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THE COMMUNICATION ISSUE

THE OFFICIAL MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS | JUNE 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 1 LETTERS The IDC provided an international guarantee facility to The IDC continues to identify and provide development 6 Letter from the SAIEE President - Mr Paul van Niekerk. Vektronix in East London where Samsung flat-panel television funding for projects that will contribute to the accelerated sets are assembled. The net result has been the creation of building of South Africa’s industrial capacity and the creation REGULARS 153 secure jobs. of sustainable jobs. Visit www.idc.co.za to find out more. 8 wattshot We showcase gadgets & gizmos for everyone! After more than 35 years, Vektronix, the first TV manufacturing 10 wattsup Current Affairs plant in South Africa, remains a flexible and cost-effective 59 Crossword - win R1000! consumer electronics manufacturer in the country. 60 Membership 62 SAIEE Calendar of Events page 11 FEATURE 26 Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) Keeping South African industry Radio spectrum is a natural resource whose utilisation is subject to government policies - we ask - why DSA and what's the benefits? in the global picture COMMUNICATION 32 Location Based Service market to thrive as its focus shifts page 17 LBS have emerged as one of the hottest trends in worldwide mobile applications and market researchers predicts an exponential growth tallying into the billions.

34 Square Kilometre Array Lecture in George Dr Adrian Tiplady, a key figure in the SKA bid, presented his lecture at our Southern Cape Centre earlier in the year. Read about this rationale behind the project. POWER 36 Preparing for winter power outages page 26 Winter is upon us and so is the looming power cuts due to maintenance. Are you ready?

38 Renewables to the Rescue The 'Green Solution' to South Africa's Electricity crunch? TECHNOLOGY 42 Uranium Technology Felix Bosch gives us a historical overview on this 'taboo' subject in the first of a two part series. page 48 HISTORY 48 A giant amongst men The enigmatic Angela Price wrote this beautiful 'biography' on the late Dr Bernard Price, who, amongst many things, were a giant amongst men. OPINION 54 Are our talented Engineers being disempowered? The rules set the records straight has had an adverse effect on many areas in South Africa - especially in the Engineering fraternity! Chillibush8052IDC LOOKING BACK 56 June - gone so soon.... We take a look at June throughout the ages.... Telephone: 086 069 3888 MATHMATICIAN Email: [email protected] 58 Briefly to Infinity Bill Brading asks the question: how much longer can you set new world records? 2 | wattTo nowapply | forjune funding 2013 of R1 million or more go to www.idc.co.za wattnow | june 2013 | 3 From the Editor's Desk | minx avrabos SAIEE members

t is June already, the days are getting colder and shorter and it is getting worse to get up in the mornings. We don our coats and woolies to brace against the cold air. Lights are on for longer and therefore the electricity crunch. Maintenance to be done in winter seems to be a looming reality.

This issue of wattnow is jam-packed with lip-smacking goodness, an issue I thoroughly enjoyed putting together. It is informative and very interesting to see what the SAIEE Centers are getting up to as well as what is happening in the various industries.

The theme for this issue focuses on Communication, and the feature in this issue is a very interesting article from Jide Julius Papoola and Rex van Olst of Wits, "Dynamic Spectrum Access" - and they ask the question, what are the wattnow prizes will be awarded for articles written by SAIEE members that are published in benefits of DSA? Get the answer on page 26. the wattnow magazine and that are adjudged ‘excellent’ by a panel of experienced engineers On page 36, Garreth Johnson talks about the preparation needed for the and academics. Articles of between 1500 and 2000 words in the Engineering categories of winter power outages. Read it, you might be able to learn something new. I Communications, Control, Computers & Software and Power as well as General Interest and know I did. Science, written by SAIEE members, in good standing, and published in wattnow will be eligible.

In our Power Section, we sport an article from Johan van Den Berg who SAIEE members have broad and expert experience and knowledge about many Engineering projects topics in gives us the 'Green Solution' to South Africa's electricity crunch by bringing which they have been involved. wattnow wants to access and record the experience and knowledge renewables to the rescue. Read more on page 38. of the SAIEE member community and publish this to a wider professional History will never let us forget the devastation the nuclear devices caused audience. over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII. The main ingredient - Uranium. Felix Bosch gives us a historical overview on Uranium Technology in this Write about your (or others’) experience and help to spread knowledge, first of a two part series of articles. Read it on page 42. interest in and history of our great engineering capabilities and achievements. I would need to write two pages explaining what you'll find in this issue, but instead, I'll let you read it for yourself. Articles will be judged on the following criteria: SAIEE 2013 Office Bearers • General technical professional interest President Paul van Niekerk • Accuracy and Reliability, Technical Correctness Enjoy this issue! Deputy President Pat Naidoo • Currency and relevance Senior Vice President André Hoffmann • Coverage and Objectivity Junior Vice President T.C. Madikane • Style, language, illustrations, article structure, etc. Immediate Past President Mike Cary Honorary Treasurer Viv Crone Honorary Vice President Sarel Schoombie Awards will be made at the Annual SAIEE Banquet for the best article in each category, published between September and August of the past year. Note that a prize for each ISSN: 1991-0452 category is available but will only be awarded if articles are judged to be of a sufficient SAIEE Publications (Pty) Ltd. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is forbidden. The views expressed in this standard. The prizes for 2013 will be Apple iPads. The judging panel will be made up of publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the SAIEE. E&OE experienced members of the Engineering fraternity, including academics and industrialists and their decision is final. Detailed rules are available on the SAIEE website - visit www. saiee.org.za Visit www.wattnow.co.za to answer the questions related to these articles to earn your CPD points. The image of the iPad is not necessarily the model to be awarded. 4 | wattnow | june 2013 MESSAGE FROM THE 2013 SAIEE PRESIDENT

This workshop has proved to be valuable for the Chairmen as it enables interaction and the opportunity to share and coordinate ideas.

I am of the opinion that the SAIEE centres should be more accessible to all members, and in future, I reetings to you all! suggest that we should have a SAIEE centre, or at I started my year as least an interest group, within easy travelling distance president by vistinging the in all areas of South Africa. various SAIEE centres and my first visit was to the Eastern Cape In these days of modern communication, it should Centre. I met the new Chairman Mr Dawid be made possible for any member to log in and Bester and the local committee at Nelson Mandela participate, or at least to view the Council meetings. Metropolitan University. Perhaps we could organise a video stream of the Council proceedings? The address created a lively response from the delegates, and was followed by a social event giving Herewith some of the ideas discussed by the centre SAIEE members and NMMU students a networking Chairmen: opportunity to discuss the future challenges of • Expand the concept of teaching the teachers to all providing electricity to SA. The SAIEE Eastern Cape Centres in the country using the Bergville concept Centre committee, which has been particularly active in KwaZulu Natal as an example. Let us consider in recent years, is supported strongly by NMMU introducing a pipeline to educate children about engineering faculty members. the fascinating world of technology. This may encourage some to enter the field of Engineering. I then went on to visit the Southern Cape Centre in • As suggested at the meeting:- Introduce a system George which is chaired by Mr Robbie Evans. to help younger school going children understand and prepare for the rigorous requirements of This visit was followed by the traditional centre registering at a University to study Engineering. Chairman interactive workshop on at the SAIEE • Introduce technical games and lectures at schools Head Office in Johannesburg, where the SAIEE that are aimed at developing an enquiring mind, Executive team met the centre Chairmen to exchange to encourage learning about the environment and ideas. things that make engineering such an interesting The Centre Chairmen for 2013 are: field of endeavour. KwaZulu Natal - Veer Ramnarain • The allocation of student bursaries, and awards for Western Cape - Phumelelo Ngxonono top students Southern Cape - Robbie Evans Eastern Cape - Dawid Bester All the best for this month and we will chat again Mpumalanga - Sello Raphadu next month. Vaal - Denver Jacobs

Paul van Niekerk Pr. Eng SAIEE President 2013 6 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 7 NEW GADGETS ON THE MARKET WATTSHOT Gadgets and gizmos for you... go ahead, spoil yourself! You deserve it!

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Price R690 (incl) 8 | wattnow | june 2013 All the products featured on pages 8 & 9 are available online at www.mantality.co.za unless specified differently. wattnow | june 2013 | 9 CURRENT AFFAIRS Powertech Transformers Powertech Transformers, a subsidiary of Powertech and the JSE listed Altron Group, announced that they have recently installed in their Pretoria laboratory, state- of-the-art Brockhaus equipment which is used for testing of core steel, making it the only company in Africa with this type of equipment and one of only a few companies in the world.

