Steinweg, a global provider in storage, handling, forwarding, chartering, and commodity logistics, has successfully resolved recurring voltage and power quality challenges plaguing the main crane at its Amanzimtoti, Durban facility thanks to the expertise of Ultimate Electrical Services (UES), a channel partner of ABB.
Steinweg’s vital operations depend on the crane, which operates ‘on-demand’ 24/7 to move client containers effectively. However, continual voltage fluctuations were wreaking havoc, resulting in frequent damage to the crane’s rectifiers and extended periods of unavailability due to repairs.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, UES recommended ABB’s PCS100 AVC-40, an active voltage conditioner, as the ultimate solution to ensure a consistent 400V power supply to the crane. UES carefully clarified the AVC’s operation and benefits over conventional active voltage regulators, showcasing its potential to guard the electrical supply to the crane at the same time as maintaining a stable voltage output.
Zero downtime
The implementation of the AVC not only safeguarded the crane’s electrical supply, but also eliminated the financial losses, lost productivity, and reputational damage incurred when the crane unexpectedly went offline due to power issues. The 300kVA AVC was installed in a dedicated room equipped with air-conditioning to ensure optimum performance. Since the AVC installation, Steinweg has reported zero downtime attributable to voltage fluctuations.
Ivor Becks, UPS and Power Conditioning Sales Specialist at ABB, comments, “Now that Steinweg enjoys protected and uninterrupted power supply, the crane experiences virtually no component failures and is readily available to meet the demands of their clients.”
