthen our footprint and increase our share of the market.”
been its focus on engineered solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf supply. By working closely with clients during the design and specification phase, Trafo Power Solutions ensures that each installation is aligned with site-specific requirements, environmental conditions and future
Every Trafo Power Solutions solution is engineered to meet the specific demands of each application and operating environment.
www.trafo.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2026
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