Bernard Meyer, CEO Powertech Transformers (PTT) says “Incoming material control and verification of supplier routine test results for critical material items such as electrical core steel is of utmost Paul van Niekerk, SAIEE President, with the NMMU students involved in the creation of Gerda Geyer and Stan Bridgens, SAIEE HQ Robbie Evans, Chairman Southern Cape Centre with the Solar Car Project. Paul van Niekerk, SAIEE President importance to PTT. This drives customer confidence as a reputable OEM of power The project was initiated in 2010 and has transformers. No-load losses are important The Solar Car Project progressed from initial student designs guaranteed design and manufacturing The Solar Car Project is the first of to a unique physical response to the Sasol parameters in terms of contractual its kind to be undertaken by Nelson South African Solar Car Challenge 2012. compliance and therefore necessitates full Mandela Metropolitan University The team has created a unique vehicle control of our Supply Chain for electrical (NMMU) students, and is in line with designed to the strict race specifications core steel.” the environmental consciousness that the dictated by the FIA and SASC. The university endorses. The team consists project has received major financial of students from Mechanical, Electrical funding from the Technology Innovation Sello Raphadu, Chairman Mpumalanga Centre and Danver Jacobs, Chairman Vaal Triangle with Robbie Evans, Chairman, Renewable Energy and Mechatronics Engineering fields. Agency (TIA), Volkswagen South Africa Veer Ramnarain, Chairman Kwa-Zulu Natal Southern Cape Centre The students originate from a wide PROJECT (VWSA) and the Automotive Industry range of backgrounds, both nationally Development Centre (AIDC), which has SAIEE CENTRE CHAIRMEN WORKSHOP The Renewable Energy Research Group and internationally, which positively given the project freedom to use the latest in the EBEIT faculty is currently busy enhances the dynamics of the team. They technology associated with alternative The SAIEE Centre Chairmen graced Head Office with their with a number of RE projects related also have a broad skills base, ranging energy utilisation. presence at their annual Centre Workshop. The Chairmen to maximizing energy yield from small from initial tertiary qualifications up to enjoyed a relaxing lunch and mingled with staff and Office domestic scale wind and solar devices. The masters level. External advice and skills The team has successfully participated in Bearers before they entered into their workshop, discussing concentrated solar power (CSP) heating have been received from staff members at the 2012 SASC and is now in the design budgets and planning for 2013. of a vacuum insulated rock bed using air NMMU, and local companies; who also stages of the 2nd Generation vehicle for as transfer medium is showing promise share a passion for the future of ‘green Phumelelo Ngxonono, Chairman Western Cape Centre and the scheduled 2014 SASC event. Dawid Bester, Chairman Eastern Cape Centre. as a technology for retaining heat during engineering’. periods of inclement weather. SIGNAL SPD FOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS Another exciting development is the COPA’s new COP903 is a surge protection NMMU patented segmented blade device for coaxial cable-connected horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). systems such as video surveillance This unit automatically aligns all parts of systems and similar equipment. This its blade optimally with the exact relative unit also protects the 12V DC voltage airflow passing over the blades. Testing will supplied from the power supply to the commence soon to verify what advantage cameras. The SPD is DIN rail mountable this will have over existing designs with which makes for a neat installation into emphasis on enhanced daily yield. Office Bearers: (l-r) Andre Hoffmann, Viv Crone, Mike Cary, TC Madikane and Paul van Niekerk. 19’’ racking systems. COPA is represented locally by Surgetek. 10 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 11 CURRENT AFFAIRS PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO THE SAIEE Taking a SOUTHERN CAPE CENTRE digital spin on the Autobahn with Opel WITS ALUMNI RECEIVE THE COUNTRY’S HIGHEST HONOUR Ever dreamt about driving on Germany’s Autobahn - no Wits University would like to congratulate “Our unit is strong because our scientists speed limits, just freedom? the following three of its alumni who have are passionate about understanding Well NATIVE decided to take been awarded National Orders by the HIV, sharing our findings and making South African Institute of Electrical Engineers - Press Release this fantasy and make it a President: Prof. Glenda Gray, Dr Ridwan a difference in the world. This award is photographsPhoto: SAIEE event 3.jpg virtual reality with the launch 16 AprilSAIEE 2013SAIEE President President 2013 - Paul 2013 van Niekerk, - Paul SAIEEvan Niekerk,Student Liason SAIEE - Ikho Student Bambiso, Liason ECSA Committee - Mia and Dr Bernie Fanaroff. a great honour, and I’d like to accept it 16:41 of Opel’s new Astra & Astra member - KenIkho Ramjee Bambiso, ECSA Committee member - Ken Ramjee on behalf of the community of dedicated STAFF APPOINTMENT AT OPC. clinicians, scientists and researchers who work with me, and who share the vision ENERGY CYBERNETICS The campaign features a number of components that include an that eliminating paediatric HIV is realisable Frikkie Malan has been appointed to the engaging racing game on Facebook called Wir Leben Autobahn, and achievable!” position of Director for Operations at where users get to drive a virtual Opel vehicle on a Google Maps Energy Cybernetics. version of the Autobahn. Participants are ranked and the top 50 driving times will win an opportunity to test out their real world driving skills at the Opel Academy. The top two finishers will win DR BERNIE FANAROFF, who led South a trip to the Nürburgring in Germany. PROF. GLENDA GRAY was awarded Africa’s bid to host the Square Kilometre the Order Mapungubwe (Silver) for her Array (SKA), was awarded the Order of “It’s a fun and innovative concept that challenges a dedicated life-saving research in mother-to-child Mapungubwe (Silver) in recognition of his audience of gamers and grows overall interest in the new Opel Anelisa Kani, Mzikazi Hani, Paul van Niekerk and Zine Siway transmission of HIV and AIDS which excellent contribution to astronomy and his models. To date we had over 2 100 visits to the game while 92% of dedication in putting South Africa on the has changed the lives of people in South SAIEE President, Paul van Niekerk enjoyed his visit to the visitors opened and viewed the new Opel Astra commercial,” says map. He is a thinker, an academic, a trade Africa and abroad. Her work has not only DR RIDWAN MIA was awarded the Order Photo: SouthernSAIEE event 1.jpgCape Centre recently. He visited the Nelson Mandela Ryan McManus, Executive Creator Director at NATIVE. unionist and an exceptional public servant. NMMU students were able to enjoy a social event after the address- with the incoming SAIEE saved the lives of many children, but also of the Baobab (Silver) for his excellent Metropolitan University (NMMU) and were introduced to President, Mr Paul van Niekerk. improved the quality of life for many contribution to the field of medicine and Engineering students, who will (hopefully) be SAIEE members The Wir Leben Autobahn Game will continue for three months, Upon receiving news of the award, Dr From Left : Miss Anelisa Kani, Miss Mzikazi Hani, Mr Paul van Niekerk, Miss Zine Siway others with HIV and AIDS. for giving hope to victims devastated by in the near future. Seen here in the photographs, Paul enjoyed after which the winners will be selected and the next stage of the Fanaroff said: “From the beginning, South burn injuries. getting to know a few of the students. competition will kick in. Gray is the Director and founder member Africa’s SKA Bid was a combined effort of the of the Wits-affiliated Perinatal HIV Mia recently made history when he and a SKA Bid Team, the Department of Science and Benchmarking energy use creates awareness at Exxaro Research Unit (PHRU) at Chris Hani team of doctors saved three-year-old burn Technology, the National Research Foundation By being one of the top performers in the survey included Head Offices, Hospitals, Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, which victim Pippie Kruger’s life by transplanting and other stakeholders. Contributions made National Energy Barometer Survey for Hotels, and Motor Car Dealers, but due to has achieved international recognition skin cloned from her own cells in a lab in by team members both past and present were the 2011 utility year, Exxaro has received non-disclosure agreements not all winners for its research and results. In 2002, the Boston in the US. The medical team led key in ensuring the success of our bid and credit cannot go to any single individual. From confirmation that its buildings’ energy in all categories may be announced. PHRU estimated that approximately by Mia performed the surgery on 11 June General Page 2 efficiency investments are paying off when 1,400 babies became infected. Now, with 2012 in the Garden City Hospital, making the co-operation we received from role-players Photo: SAIEE event 2.jpg compared to others in the same sector. When asked why Exxaro uses the National effective roll out of PMTCT interventions it the first reconstructive surgery where from the outset, to the various managers, NMMU Electrical Engineering student attending the SAIEE Presidential address. Energy Barometer Survey benchmarking and optimizing antiretroviral prophylaxis, cloned skin was used in Africa. engineers, consultants and volunteers involved After participating in every National adjudication process, Ernst Venter, Exxaro’s less than 500 babies acquire HIV from in the SKA Bid, we can all stand proud for Energy Barometer Survey since its executive head for growth, technology and their mothers in Soweto per annum. what we have achieved, not only for Africa but for astronomy as a whole. The honour of my inception, Exxaro is for the second services, says, “It allows us to compare our consecutive year runner up in the Head building to others in the industry, and it is Every unit is only as strong as its nomination being accepted by the President Office & Corporate Offices category, with very encouraging to know that a 50 year leader, and Gray has demonstrated an is indeed an enormous one and is reflective of General Page 1 winners Central Energy Fund (CEF) old building fares well against green build exceptional ability to collaborate with the team effort that has gone into bidding for House, and in third place Anglo Gold buildings, and other more recently built and other investigators in multicentre trials. the SKA.” Ernst Venter, Exxaro’s executive head for growth, technology and services Ashanti. Categories assessed in the 2011 upgraded facilities.” 12 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 13 CURRENT AFFAIRS CESA to assist with SIP7

