DATA SECURITY FREE OF CHARGE IN THE VEGA TOOLS APP

When a level or pressure sensor is taken out of service and replaced, it takes countless important sensor settings and data with it into retirement. However, the settings and measured values are not lost, because a new VEGA software tool saves everything that matters.

Smartphones and tablets are now standard equipment in industrial plants. Almost 40% of all VEGA sensors for level, point level and pressure are parameterised, read out and serviced via Bluetooth and the VEGA Tools app. To be sure, lots of ‘real work’ still has to be done on-site, but the adjustment of sensors in hazardous zones or hard-to-reach measuring points is made considerably easier with these wireless tools, as it can be performed from a safe distance of up to 50 m.

Wireless is now the standard

But even in less demanding ‘standard applications’, wireless operation via app is increasingly gaining acceptance. Philipp Ketterer, product manager, VEGA, knows the reasons: “For Industry 4.0, there has to be fast, continuous data communication.”

Besides continuous transmission as required by IIoT, it includes above all an increase in convenience and speed. “Actually, the same arguments for Bluetooth in industry apply to the private use of wireless: it saves an enormous amount of wiring and time, and ultimately, costs,” Ketterer continues.

Backup and restore for better processes

Universally accessible process data is one of the most important prerequisites for reliable, cost-effective production. Sensors monitor the status and quality of the individual production steps and store important information on settings, diagnostics and the status of machines and systems. The users of these sensors, in turn, need the certainty that they have access to all sensor parameters at all times and that backup solutions are available if a worst-case scenario occurs.

To provide the best possible support for users, VEGA offers an innovative cloud solution. ‘Backup & Restore’ is the name of the new software tool that VEGA customers can now use permanently free of charge and, as the name implies, offers them the option of backing up and restoring their sensor data.

No limits on security

Convenient access to this service is provided by both the instrument DTMs and the VEGA Tools app. With the app, VEGA sensors can be directly controlled and adjusted via smartphone or tablet. New here under ‘Instrument adjustment’ is the function ‘Backup & Restore’. Behind the serial numbers, which appear listed here via mouse click, the available backup data can be called up and – if you so choose – reinstalled.

“Our customers can access all the data ever collected, because the number of backups is not limited,” says Ketterer. “We thus offer a unique free service that brings significantly more efficiency to automated processes.”

Far more than just storage

In the industrial environment, too, data backup now means much more than just storage. Flexible backups and quick restores are important for ensuring that valuable process data is available for immediate reinstatement of device settings, diagnostics or process analysis. With ‘Backup & Restore’, VEGA has solved the problem many companies have, namely, keeping enough storage space available for ever larger quantities of data.

All parameters can be saved securely in the VEGA cloud at regular intervals. For medium-sized and small companies, as well as others, this is an ideal option for permanently securing their complex, evergrowing data flow.

Senegal

First project-financed solar PV and BESS

The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group company, has committed an €11.5 million (R237 million) senior secured loan to develop the first project-financed solar PV plant and battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bokhol, north of Senegal. The Walo facility will be a 10 MW/20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) supplied by a 16 MWp solar PV plant. EAIF acted as co-lender alongside the Dutch development bank FMO, to support the development of the €42 million (R865 million) landmark project. A US$1.5 million (R25.2 million) capital grant extended by PIDG Technical Assistance will ensure the project is designed to maximise supply of clean power to Senegal’s grid, while remaining economically viable.

Upon completion, Walo will improve energy security in the country, demonstrating the importance of robust energy storage systems to support the electric transmission network and accelerate an efficient transition to renewable energy. Millenium Challenge Corporation, a US government foreign aid agency, recommended the installation of at least 80 MW battery storage, with Walo as one of the first in a series of projects.

Africa REN will construct and operate the facility under a 20-year power purchase agreement. The first-of-its-kind project will deliver a range of positive impacts, including

Ghana

Bui Power Authority improves operational coverage with eLTE Solution

The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that Africa’s renewable energy capacity could reach 310 GW by 2030. The Bui Power Authority (BPA) hydro-solar hybrid power plant in Ghana is equipped with communication and operational management services that have been provided across Huawei’s eLTE greater flexibility in energy management and improved reliability of grid operations. Beyond energy access and reliability of supply, Walo will also boost the local economy through the creation of 150 jobs during construction as well as 20 permanent roles when in operation.

