Widespread load-shedding and the prospect of more to come have created unprecedented demand for alternative power solutions in homes, home offices and businesses countrywide. However, rushing into a solution without taking qualified advice can create more problems than it solves.
Ian du Plessis, solutions architect at the Structured Infrastructure Solutions (SIS) company within the JSE-listed Square One Solutions Group, warns that rushing in and buying generators and other off-the-shelf equipment can be both expensive and problematic.
SIS provides uninterrupted power solutions, cooling and related systems for critical computer and electronic equipment for major data centres right down to small office/home office requirements.
"Blackouts are the most easily recognisable power problem and most companies and individuals are looking for alternative power supply solutions that can take over when Eskom or municipal power supplies are lost either through load-shedding or faults. A lot of people have been panicked into buying generators and other equipment without seeking professional advice.
"There are generators and generators. Some can cause more problems than they solve through inconsistent voltage supply such as sags, under-voltage, over-voltage and noise (high frequency interference) which can damage TVs and other appliances. The maintenance, fuel cost, noise and exhaust pollution are other problems often overlooked in the rush to obtain some sort of solution."
Du Plessis stresses that the benefits of seeking qualified advice from a power professional far outweigh the relief that may be more quickly provided by the off-the-shelf, install it yourself solution. The power professional will be able to package a solution that will meet individual needs with reliable equipment to give the best possible solution within the budget, no matter whether it is a major business enterprise or small office.
He adds that the general principles applied by SIS in designing and implementing major solutions for commerce and industry involving UPS units rated at up to 500kVA and generators rated as high as 1MW, are also applied to arriving at the best solution for smaller businesses and homes.
"There are many combinations of solutions for homes and business environments that do not require a generator. A 5kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with long run batteries will easily cater for a small office environment with five to 10 PCs and standard monitors or flat-screens and maintain the LAN, the broadband connection and several low energy lights. At the same time it will ensure that data is not lost and that the power supply is clean and constant."
Alternatively, a 5KVA UPS or inverter solution will keep low energy lights, the television and a microwave oven operating. To cater for extended downtime, the unit can also be connected to a proven quality small generator and the UPS will clean up the power from the generator before it reaches the TV or other sensitive appliances, which are designed to receive power within a specified voltage range.
"But in the home and small business market people who already have line-interactive UPS units can inexpensively convert them to long range supply through a long run change-over inverter, and other existing UPS equipment whether it is off-line, ferro-based CVT (constant voltage transformer), online or online double conversion, can be incorporated in any alternative power supply solution," says Du Plessis.
"These solutions can also be designed to incorporate at very affordable cost, surge and lightning protection for the computer, telephone/data lines, routers and LANs. There are five different UPS technologies commonly used and one of them will best suit each individual need, application and circumstances. So it will pay to consult an expert before rushing into a solution that either does not meet the individual need or is over-specified and unnecessarily expensive."
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Square One Solutions Group is listed on the software and computer services sector of the JSE Limited. It focuses on providing niche, vertically applied technology solutions, has a national footprint and more than 22 years of experience in the South African market. The group's primary solution offerings encompass law enforcement and authentication, industrial printing coding and marking, infrastructure and facility solutions, system integration services and telecommunications and service provider solutions, all supported by a tailored suite of finance and leasing solutions and services. The key target market is enterprise, SME, corporate and government clients and the group focuses on coupling innovation, technology and service to achieve value for clients as well as superior returns and earnings growth for shareholders. For more information, visit www.sq1.co.za.
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