Thabo Mokwena, SIP7 (seventh Strategic Integrated Project) Coordinator and Guest speaker at the CESA Gauteng Presidential function, made an impassioned plea for CESA members to EML MOTORS DRIVE COST EFFECTIVE PRODUCTIVITY work together with PRASA to assist with the lack of capacity at Municipal level. The current economic climate has Part I: IEC requirements and Part II: Low forced businesses to find creative ways Voltage Three Phase Standard Motors,” says He stated that CESA needs to work closely with PRASA and support of reducing their expenditure, without Gavin Toms, from EML. the 12 identified municipalities to roll out projects. Last year CESA compromising quality. This interesting and PRASA signed an MOU to take the process forward. dilemma has resulted in a mindset shift “The motors are manufactured in an ISO that encapsulates sourcing alternative certified facility that prescribes to stringent Mokwena discussed the Polokwane Rapid Bus Transit System products from reliable and well-established quality controls. The resultant products which are struggling to get the planning on track and appealed Mokwena particularly appealed to CESA to assist with the planning suppliers. EML, a division of Zest Electric are robust in construction. Manufactured to CESA member firms to roll up their sleeves and get down to phases of projects. “Simple input on simple lives are the projects that Motors and part of the Zest WEG Group, from cast iron, with cast integral feet, they business to get the project on track’. Mokwena appealed to the I'm interested in”. Mokwena believes that of the trillions allocated by provides its customers with a cost effective are designed to improve the heat exchange Gavin Toms, EML branch manager, and Ryk van audience in saying, “Capacity needs are there and they are serious”. Government to infrastructure development mostly will go out of the range of motors for a variety of industries. and to provide enough mechanical strength Schoor, EML internal sales. He cited the R5billion ITS system for Buffalo City Municipality country as most (approximately 80%) of the money will be spent on for operation in harsh environments. All has been held up with court proceedings for the past 3 years and technology. He said that the debate around technology is the most There is a real need in industry for motors in the range are rated to IP 55 in shows no sign of getting off the ground for another 2 years. He important issue and that it is important for South Africa to start businesses to deal with a reputable supplier their standard configuration and can also reiterated that it is the responsibility of CESA and its member firms technology industries to ensure the sustainability of the country. that offers quality motors with a high be modified to IP 56 and IP 65 ratings, to to actively assist in unlocking projects. level of support. Maximising production facilitate use in environments that dictate and minimising downtime remain this level of ingress protection,” adds Toms. predominating factors for industry. EML motors have found great acceptance in A large facility near Johannesburg offers a Call for papers issued for sub-Sahara’s premier power conference industry because of their high levels of substantial stockholding of the full range PennWell Corporation has issued a call for Solutions for Africa’s Energy Future and alternative power generation sector. uptime when driving plant and equipment. of EML motors. In addition to this ex papers for POWER-GEN Africa 2014, the an exhibition where the leading suppliers stock option, a countrywide network of leading international conference for the from both the international and African Over three tracks: Strategic, Technical and “EML Motors’ core focus is the supply of a branches acts as a comprehensive support power sector in sub-Saharan Africa. power sectors will demonstrate their latest Renewable Energy, POWER-GEN Africa cost-effective range of cast iron electric motors system for this facility. “Individual technologies and solutions to a power- will provide a platform for expert insights that conform to the major, acceptable quality customer requirements are catered for by Following the success of the inaugural hungry audience. The second POWER- into strategies, trends and technologies to standards. This range of motors, sourced our experienced and knowledgeable team POWER-GEN Africa conference in 2012, GEN Africa will take place in tandem with drive the sub-Saharan power sector. from a quality certified manufacturer in of sales engineers, who are equipped to which saw 228 conference addresses over DistribuTECH Africa in Cape Town, and is Nantong, China complies with the European assess application-specific idiosyncrasies,” EML motors are essentially a plug and play three days with over 2,000 attendees, expected to again attract large numbers of A POWER-GEN Africa Best Paper Award solution. CE mark, SABS-SANS 1804-1&2:2007, Toms concludes. POWER-GEN Africa 2014 will again focus attendees from across Africa. will be given for the most interesting, at a high level on the key issues impacting relevant and innovative paper in each the region’s power generation stakeholders. At the inaugural event, 63 countries from 6 POWER-GEN Africa conference track HIGH CURRENT HALL EFFECT CURRENT continents were represented. A dominant as judged by members of the Conference SENSORS POWER-GEN Africa 2014, to be staged 66% of the conference and exhibition Advisory Board. The CTL/CTA range of Hall effect DC current transducers is available in in Cape Town, South Africa, from 17- attendees were from across Africa. 93% of current ranges of up to 40kA. The illustration shows a 30kA unit with split 19 March 2014, will address local and attendees said they found POWER-GEN The expert speakers selected by the advisory core for easy installation over busbars of up to 330mm x 330mm. When international experts and professionals Africa important to achieving their business board will deliver advanced papers to an combined with a signal conditioner Model CTA, provision can be made from energy intensive industries, and objectives, and 100% of attendees surveyed audience of power and heat producers and for outputs of ±10V, 4-20mA, ±5V or ±1mA. Accuracy is ±1% at full scale officials and ministers from the national said POWER-GEN Africa fulfilled their plant owners, public sector power officials, and can be used in temperatures of up to +65˚C. and regional political spheres who are expectations. strategic investors, engineers, traders and Typical applications will include DC arc furnaces, chlorine production tasked with energy policy. trade media, among others. and electro-winning of copper, zinc, platinum, etc, i.e. all electro-chemical The 2014 conference and exhibition and electro-metallurgical processes. Products are available from Denver The three day event will also feature a multi- will focus both on conventional power For further information visit www. Technical Products (Pty) Ltd. track conference to explore the theme generation and the rapidly emerging distributechafrica.com 14 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 15 CURRENT AFFAIRS SAIEE KZN CENTRE - 2013 AGM & INAUGURAL ADDRESS

GPUK appoints David Wilkinson to manage CONSUMER new Automation Support Team RESPONSE TO POWER GEA Process Engineering Ltd has CONSERVATION appointed David Wilkinson as Automation Service Manager to establish and develop a new service Veer Ramnarain, SAIEE Chairman KZN team supporting GEA automation Centre with SAIEE Junior Vice President, control systems throughout the TC Madikane who is also immediate past Chairman, KZN Centre. United Kingdom. John Edmeston, Managing Director of Cartrack David has over 14 years’ experience in In January 2008 the South African power the municipality. The analysis was done to A short profile: Veer N. Ramnarain the industry having worked for some latest Technology in grid became severely constrained because determine how the response had varied Veer joined eThekwini in 2009 and is of the world’s leading control systems Global Monitoring electricity demand exceeded supply. The among the various groups by taking into employed as Deputy Head of Electricity. manufacturers including Honeywell, immediate correction was load shedding. account demographic factors like age, He started his career at Siemens as a design Siemens and Rockwell Automation. Cartrack’s new Fleet Sat offering challenges Later, Eskom promoted a medium term gender and income level. The population engineer and later continued with Eskom the perception that satellite products are strategy of power conservation to encourage of the sample frame was estimated at in various positions. He spent 13 years at expensive, by providing a cost effective consumers to reduce their power usage so 15,000 customers. Two hundred and eighty Eskom and gained experience in the areas David Wilkinson, GEA “We are in the process of building a team of highly qualified engineers global monitoring solution that is tailored that overall demand could be managed. responses were received and analyzed. The of Power Transmission, Power Distribution with a broad spectrum of experience who can support all systems, not just GEA installed to your specific fleet requirements. Despite the extensive campaigns, the 10% results were encouraging. and Power Generation; working at the systems,” said David. “Our aim is to provide an independent 24/7 service to manufacturing electricity savings target was not met in Drakensberg Peaking Hydro and Majuba businesses, especially those who may find it too expensive to employ their own full-time Fleet Sat is ideally suited to transporters 2008. Specific recommendations were made on Thermal Power Stations. support staff.” who operate across the length and breadth the future strategy to be followed in South of Africa. “The solution is satellite based, A study to review the experiences of other Africa to encourage consumers to save Veer’s qualifications include a BSc 6th Robotics and Mechatronics Conference of which solves the challenges that cellular countries that had successfully implemented electricity. The main recommendations Electrical Engineering Degree from the technology faces in African countries such power conservation programmes and to were that Government should lead the UKZN, a Diploma in Engineering Business South Africa - Call for Papers as unavailable or unreliable networks, not research the different approaches that savings drive, with customised campaigns Management from the University of to mention expensive roaming charges. The Robotics and Mechatronics Symposium format. Use the standard IEEE format, A4, were taken in other countries to encourage for different demographic groups. Warwick and an MBA from the Graduate Fleet Sat is perfect for the positioning of provides a platform to showcase and gauge 2 columns limited to 6 pages. Templates consumer behavior change. A survey and School of Business at UKZN. vehicles or assets which operate outside the current state of advanced robotics and are at http://www.ieee.org/conferences_ quantitative analysis was undertaken on a The campaigns should place greater any GSM network,” says John Edmeston, mechatronics research in South Africa. events/conferences/publishing/templates. sample of electricity consumers within the emphasis on the financial benefits to be He is a Registered Profession Engineer, Managing Director of Cartrack, a market- Research facilities in southern Africa and html. eThekwini Municipality Central Region. gained. It was necessary for new and different possesses a Government Certificate of leading vehicle tracking and recovery, beyond are invited to present and share The purpose of the study was to gauge savings measures to be communicated, and Competency and is a Senior Member fleet management and telematics service their work. The symposium is open to The closing date for receipt of full the response of consumers to the power finally that Government should introduce of South African Institute of Electrical provider. all industries, research institutions and papers for review is 31 July 2013. Early conservation campaigns conducted within legislation to enforce electricity savings. Engineers.

hobbyists. The symposium brings together submissions are encouraged, to allow The Cartrack Fleet Sat offering is able to researchers, academicians, application for early evaluation and potentially for pinpoint vehicles or assets via satellite engineers, users and policy makers of CAD/ preferential acceptance. Reviews will be technology, anywhere in the world. “There CAM, robotics and factory automation. sent to the author by 31 August 2013. The are no costly international roaming cellular closing date for receipt of final papers for rates and the solution is operated using Paper Submission and inclusion in the symposium Proceedings is a web-based application, with detailed Presentation 20 September 2013. Only papers by fully- mapping and trip history reporting, that The official language of the Conference registered and paid-for delegates will be is hosted in the cloud and accessible from is English. Participants are requested to included in the Proceedings. For more info any device that has internet connectivity” submit their papers in English in a PDF visit www.robmech.co.za. concludes Edmeston. 16 | wattnow | june 2013 CURRENT AFFAIRS Creating Lifelong Learners @ TUT, eMalahleni Campus

ACTOM and Alstom sign transmission technologies cooperation Agreement ACTOM, the largest electrical engineering group in Southern Africa, and Alstom Grid, world-leading provider of engineered solutions and products for smart and conventional power grids, signed a three-year transmission technologies cooperation agreement in Johannesburg on April 23.

The agreement, effective until April 2015, was signed by Jack Marius Dieperink (Head Faculties of Humanities, TUT) with some of the Tjibbe Spoelstra (RHDHV), Tharina Stöltz (TUT Lecturer) and Marius Rowan, Chairman of Transmission & Distribution at ACTOM, 1st year students and Tjibbe Spoelstra (RHDHV). Dieperink (Head Faculties of Humanities, TUT). and Eric Boulot, Alstom Grid’s Commercial Vice-President for Southern Europe and Africa.

Said Rowan: “The agreement represents the continuation of a longstanding mutually beneficial cooperative association between the two groups. ACTOM’s focus has always been on maximising local content and we manufacture a number of products under licence to our international partners wherever this proves practicable, in addition to developing and manufacturing products of our own.” Eric Boulot (left) of Alstom Grid and Jack Rowan of ALSTOM T&D shake hands after signing the final agreement formalising the Boulot stated: “Alstom and ACTOM are partners in a number of partnership between the two groups. Looking on are ACTOM’s Group activities such as signalling, boiler services and Metro coaches in CEO and Chairman Mark Wilson and Group Executive Director Andries Tshabalala. the region and this agreement will reinforce the partnership and Students collecting wattnow magazines prior to the lecture. THANK YOU wattnow!! cooperation between the two groups. The renewal of the agreement has been a perfect time to review our operations together and to such as implementing smart grid solutions to manage newly installed Class of 2013 - Electrical Engineering “We are committed to teaching and learning The session was concluded with a energise our approach to the market. We share a clear ambition to renewable power generation and to manage the transmission network students (1st year, extended programme) – that is why we invest in our future, by discussion of an innovative project by be at customers’ side when they engage in challenging programmes more efficiently.” were treated to a communication lecture creating a mind-set of lifelong learning”, said Royal Haskoning DHV a “Solar High Mast with a difference on the 9th of May.The Mrs Tharina Stols, Lecturer - Department Lighting project”. Philips provided a sample Public display of energy Buildings Electrical & Electronic - Business of Applied Languages. of their latest flood light for the discussion savings Unit Leader, Mr. Tjibbe Spoelstra (Pr Eng.) session. In addition, Philips supplied each from the Royal Haskoning DHV provided She indicated that by offering interactive student with marketing merchandise. Bring your 'behind-the-scenes-energy-savings-efforts' to a practical side to theory as a guest lecturer. sessions, like having a guest lecture, wattnow Magazine provided each student the front by displaying your performance for all to see the students minds are opened to the with the May issue as well as back issues. with Energy Cybernetics’ ‘auto-play’ dashboard solution. The two hour session gave students insight importance of a formal qualification. Display how many trees you have saved for a set period, into engineering practice; “Where & How This combined effort will definitely add what your carbon emissions are, how your consumption do Junior Technicians/ Engineers kick This serves as an additional motivation excitement to the students learning compares to a previous month – parameters can be off their career, What would their daily for them to persevere and to utilize the environment. Based on the lecture and selected to showcase positive performance, but also give assignments comprise of, How would they be opportunity given to them at TUT. She said the topics covered, the students have been warning of increased pressure on your system allowing an measured in the industry.” it also provides them with an opportunity assigned a Portfolio Assignment on the awareness of excessive use. to learn from knowledgeable practitioners lecture, which they have to hand in as part At TUT, first year students are enrolled and mentors in the engineering industry. of their final year mark. Energy Cybernetics offers comprehensive energy to also attend service subjects, which are At TUT, eMalahleni Campus, lecturers management reporting and dashboard solutions based on offered by the Faculty of Humanities to the are committed to give students as much Watch this space for innovation in lecture data collected, validated and processed through its locally Faculty of Engineering. industry exposure as possible. rooms at TUT eMalahleni Campus! developed PowerWatch energy management system. 18 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 19 NEWS Enterprise Learning to the next level & address Skills Gaps 5 learning trends that will shape the workplace in the coming year