The system will utilise reserve energy when there are deficits, bring power and grid assets online after failures, and supply electricity to the cities in the northern part of Senegal during power outages.

Within six years, Senegal has added more than 345 MW of clean power, accounting for nearly a quarter of its energy mix.

Broadband Network. Intelligent energy management is critical for ensuring efficient power generation, power plant operations and power distribution. ICT systems enable renewable energy to be integrated into the grid for the reliable, stable access and supply needed in order to achieve the country’s goal of universal electricity access by 2025.

Bui Authority and Huawei have built an eLTE broadband private network that penetrates the substantial concrete barriers and infrastructure at the Bui plant. This is the first time that Huawei has deployed eLTE-based solution in the hydroelectric industry. The network – which carries voice, video and data services – enables instant communication between the control room and maintenance staff moving around the plant. It covers, without extensive cabling and installation, both indoor and outdoor working areas, including roadways inside the dam, generator rooms and employee living areas within the Bui vicinity.

Eswatini

Planned new Eco Green City

The African Development Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund is partnering with the Eswatini Water and Agriculture Development Enterprise on a new urban planning project, closely linked with the development of a transformative agro-industrial hub, which will boost economic activities and to attract tens of thousands of workers.

The Fund approved a grant of US$400 000 (R7.57 million) to the Eswatini New Eco-Green City Masterplan to support the planning of a new urban area in the Shiselweni region of the country, where population and economic activities are expected to grow quickly over the next few years.

This will be key for the design of the development plan and to identify the non-agricultural elements of the project, including energy and transportation. The fund will support the urban planning aspects of the project.

Shiselweni faces the highest level of poverty in the country yet is very suitable for agricultural activity due to its rich soil. It is the driest region in Eswatini with an annual precipitation of 500 mm. Reducing drought vulnerability and developing economic activities is a priority for the government, which is planning the construction of three dams to enable irrigation.

Mozambique

Rail projects on track for completion

Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM) has confirmed that construction of the new passenger terminal at Maputo Central Station is on track.

The project comprises the development of eight lines for boarding and disembarking, a new company headquarters, a shopping centre, a hotel, conference rooms, a car park and other services. Costing US$150 million (R2.84 billion), the project is being carried out in collaboration with Maputo City Council as part of the 25 de Setembro and Albert Lithuli Avenues will also be remodelled.

There is also a $82 million (R1.55 billion) project to double 50 km of track along the Ressano Garcia railway line, which links Mozambique and South Africa, from the Matola-Gare administrative post to Secogene in Maputo Province. The work includes the construction of four new bridges.

The $200 million (R3.79 billion) rehabilitation of the Machipanda Line covers 318 km between the Port of Beira in Mozambique and Machipanda, near the border with Zimbabwe. Work includes reducing the number of tight bends from 14 to 4 to cut the frequency of train derailments. Passenger services will also be reintroduced. The Machipanda project aims to boost the economy within the SADC region and increase the flow of cargo, including wheat and ferrochrome. Cargo volumes are expected to increase from 600 000 t annually to 3.5 Mt a year. The Machipanda Line was originally built in 1892.

Kenya

Schneider Electric to move manufacturing operations to Actom

Schneider Electric and Actom have reached an agreement where Actom will take over the production of Schneider Electric’s BlokSeT type-tested switchboards.

Schneider Electric will transfer its manufacturing operations, assets and people who currently operate the manufacturing and assembly plant to Actom.

Actom is the largest manufacturer, solutions provider, repairer, maintainer and distributor of electromechanical equipment in Africa, offering a combination of manufacturing, service, repairs, maintenance, projects and distribution through its 33 outlets throughout subSaharan Africa and footprint across the globe.

“This will be a platform for the broader Actom group to not only enter the East African market but also to embrace East African economies where we will employ people and use our intellectual property to get actively involved, thus also growing both Actom South Africa and Actom Kenya,” says Mervyn Naidoo, CEO,