By | Gavin Olivier | partner and Managing Director | LRMG

erely recruiting to fill a skills gap Companies are drawn by the Return on Investment (ROI) from their workstations. Mobile technology within organisations is no longer the potential and another benefit of integration is data that allows for immediate access to information - whole answer. The true, and complete, improves workforce analytics. whether it's technical specifications, learning answer lies in recruiting the right people and and training resources or current marketing developing them through learning. Critical Integration of talent and learning with other business collateral - no matter where staff are based. workforce needs and advances in technology mean that software can yield insights about a workforce that could learning professionals are at the forefront of the most lower human resource costs and, ultimately, benefit the Trend #3: Rapid content important talent challenges. bottom line. creation Solutions that are quick, inexpensive, simple Learning can be a major driver of revenue for an Trend #2: Mobile learning is here to create and easy to deploy are must-haves Gavin Olivier | partner and Managing Director | LRMG organisation and serves as a great motivator for staff and to stay and should be embraced for those generating e-learning content. One increases productivity and retention. Technology-driven Mobile learning is part of an enterprise-wide movement emerging trend is to integrate social media on demand, helping organisations to accelerate the adoption of new products and learning, if applied correctly, is flexible, adaptable and and because of that it's never been easier to engage and social learning into e-learning courses, services, improve information-sharing with external partners, improve customer cost-effective and more immediate. staff on the job, or on the go. A recent survey by the for example, by embedding a link such as a satisfaction and increase sales by supporting sales-enablement. International Data Group (IDG) indicated that 69% blog, into a course. Other trends include more Here are five technology trends which companies should of chief information officers worldwide placed mobile scenario-based learning and creating shorter Trend #5: Use development to drive talent leverage to unlock business opportunities that will shape technology adoption at the top of their list of critical courses of around five to 15 minutes, instead of retention workplace learning in the year ahead: priorities for 2013. Organisations embrace mobile learning the traditional 30- to 60-minute courses. Research shows that 45 to 50% of top performers within a company are always as a great way to increase participation and engagement. looking for new jobs that bring new challenges. Recruiting is again, not the solution. Trend #1: Integration of data is For example, leveraging one of the most basic elements Trend #4: Turn learning into Retention is. Succession management tools to help companies assess which roles are essential to analytics of mobile technology - text messages (SMS) - learners a direct revenue-generator critical to their success and identify skills gaps. Once there is an understanding of There are basically two trends that go hand-in-hand - rapid can be encouraged to participate in polls, surveys and The 'holy grail' of learning outcomes is cutting the bench strength and areas of risk, organisations can target development for high- integration in the market and the almost exponential growth questionnaires. More engaged learners means more costs, increasing efficiency and driving potential employees in these areas. of workforce data. Data consolidation has been activated as effective training. revenues. One way to contribute to all three is by companies are creating an integrated talent management adopting extended-enterprise technologies and In conclusion, it's crucial that employees are active participants in their career approach, with learning connected to performance, There are several other ways companies can leverage mobile serving external audiences such as distributors, development and that organisations provide the right training to help them gain the compensation, succession and recruiting. Organisations learning, including providing job aids and quality operating suppliers, customers and more. Software as a knowledge and skills to become the drivers of the business as tomorrow's leaders. with effective integration of learning and talent systems are procedure updates to employees who, for example, don't Service-based learning management systems Empowering employees with the tools to impact their own learning and career three times more likely to have strong business results. have access to a workstation or are out in the field away make it easy to develop and deliver training development is going to remain a growing trend in the market.

20 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 21 NEWS The ten unanswered questions to the 6. Registration of Electrical 10. Certificates of Compliance for Department of Labour were - Contractors Electric Fences On 1 September 2012 the Department of Finally, the ECA (SA) expressed the 1. Lack of Policing Labour took over the annual registration need to discuss the requirement in terms The total lack of policing in the Industry, of electrical contractors from the Electrical of regulation 12(4) of the Electrical particularly with regard to unregistered Contracting Board of South Africa (ECB) Machinery Regulations, which came into electrical contractors, shoddy and which had been carrying out such function effect on 1 October 2012, that the user dangerous workmanship, and the issuing of on behalf of the Chief Inspector since 1993. or lessor of an electric fence shall have a invalid electrical certificates of compliance/ certificate of compliance for a new fence, test reports by some electrical contractors. Since then numerous complaints have been when any addition or alteration is effected received from electrical contractors about to the fence, or when there is a change of 2. Approved Inspection Authorities the registration process at some of the ownership of the premises. The ECA says The ECA (SA) requires clarification about DoL’s provincial offices. its supports this requirement, but that Approved Inspection Authorities (AIAs). training to undertake the necessary skills It had informed the DoL in the past of 7. Assistance with Registrations programme is not currently available its support for AIAs, but wished to know In order to assist in the registration process, countrywide. how many had been accredited to date by the ECA (SA) proposed entering into an the South African National Accreditation agreement of co-operation with the DoL “We need answers and we need progress System (SANAS); how many had been to use the Association’s seven regional on all of the issues that have started and approved by the Department in terms of offices as “post offices” to accept electrical fizzled without resolve. Everyday electrical regulation 3(1) of the Electrical Installation contractors' registration documentation installation work is being carried out in Regulations; and who they were. It and to submit it to the DoL’s offices for their thousands of South African homes, offices indicated that it would like to work more necessary attention. and factories, but little attention is being Stan Wilson (CBI), Chris Greager (CEO, ECA) and Dirk Engelbrecht (President ECA) closely with the AIAs when dealing with given to controlling illegal operators, or in complaints from users, but as far as it could 8. Access to Database taking action against those who perform ascertain there are only two or three in the The ECA (SA) has requested access to dangerous and shoddy work and which is a At a press conference held in whole of South Africa which rather defeats the data base of registered electrical threat to life and property” says Greager. What is Johannesburg on the 30th April, the object of their existence. contractors. It receives many enquiries from the President of the Electrical municipalities, the National Bargaining Failure of NRCS to execute its 3. Correct Complaint Procedures Council for the Electrical Industry, estate function happening Contractors’ Association ECA (SA), The ECA wishes to establish the correct agents and the general public asking In addition to this, Greager states that Dirk Engelbrecht stated that the procedures to be followed when it or whether certain businesses are registered. the National Regulator for Compulsory members of the public wish to lodge ECA (SA) is extremely concerned Specifications (NRCS) is failing to complaints about dangerous or illegal In the past, it was able to access this effectively execute its functions. The main about safety in about the lack of interest or control electrical installations, unregistered information but can no longer do so. “How objective of the NRCS in terms of the Act is the Department of Labour appears electrical contractors, etc. is an average South African able to check to make recommendations to the Minister the credentials of their electrical contractor of Trade and Industry on compulsory the electrical to have over the Industry, despite 4. Procedures for AIAs and be assured that he is legitimate and specifications; to administer and maintain its being responsible for enforcing The ECA (SA) wishes to establish the correct properly registered to enable him to carry compulsory specifications; to carry out the legislation which controls it. procedures that should be followed by the out any electrical installation work on their market surveillance through inspections industry? AIAs, and to whom they are accountable. properties?” asks Greager. in order to monitor compliance; and to enforce compliance. e are also concerned about the failure of the the Department of Labour takes its duties seriously there will 5. Limitations of AIAs 9. Periods of Registration National Regulator for Compulsory rapidly be a deterioration of standards, and the safety and The ECA (SA) also wishes to establish It appears that most of the Department’s Regretfully it appears that the NRCS is Specifications (NRCS) to carry out its mandate welfare of people and properties will be compromised. whether individual AIAs are limited by their Provincial offices are allowing electrical failing to discharge its duties as many of ensuring that all electrical components comply On 4 March 2013 ECA(SA)’s National Director, Chris Greager, registration as “registered persons”; ie. can an contractors to register for three years at a non-compliant and potentially dangerous with the relevant safety standards”. addressed an e-mail letter to the Department of Labour’s AIA with only an installation electrician in time, and there are other examples where electrical components are getting into the (DoL) Chief Inspector, Thobile Lamati, and two of his senior its employ, inspect, test and pass comment contractors have been registered for up to market, and as a result placing innocent “It is our intention today to make public what is going on in staff requesting a meeting to discuss ten matters of concern to upon installations in hazardous and/or seven years. Regulation 6(2) of the Electrical electrical contractors and property owners the Industry, and why the ECA (SA) is concerned about the the Electrical Contracting Industry. To date, the request still explosive locations despite the fact that Installation Regulations prescribes “annual at risk. lack of policing or controls”. He further re-iterated that unless remains unanswered. only master installation electricians are registration”, so the ECA (SA) is puzzled registered to carry out such work? why this requirement is being ignored. 22 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 23 NEWS If the future could choose: Cost-effective City of Joburg hydrogen electrolysers into South Africa As an increasing number of countries for a mass market. Research into what later Broadband Network worldwide make major commitments to the became the NEL P-60 commenced in earnest. use of hydrogen for vehicles, awareness of its benefits are coming to the fore. To date, During his recent visit to South Africa to goes Live the biggest challenge in South Africa has introduce the NEL P-60 unit to RTS’ client been the availability of a cost-effective small base, Eric Dabe, NEL Hydrogen Regional The City of Joburg Broadband Project will go hydrogen pressure electrolyser. Tshwane- Sales Director, pointed out that an affordable live on 1 July 2013 after a 3 year build phase, based Rand Technical Services (RTS) has hydrogen car could very well be a reality by which BWired will operate for 12 years. solved this problem with the introduction 2016. “We are already seeing the growing of the NEL P-60 unit. popularity of the beta model hydrogen golf carts. We envisage that there will be a market he completion of the fibre optic VPN services, and will bring internet to Nkosi. Although connecting all of its “RTS is a great proponent of the advantages for purely electric (battery-driven) vehicles, network covers all 7 regions of all of the CoJ buildings in the region. The buildings, the CoJ will only use a small that can be derived by adopting hydrogen complemented by a market for hydrogen fuel the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) JBNP will be service ready to transition percentage of the projected network technology. However, until recently, the cost cell powered vehicles. Since electric cars can municipality, and will deliver a live all of the agreed upon services as of 1 July capacity, meaning other telecoms service factor around providing a smaller unit was only run for shorter distances, the hydrogen network that will immediately be able 2013. providers, and industry at large can not feasible locally.” vehicles could be very useful for long-distance commuting. In effect, the electric cars become to offer key services to all municipal plug into the remaining capacity on a Ian Fraser buildings connected to the network. “We support the vision of the CoJ, and the wholesale and open access basis. “We NEL Hydrogen recognised the challenges town cars while the hydrogen cars become Chairman This fibre optic network was designed completion of this successful build phase are already working with one of country’s around developing a small hydrogen extra-urban vehicles, capable of travelling Rand Technical Services by Ericsson South Africa and uses world on time and within budget, is testament largest mobile service providers with electrolyser that would be affordable enough distances of up to 700 km. class leading technologies utilized in to our commitment to the project and over 200 sites connected and operational Smart Cities around the world, and marks its objectives,” said Musa Nkosi, BWired to date. We are also running a number one of the biggest rollouts of its kind in CEO. The network was developed by of POC’s with Tier 1 ISP’s, as well as the Southern Hemisphere in terms of its the CoJ in partnership with Ericsson, other network Operators. This shows 1.2Tb core capacity and 940km coverage, with the aim of creating a platform for how BWired is extending its network’s giving the City of Johannesburg true bridging the digital divide within the CoJ. functionality beyond the CoJ Municipality Smart City Status. The delivery of the network will allow the requirements and realising true inclusion CoJ to assume Smart City status, which for all within the City of Johannesburg,” The Johannesburg Broadband and is supported by a strong broadband added Nkosi. Network Project (JBNP) is the realisation backbone. The benefits of broadband of the city’s long term vision of developing to any city are far-reaching – including The CoJ Broadband Project will enable the city’s economy which will see the economic growth, the enhancement digital inclusion through the provision of positive stimulation of opportunities for of the public service offering through affordable broadband to the public. the business sector in terms of small to e-government, added capacity and medium enterprises, effective access to efficiencies for private enterprises, public services, the development of the social benefits through e-learning, job youth in Johannesburg and increased creation through community portals, employment opportunities for all. and right though to city wide platforms for emergency services. All civil work was completed at the end of April 2013, with the fibre installation “The principle behind this network was work being at 90% completion at to provide ICT communications at a this time. The network build will be vastly lower cost, not only reducing the completed at the end of May 2013. When CoJ’s communications costs, but enabling the Network goes live on the 1st July the rest of the residents of the city to 2013, it will offer full WAN accessibility, benefit from the network roll out,” said

24 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 25 FEATURE Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)

Why DSA and what's the Benefits?

Radio spectrum is a natural resource whose utilisation is subject to regulations and policies by government agencies at both international and national levels. The purpose of these regulations and policies is to manage this natural resource for the maximum possible benefits of the public.

y its nature radio spectrum is renewable; however usable radio spectrum is limited by the constraints of the current fixed radio spectrum allocation policy which makes decisions about how the radio spectrum will be allocated and who will have access to it. As a direct result of the rigid nature of this existing fixed radio spectrum allocation, research in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) has accelerated. Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) is a set of techniques based on theoretical concepts in network information theory and game theory that is being researched and developed to improve the performance of a communication network as a whole.

Figure 1 shows the components and data flows in Dynamic Spectrum Access [8]. The reasons for this research into DSA are two-fold. The first reason is a result of the recent developments in wireless industries that have led to a dramatic increase in demand for and usage of radio spectrum. The second is as a result of the imbalance that the current radio spectrum allocation policy has created between radio spectrum scarcity and radio spectrum under-utilisation. This is because a significant amount of licensed radio spectrum is sporadically used [1].

By | Jide Julius Popoola | Rex van Olst For example, a typical radio spectrum measurement carried out by School of Electrical & Information Engineering the Enforcement Bureau of Federal Communications Commission University of Witwatersrand (FCC) at Atlanta, Chicago and other parts of the United States, as

26 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 27 FEATURE Dynamic Spectrum

Access (DSA) continues from page 27

reported by [2], shows that only 5–10% of 450–470 MHz by ICASA in Port Elizabeth, introduces the concept of communications • Determination of the frequency band citizens [7]. According to these authors, one of the coverage of wireless broadband in the licensed spectrum is used on average. Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban systems that can exploit the unused portions to be used among the detected unused of the benefits of deploying Super-WiFi in densely populated urban areas as well and Cape Town showed that 0.37%, 2.0%, of the licensed spectrum, also known as spectrum band or spectrum holes; the TVWS compared to conventional WiFi as opening up access to un-serviced In a similar measurement carried out by the 1.75%, 0.81%, 0.67% and 0.67% are the ‘‘spectrum holes’’ or “white spaces”. The • Start communication on the frequency is range extension. For instance a free space communities in rural areas. Independent Communications Authority respective percentages of the active licensed radio technology that has this capability band as decided; loss formula suggests that usage of the 2.4 of South Africa (ICASA) for the 790–862 frequencies in those locations at any time. is known as Cognitive Radio (CR). CR is • Continue to monitor the radio spectrum GHz band allows a maximum transmission Another benefit of DSA is its ability to enable MHz licensed spectrum carried out in Port a radio system that can adaptively and to detect the re-appearance of the range of 250 m. cost-effective access to preferred or lower Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, These series of measurements show that dynamically allow users to access radio licensed (primary) user or other radio frequencies. This cost-effective access is Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria in scarcity of usable radio frequencies for spectrum in an opportunistic manner by activity; and However, usage of the TVWS band, allows demonstrated in DSA’s ability to use free and March 2009 reported in [3] revealed wireless communications is not as a result of switching amongst unused portions of the • Changing of the frequency band and/or a maximum transmission range of 1.2 leased spectrum as well as its capability to that 99.74%, 99.84%, 99.97%, 98.58%, a lack of radio spectrum but more likely as licensed spectrum or spectrum holes at transmitter power as the case may be, in km, which according to these authors is a use existing radio towers and infrastructures. 98.59% and 99.36% are the percentages of a result of the current inefficient fixed radio different time intervals. This opportunistic order to prevent interference. significant range benefit at the maximum This enables smaller scale, lower entry costs inactive frequencies respectively in those spectrum allocation policy. An effort to radio spectrum access strategy is called sustainable connection rate of 54Mbps. to become feasible and thus drive down locations. A similar actual measurement alleviate the radio spectrum scarcity as well Opportunistic Spectrum Access (OSA) or This radio spectrum environment sensing communications services prices. also carried out in 2010 reported in [3] for as improving radio spectrum utilisation Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) [4]. or monitoring and the radio resources In addition, the authors also proved that management can be done either centrally TVWS provides higher capacity and These lower entry costs increase the DSA as an important application associated by a single device in a cooperative network radio coverage than the present network introduction of new wireless products and with Cognitive Radio, is basically a radio or individually by each device in a non- operators’ bands of Universal Mobile services in the marketplace. Among the spectrum access strategy that allows the cooperative network. Telecommunication System (UMTS). method of sharing wireless connectivity unlicensed or secondary user to share, in an presently practiced, for example in the opportunistic manner, unused portions of Recent research has revealed that Dynamic They showed that in the 2 GHz scenario, USA, are sharing network facilities, sharing the radio spectrum already allocated to the Spectrum Access has significant advantages the coverage probability is 94% with network operations and the sharing of primary user. In this way radio spectrum for both primary and secondary users of the average throughput 15.2 Mbps whereas radio spectrum. This cost-effective access efficiency and utilisation is increased. radio spectrum. One of such advantages in the TVWS scenario, the coverage methodology provided by DSA does not is its effectiveness in radio spectrum probability increases to 100% with average only improve broadband communication Dynamic Spectrum Access according to utilisation efficiency. throughput of 16.9 Mbps, thus providing systems but also promotes job opportunities [5] is defined as “the real-time adjustment a significant increase in system capacity. as well as contributing to the nation’s of spectrum utilization in response to For instance, the recent developments in All these benefits are obtained because of economy. changing circumstances and objectives”. spectrum policy and regulation, especially the existence of DSA, which leads to radio the release of the National Broadband Plan spectrum availability and more efficient In conclusion, across the world countries It is therefore a decentralized radio (NBP), the publication of final rules for utilisation. are currently migrating from analog to spectrum access strategy that allows a television white spaces, and the ongoing digital technologies and using automatic communication device to operate on progress for the secondary use of the A similar advantage is a recent launching techniques to replace the manual ones. any unused spectrum. In this new radio 700MHz – 1 GHz band, and the 2.4 GHz of a TVWS trial with ten schools in the In the same way, the allocation and spectrum access strategy, unlicensed or band for Smart Grid and Emergency Cape Town area of South Africa. This management of radio spectrum should not secondary users can opportunistically Services applications, according to [6], demonstration is based on TVWS potential be stationary. operate in an unused licensed spectrum, allows more flexible and efficient use of to improve internet connectivity in the as long it does not cause interference to the radio spectrum. developing world since signals from the Although the current fixed radio spectrum- licensed or primary users. The practice of TVWS band are capable of travelling allocation policy has served well in the DSA therefore does follow the following These developments have started yielding longer distances making the technology past, today’s society is moving at a fast steps: results as the presence of Television White well suited to provide low cost connectivity rate towards a mobile wireless society, so • Radio environment sensing or Spaces (TVWS) in the European Union (EU) to rural communities with poor a dynamic approach needs to be devised monitoring in order to detect the currently present a unique opportunity for telecommunications infrastructure. Thus for radio spectrum allocation, access and Fig 1: The components and data flows of Dynamic Spectrum Access [8] spectrum holes; providing high-speed Internet access to its benefit can also be seen in the expansion management. 28 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 29 FEATURE Dynamic Spectrum

Access (DSA) continues from page 29

With the success recorded so far, it is modulation classification detection clear that the adoption of DSA in radio method with a Universal Software spectrum access and management will not Radio Peripheral”. Expert Systems only supplant the present radio spectrum with Applications, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. management policies but will also 2165-2173. automate radio spectrum management and decision making related to it. [4] Chen, R., Park, J.-M., and Reed, J. H. (2008). “Defense against primary Further, it is also clear that DSA can user emulation attacks in cognitive offer the flexible approaches that are radio networks”. IEEE Journal on needed to resolve interference without Selected Areas in Communications, regulatory intervention. Based on the vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 25–37. advantages offered by DSA as well as its capabilities, DSA will not only reduce the [5] IEEE Std 1900.1-2008 (2008). problems challenging the present fixed “IEEE standard definitions and radio spectrum allocation policy, it will concepts for dynamic spectrum also not compromise the performance of access: Terminology relating existing communication services. to emerging wireless networks, system functionality, and References spectrum management”. pp. c1- [1] Popoola, J. J. and Rex van Olst 48. Online [Available]: http:// (2011). “A novel modulation-sensing ieeexplore.ieee.org/servlet/ method: Remedy for uncertainty opac?punumber=4633730 Accessed around the practical use of cognitive 26th March, 2013. radio technology”, IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, vol. 6, no. 3, [6] Wang, J., Ghosh, M., and Challapali, pp. 60-69. K. (2011). “Emerging cognitive radio applications: A survey”. IEEE [2] Liu, L., Li, Z., & Zhou, C. Communications Magazine, vol. 49, (2010). “Backpropagation-based no. 3, pp. 74-81. cooperative localization of primary user for avoidance hidden-node [7] Mwangoka, J.W., Marques, P., and problem in cognitive networks”. Rodriguez, J. (2011). “Exploiting TV International Journal of Digital white spaces in Europe: The COGEU Multimedia Broadcasting, pp. Approach”. In Proceedings of IEEE 1–9. Online [Available]: http:// Symposium on New Frontiers downloads.hindawi.com/journals/ in Dynamic Spectrum Access ijdmb/2010/9055321.pdf Accessed Networks, 2011 (DySPAN, 2011), 16th September, 2011. Aachen, Germany, pp. 608-612.

[3] Popoola, J. J. and Rex van [8] D’Itri. S., and McHenry. M.; Olst (2013). “The performance “BeyoDynamic Spectrum Access evaluation of a spectrum sensing moves to the Forefront”; Defense implementation using an automatic Electronics; April 2008

30 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 31 COMMUNICATION

LBS market to thrive as focus turns to monetisation By Quentin Joubert | Cellfind 2. Operators to promote LBS for some value in it for them. Companies need are wrestling with mobile operators for Location based services (LBS) have emerged as one of the subscriber stickiness, higher ARPU to tread carefully around privacy issues, control of the customer base. hottest growth areas for the worldwide mobile applications The mobile market is changing rapidly as but LBS can be an incredibly powerful a result of consumers shifting from voice advertising opportunity. It’s hard to know how this will all play out, and telecommunications industries. Market researcher to data services, lower interconnection but only those that can clearly define their ABI predicts that the global LBS market will grow to a total rates, and growing price competition. According to ABI, advertising was less value will thrive in this competitive market. Faced with falling ARPU, South African than 30% of the total application store value of $17 billion by 2016, thanks to growth in retail mobile operators are looking for new LBS revenues in 2012, but growth is 5. Enterprise LBS apps market to applications, advertising, and emerging markets. ways to bolster their revenues and reduce accelerating. Local search and discovery, explode subscriber churn. proximity social networking, and retail are Mobile operators and application providers all massive opportunities for LBS-based are looking to the enterprise as the next hot They see enormous potential in LBS as mobile advertising in the years to come, market for LBS. From mobile advertising a revenue-boosting class of subscription says ABI. to asset tracking to transport and logistics, o c a t i o n based services (LBS) have emerged 1. Focus shifts to monetisation services or as a value-add that can enhance there are a wealth of business applications as one of the hottest growth areas LBS services are widely available and rapidly growing subscriber loyalty. 4. Shaking up the ecosystem that can benefit from LBS. for the worldwide mobile applications and in popularity for a range of navigation, personal safety The navigation ecosystem is complex telecommunications industries. and entertainment applications. The user base is Most of them already have some basic and competitive – it spans GPS and GIS It’s an especially attractive market since growing at a rapid rate, but monetisation of this user LBS services in place, but expect to see companies such as Telmap, Garmin and corporate users will be willing to pay a Market researcher ABI predicts that the global LBS base has yet to occur. The major challenge all players them launch new LBS-based products and Navteq, mobile operators, large and small premium for reliability and accuracy when market will grow to a total value of $17 billion by 2016, in the value chain face over the next couple of years, is services - fitness, health, enterprise and application providers from FourSquare it comes to apps that allow them to, for thanks to growth in retail applications, advertising, and turning the traffic LBS generates in revenue. other segments are largely untapped - as through to Google and Yahoo, and mobile example, track assets such as vehicles and emerging markets. well as to market them more aggressively in device manufacturers (including fitness equipment, or to manage and deploy field We can expect players in the market to experiment the year ahead. device, personal navigation device and service technicians in the most efficient We’re expecting this market to keep heating up with a range of ‘freemium’, subscription and handset manufacturers). manner. throughout the year ahead, with growing competition advertising supported models as they look to turn LBS 3. LBS-based advertising driving massive innovation in LBS. into a profitable business. Call to action services such accelerating We see overlap and competition – for Another powerful enterprise app with a lot as roadside and home assist as well as panic-button Consumers are happy to share location data example, smartphone mapping apps from of potential is using LBS to add another layer Here are five of the trends we’re expecting to see shape activated emergency medical services are examples with organisations that they trust. They are the likes of Google are eroding value of authentication in credit card payments – the market through 2013 and beyond. of services that users may see enough value in to be willing to receive location-based marketing for the likes of Garmin, while handset something which could offer significant willing to pay for them. and advertising - provided that there is manufacturers and application providers benefit to the financial services sector.

32 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 33 COMMUNICATION

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Lecture in George The remaining unknown content is for establishing and operating astronomical expansion of the sparse aperture arrays out COMPILED BY | NEëL SMUTS | PR.ENG | B.SC | B.ENG | FSAIEE referred to as dark matter (21%), which facilities. The evidence is in the choice of to 180km from the central core. acts to hold galaxies together, and dark South Africa as the preferred site to host the energy (75%), which drives the expansion SKA but with a dual-site implementation The overall cost estimation for the SKA is Dr Adrian Tiplady was the guest speaker at the Southern Cape Centre of the universe at an ever increasing rate model. between 2.5 - 3 billion Euros for capital annual general meeting held on 14 March 2013 in George. He is (much like anti-gravity). This expansion expenses and about 200-million Euros per results in a measurable Doppler effect on The SKA will be deployed in 2 phases annum for operations and maintenance presently the SKA Site Bid Manager and is one of the key persons the 1421MHz radio signal emitted by the and use three types of antenna systems: for a period of 50 years, with an estimated involved that resulted in South Africa securing the hosting for the major atomic hydrogen gas that fills our universe. sparse and dense phased aperture arrays, electrical power requirement of 110 MVA The older the signal, the more it would have conventional dish antennas using wideband – mostly driven by a supercomputer that is portion of the SKA. His talk included details of the rationale behind the been stretched by continuous expansion feeds, and dish antennas using focal plane 100 times more powerful than the fastest project, the strategic significance of the siting of the telescope, and of the universe (referred to in astronomy phased array feeds (a hybrid combination supercomputer today. Exa-scale computing as red-shifting), and hence the lower between conventional dishes and phased is required! Full scientific operations is many details of the challenges and progress to date. The SKA is one the frequency at which it is detected – a array feeds). The first phase (SKA Phase due by 2024, although early science will be of the government's 18 Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIP's) that are fantastic tool to study the time evolution of 1) will see the establishment of 254 x 15m possibly from 2016 when the first parts of led by the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission. the universe. diameter offset Gregorian reflector dishes the facility are commissioned. in South Africa, equipped with wideband Clear reception of the extremely weak feeds. 25% of these will comprise the South The long term protection of the geographical cosmic radio signals in the operating African design and developed MeerKAT area in which the SKA will operate is vital frequency range of the SKA, 100 MHz to radio telescope. Phase 2 will see this number for such a sensitive instrument with a high he fully constructed SKA will be an array of radio antennas that, 10 GHz, is key in answering many of the increase to approximately 3,000 dishes – global investment and a long expected life together, will exceed the sensitivity of the best available instruments today fundamental scientific questions faced 50% within a 5km core, 80% within 180km time. Although an area with low presence by almost two orders of magnitude. It will feature approximately 3,000 by astronomers today. The minimum of this core, and outlying stations in 8 of radio frequency interference was chosen, dish antennas (operating above approximately 1GHz), together with next- threshold levels of interference for radio other African partner countries to provide this advantage must be maintained (and a generation phased aperture arrays (operating below approximately 1GHz, astronomy observations is approximately exquisite resolution. These dishes will be few existing high level interference sources and able to provide instantaneous all-sky coverage). The SKA will provide 15 orders of magnitude more sensitive than complemented by dense phased aperture mitigated). The South African Astronomy unparalleled performance, enabling astronomers to study the evolution of a standard GSM cellular phone – around arrays established out to 180km from the Geographic Advantage Act, promulgated the universe, gaining new insights into the nature and origin of our universe, -255dBW/Hz. It is therefore important for central core. in 2008, provides the basis for such to test Einstein’s laws of relativity, to identify the origin of magnetic fields that the SKA to be located in an area with a very protection in the long term, as it empowers weave through the millions of galaxies that fill the universe, and to potentially low level of electromagnetic radiation or In the dual-site implementation, sparse the Minister of Science and Technology to find other habitable planets like our own. radio frequency use within its operating aperture arrays (operating in the frequency make necessary regulations that prescribe frequency range. The Karoo region of the range 50MHz to 350MHz) will be protection criteria and standards, whilst One of the key scientific goals of the SKA is to understand the nature of ‘Dark Northern Cape Province in South Africa, established in Western Australia in Phase ensuring the maintenance of essential Matter’ and ‘Dark Energy’. Only 4% of the universe is currently understood. where only 2% of the population resides 1, complemented by 96 x 15m diameter services and making available alternative, Dr André Tiplady with commensurate economical and reflector dishes equipped with focal radio-astronomy-friendly means of access industrial activities, is one of the best areas plane phased arrays. Phase 2 will see the to telecommunication services. 34 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 35 POWER Preparing for winter power outages BY | Garreth Johnson | Powermode

Seasonal increases in the use of heaters, lighting and air conditioning EAST LONDON JOHANNESBURG systems, combined with uncertainty over the continuity of the municipal The following courses will be held in East London at the Blue Technical Document Writing For Engineers Lagoon Hotel & Conference Centre, Blue Bend, Beacon Bay. As power supply this winter, are again placing the spotlight firmly on the By: Malcolm Haffner there is limited space, you are encouraged to get your bookings in 18 - 19 June 2013 & 20 - 21 June 2013 efficiency of emergency, standby power supply systems, particularly in as soon as possible.

mission-critical applications. Electric Arc Flash Safety Electric Power Cables By: Zaheer Jooma By: Dick Hardie 26 June 2013 his is the view of Jack Ward, MD He warns that UPS systems are faced outsource regular, planned maintenance 10 June 2013 of power provisioning specialist with tough operating environments, to reputable, independent organisations. Powermode, who says the threat of including unstable power ranges, Fundamentals Of Power System Fault Calculations Fundamentals Of Power System Calculations 2008-style load-shedding and power cuts damaging voltage spikes and surges, and Specialised maintenance personnel By: Prof Piet H Swart By: Prof Piet H Swart is looming large this winter. transient voltages that challenge their from these organisations will perform 17 - 18 July 2013 reliability. accurate inspections and major services 11 - 12 June 2013 “As a result, the need to ensure that on a regular basis; bi-annually on UPSs Photovoltaic Solar Systems generators and uninterruptible power “We find that failed UPSs and generators and at least quarterly on generator sets. supply systems are serviceable, and are are usually located in less-than-ideal They will also assist in the maintenance Mastering Power System Fault Calculations By: Attilio Dalvit not slowly degrading through neglect, is locations. For example, they’re often of a database and service record and an By: Prof Piet H Swart 24 - 25 July 2013 paramount,” he stresses. found in hot, dusty closets or forgotten all-important load characteristics log. 13 - 14 June 2013 in storerooms, under desks and in dusky Ward lists common faults such as dead hallways. Generators are located outside “Incidental issues such as the installation BLOEMFONTEIN or unserviceable batteries – in the case in a yard, in a parking bay or receiving environment, management commitment CAPE TOWN The following courses will be held at the Corporate Boutique Hotel & Conference Centre, 3rd Avenue & Brill Street, Westdene, of UPS systems – and clogged diesel area and the enclosures are less than and the suitability - or otherwise – of LV Protection injectors or blocked carburettors in secure – resulting in fuel theft - and open operators could also be addressed and Bloemfontein By: Viv Cohen generators will leave many organisations to the elements." noted at the same time.” ill-prepared for the power outages that 11 - 12 June 2013 Fundamentals Of Power System Calculations can be expected in the coming months. “In many instances, in-house support Ward maintains that the return on Contact Dave Martin By: Prof Piet H Swart personnel are unskilled, ill-equipped investment in a standby power solution 021 7890039 / 082 8866504 9 - 10 July 2013 He warns that corporate emergency or unmotivated to perform the basic is only as good as the service and [email protected] standby power equipment is often maintenance and testing procedures maintenance it receives. Mastering Power System Fault Calculations neglected by staff members appointed to required to ensure proper, reliable By: Prof Piet H Swart manage it because this is not their core operation of the emergency power “It is better to budget a little less on the function. “It does not attract attention equipment. Often staff members are hard- system and more on its maintenance in 11-12 July 2013 until there is a power outage. Then it is pressed to locate standby power equipment order to be rewarded with reliability and expected to function immediately and - let alone maintain it.” Because neglect is – as a result - cheaper long-term cost of reliability, enabling the company to be so common and operating environments ownership,” he adds. Should you require further information on any of these listed course and would like registration forms please contact: productive,” he says. uncontrolled, Ward encourages users to Roberto Benites 011 487-9042 or email [email protected] 36 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 37 POWER

Renewables to the rescue By | Johan van den Berg | CEO | South African Wind Energy Association

The good news is that the knight in shining armour is ready to step in and save the day.

s for the bad industrial users not to produce their core gas turbines (low capital, high running cost news, a lot of it products to their full capacity so that the that are supposed to be used only when has been going electricity can be deployed elsewhere in demand is very high) have had to be used round lately. To the economy. It is understood about 1,200 far more often to supplement power from paraphrase Charles Dickens, the MW is being bought back in this manner more conventional, base load sources. The prospects have grown ever stronger – considerably more than the Unit 1 at financial losses are likely to harm Eskom that the middle months of 2013 will prove Medupi would have supplied even if it had at a time when it cannot afford further to be the winter of our energy sector been up and running today. set-backs. In the past days, the responsible discontent. Industrial action at Medupi officials have started to communicate that has been dragging on at an estimated cost The country has aspirations of growing the load-shedding this winter is imminently of ZAR 30 million a day. Efforts to ensure economy at 4 – 5% per annum in order to possible. timeous commissioning of the first unit in create the jobs we so desperately need to December 2013 were scaled up and various address unemployment and poverty. For No conventional power source can assurances given – but the rumours of this we need energy and more specifically, affordably fix the problem in the likely delays stretching to twelve months electricity. The reality is that we haven’t had short term (or longer) persist. it since the rolling black-outs in 2008, and The time required to move a conventional that only a depressed world economy has coal or nuclear power plant through the This amidst cost over-runs at Medupi and hidden the fact that the problems have not development cycle is 8 – 10 years at the Kusile that have been considerable and gone away. very least. This means that any decision an electricity reserve margin running at a taken today, if using these technologies, can reported 1.5% (the international norm is There are a number of realities that we only ease our electricity supply constraint about 15%). NERSA recently held public will ultimately have to face, and the day of a decade from now. When Medupi Unit 1 hearings into Eskom’s request for a 16% reckoning may be only a few months away: is commissioned, it will not ease the supply per annum electricity price increase in constraints but will only enable some of the each of the next five years and ultimately We don’t have enough power large users to manufacture at full capacity granted “only” 8%, casting doubt on where It is abundantly clear that a reserve margin again (rather than accepting power buy- the utility will find the money it needs to of 1.5% is simply far too low. Maintenance back agreements). The reserve margin will survive. During the hearings it appeared has not been done to the degree that Eskom remain where it is or deteriorate further. that the lights are being kept on by so- would have wanted to, for the reason that The only solution other than renewable called “power buy-back agreements”, where we needed the plants to run almost all the energy would be the use of “peaking plants”, the national utility essentially pays large time – to keep the lights on. The open cycle fuelled by diesel or gas. This could be done 38 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 39 POWER Renewables to the rescue continues from page 39

rapidly but would imply production costs The true cost of coal power crisis. Industrial load shedding will lead to Ready to build more RE the funds came from abroad, meaning that Climate friendly in the order of ten times the Eskom average makes it unaffordable financial losses, insolvencies and job losses. Plants South Africa is gaining significant Foreign The power produced by renewable – perhaps in the ZAR 4,50/kWh range. In For a long time we have known that certain This is unaffordable at present. Already, a total of 634 MW of wind power Direct Investment. energy plants need not be produced in the process, further pressure would be put industrial processes cause harm to people, and 631 MW of solar PV power is under conventional, coal-fired power plants. For on electricity tariffs. eco-systems and economically productive Renewable Energy Projects construction, while 150 MW of Solar Affordable this reason the greenhouse gas emissions systems beyond their own boundaries. In terms of the procurement rules and Thermal power is also being built. To Already, wind is being procured from the that would have been produced by coal Not having power is far These costs need not be reflected in the developer undertakings for renewable demonstrate the scale of what is happening developers of wind farms at rates as low as power are off-set by the production of costlier than having it costs of whatever product the industrial energy plants, 3-5% of ownership will lodge already, South Africa has only eight 89c/kWh (levelised cost over the lifetime of green energy Peaking power plants are presently more process produces and are referred to as with local communities. Further, 1-1.5% of operational wind turbines at present – but the contract). The best estimate of the cost expensive per energy unit than any of the “externalities”. Because externalities are turnover will be spent on socio- economic 250 more are under construction. of new coal in SA is ZAR 0,97/kWh, while Job creation, social major renewable energy sources. We can hard to quantify, they have often been development, usually within the immediate nuclear power is more expensive. Wind upliftment, rural thus assume that ZAR 4,50 is more or less ignored. However, the University of radius of the project (usually rural areas). But the truly remarkable figure is not what power is thus the cheapest source of new development the upper limit of what electricity can cost Pretoria have now quantified the costs of Moreover, 0.6% of turn-over will be is being built but what is ready to be built – energy at scale. When the externalities are Above these benefits as they will be today. As against this, NERSA determined producing electricity from coal at Medupi spent on enterprise development – most perhaps in excess of 100 renewable energy accounted for, solar PV is also much more produced by renewable energy projects that the cost to the economy of the 2008 at a staggering ZAR 0,97 – ZAR 1,88/ often this will target education and skills projects that have completed resource affordable than coal power. were discussed. Renewable Energy is a black-outs was an astonishing ZAR 75/ kWh1, making coal far more expensive development in the area. assessment, financial feasibility studies significant new infra-structure sector kWh – about 85 times the cost of wind than both wind power (by a factor of about and have received approvals from the Dependable with a long supply chain extending to power and 17 times the cost of peaking 2.5) and also significantly more expensive These amounts become very significant authorities after exhaustive Environmental A frequent question asked about renewable construction firms, electrical engineers and power. This shows that while we do not than solar PV power. This is an actual cost over the project lifetime and are likely Impact Assessments. These projects are energy is whether we can depend on it. –contractors, logistics companies, banks, have power, arguments about the costs of to the country, and the fact that it could to make a strong contribution towards ready and raring to go. Their combined We like to think we can flick a switch at a lawyers, environmental practitioners, various technologies miss the point that any conveniently be ignored will, alas, not community upliftment, job creation and capacity - even after subtracting for the fact coal plant and have power, but people ask wind and solar measurement companies, power will be far cheaper than no power. make it go away. In order to optimise the social development. that they may compete for grid access - is about the wind not blowing and the sun not specialised employment agencies and many country’s economy, we have to take it into between 3,000 and 5,000 MW. shining. Much academic work has already more. privaTe investements account and conclude that coal power is If we had to draw up a wish list that might been done in this regard in South Africa. Government has committed enormous unaffordable. emanate from the people charged with Onto the grid, quickly Modern wind turbines are very efficient As larger percentages of the hardware is amounts to supporting Eskom’s balance managing this very delicate South African The commissioning time for a Solar PV plant and South Africa has a large landmass manufactured in South Africa, the job sheet and can/will do no more – private CLIMATE CHANGE EFFORTS energy situation, it might include the can often be under a year while even a very which implies a wide spacial distribution creation and skills development potential investment is needed. South Africa has committed to climate following ruminations: “I wish we had lots of large wind farm can be built in 18 months. between wind farms. The wind may not will increase further. The socio-economic change efforts that necessitate a large electricity plants ready to be built tomorrow; Renewable energy gives us power, quickly. blow everywhere every day, but it always development programmes imbedded According to research done by Standard renewable energy sector. At the international I wish they could provide additional power blows somewhere. The result is that we can in each successful renewable energy Bank, Government has already supported negotiations on climate change that quickly; I wish they could be financed Private capital model what percentage of installed wind project through the procurement rules the Eskom balance sheet by about ZAR 350 took place in Copenhagen (“COP15”) in by private capital; I wish they could be On 30 October 2012, Business Day power will always be available. will make a significant difference to the billion in loan guarantees and shareholder December 2009, South Africa committed affordable; I wish they could be counted on reported on its front page that South Africa rural communities that typically live near loans/equity. To put this in context, it is 16.9% to significantly reducing its greenhouse gas to ease our electricity supply constraints; I had pushed the button to go ahead with The figure is around 25% and is known as renewable energy developments. of GDP and measured this way constitutes a emissions. This commitment manifested wish they could help us reach our climate a ZAR 47 billion procurement of green the capacity credit. Thus, if we install 1,000 “bail-out” far larger than the banking bail- in the Integrated Resource Plan of 2010, change objectives; I wish they could create energy. No portion of the capital to build MW of wind power, about 250 MW will In conclusion, to briefly return to Dickens outs in Spain, the UK and the USA. which envisions 42% of new electricity jobs, facilitate skills development and lead these plants will come from government – always be available and can be banked on. and A Tale of Two Cities: We may be facing capacity to come from renewables by 2030. to socio economic benefits; I wish they could indeed, government will pay only for the In addition, South Africa already has the the winter of our discontent, as our reserve Only in Ireland did the government commit empower rural communities.” electricity. Of the ZAR 47 billion, about peaking plants that one would normally margin runs out and load shedding occurs. a larger portion of GDP to the banking bail- NEGATIVE ASPECT OF INDUSTRIAL 75% will come from bank loans in project build to be on stand-by should the But that will be followed by the spring out. In this context it is evident that the “SA LOAD SHEDDING The excellent news is that this entire wish finance transactions while the remaining renewable energy plants produce less than of our hope, as renewable energy plants Inc” piggy bank is empty and that we need Industrial load shedding now will lead to job list can be satisfied by a deployment of 25% (perhaps ZAR 11,75 billion) will normal. More such plants are on the way approach commissioning and transform private capital to add new capacity to our losses and insolvencies. The economy has Renewable Energy (RE), as appears in the come from private investors in the form and will further facilitate the absorption of the energy sector for good. electricity grid. not yet recovered from the global financial discussion below: of shareholder equity. In many instances, renewable energy into the grid. 40 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 41 TECHNOLOGY

Part 1: A Historical Review Uranium Technology It is an unfortunate quirk of fate, and one that history won’t let us forget, that the military use of nuclear technology preceded the civilian application by eleven years. Nuclear devices were detonated over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The first Nuclear Power Station, Calder Hall (initially 80 Megawatt) in Cumberland (UK) started feeding electricity into the National grid on 17 October 1956.

BY | FELIX BOSCH | NED | AM(SA) | MECH E (RTD) | SM(SA) IEE (RTD) | MDP (UNISA) | AEP (UNISA) (FORMERLY: HEAD OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION, URANIUM ENRICHMENT CORPORATION OF SA)

n the mind of the man in the National Nuclear Program for South Africa. The natural uranium. There are however, sound Construction of Koeberg, South Africa's and in most cases it is a by-product of street, nuclear technology remains late Dr AJA Roux, who had been attached to the technical reasons for using slightly enriched first and only nuclear power station, the gold mining industry. synonymous with weapons; it is however, Atomic Energy Board, since 1955, prepared this (3 - 7%) uranium. To make a nuclear weapon commenced in 1976. The station started • In 1979 South Africa earned R500 like petrol. It can be used for the peaceful program. from uranium, requires highly enriched generating on the 4th April 1984, and has million from the sales of natural purpose of propelling a motor vehicle, or for (very close to 100%) material. The technology therefore completed about three decades of uranium. This figure could have been the destructive application, of a petrol bomb. The decision for South Africa to embark on a for producing weapons grade material is in successful operation, from its two, 922 MW considerably higher if enriched uranium The possession of a nuclear capability is a strong nuclear program was based exclusively on solid many ways more complicated than that for units. These units are fuelled by slightly was marketed. One of South Africa's deterrent to war, and not a threat, there have scientific and economic facts. Politics played producing reactor fuel. If natural uranium is enriched (3%) uranium. major economic problems is that been no Nuclear attacks since the initial two! absolutely no part in this decision. In later years used, a moderator such as graphite or heavy we export raw materials and import Vegetius (4th - 5th century AD) said: “Let him however, politics obviously influenced nuclear water must be used, whereas with enriched The decision to embark on a uranium manufactured goods. This was improved who desires peace, prepare for war”. Everyone decisions. These decisions were however, always uranium ordinary demineralised water is enrichment program was also based on somewhat by the strategic requirements can obtain petrol but how many are in fact petrol taken, with the best interest of the country used. sound and irrefutable economic facts. of the Second World War to embark bombers? in mind. The scenarios that prompted those At this stage, the United States, Britain on this program was therefore sound decisions have changed significantly. Leaving A report which appeared in 1968 indicated and France were the only countries in the export policy according to estimates, It is a matter of some conjecture as to the exact the decisions open to controversy. Politicians that nuclear generated energy would be Western world able to supply enriched by economists and scientists in several date, that South Africa entered the nuclear and half-baked newspaper editors are quick, economical in the Western Cape by around uranium, commercially. Important countries. scene; historical dates that spring to mind are in hindsight, to attack these decisions. Usually about 1980 since it was far from the inland considerations that influenced the decision • There would have been an increasing 1952 when the first commercial quantities of totally out of context, in order to brainwash the coalfields. A further report, indicated that were: demand for enriched uranium during uranium oxide (U3O8) were exported. Uranium ignorant masses. power generated by an enriched uranium • South Africa is one of the three major the eighties. A shortfall was even exports soon became a significant source of system, could have a unit cost, as much as producers of uranium and has about predicted. This was unfortunately not foreign exchange. A further, very important It must be emphatically stated, that a nuclear reactor 20% lower. In 1976 the decision to introduce 20% of the total reserves of the Western the case. The decision was however, a milestone was the formulation, in 1957, of the used for generating electricity can be fuelled with nuclear power in South Africa was taken. World. Mining costs are relatively low sound one, given the scenario of that 42 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 43 technology Uranium Technology continues from page 43

time. Remember, hindsight is an exact The leading question is then; how do we molecules resulting in remixing. If the pores In Germany a process known as the ‘Becker This brief review is ample proof that the say that the enrichment factor of natural science. separate these isotopes and consequently are too small condensation and blocking Nozzle Method' was developed. This method scientists involved in developing South uranium (with respect to U235 is 0.7% • The oil-crisis of the early seventies enrich uranium? Only a few countries had will occur. The pore size that is used is of is based on partial centrifugal separation as Africa’s uranium enrichment process are of suddenly let countries realise how this knowledge (when South Africa took the the order of 0,01 micron (0,00001 mm). a result of deflected supersonic flow. In this World standard, all scientific giants in their ENRICHMENT PROCESS 235 dependent they were on oil. The oil decision) namely, Russia, China, America, The membrane area must be sufficient to method the UF6 is diluted with helium. respective fields, and their contribution to As we increase the number of U isotopes, producing countries started their own France and Germany. India had exploded get the necessary flow volumes. this country is immense. relative to U238 isotopes, in a given sample price war, holding non-oil-producing a nuclear device presumably made from The South African process is of an we increase the enrichment factor. When countries to ransom. Many countries plutonium obtained from a fast-breeder Despite the high pore-density of 10 aerodynamic nature and makes use of TERMS AND DEFINITIONS we get a sample containing only U235 started initiating nuclear programs to reactor. million, it must remain constant even after a separative-element that is in reality a ATOMIC BOMB isotopes, we refer to this as 100% enriched supplement their other energy sources. prolonged use, and the material must be high-performance- stationary-walled The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima material. 235 South Africa had to ensure that it always The enrichment process used at Oak resistant to UF6. Attaching the membranes centrifuge. Hydrogen is used as carrier- and Nagasaki consisted of a chunk of U had sufficient enriched uranium for its Ridge USA in the ‘Manhattan Project’ for to the metal supports is also a problem. gas for the uraniumhexafluoride. Credit the size of a tennis ball, which underwent FISSILE (FISSIONABLE) MATERIAL own nuclear power station. obtaining the material used for the bombs for the design of this separative element fission in less than a millionth of a second Material capable of undergoing fission. • Various estimates were made as to dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in The use of high-speed gas centrifuges is must go to the late Dr. W.L. Grant, who was and resulted in an explosion equivalent to the extent of fossil fuel reserves. This 1945 was the gas diffusion process. The another option that may be used instead of awarded the top technical and scientific twenty kilotons of TNT. Two pieces of U235, FISSION (NUCLEAR) prompted exploration for possible further plant consisted of 2304 stages, and the gas diffusion, for isotope separation. With awards for this brilliant work. Research just below critical mass were shot together Is when a heavy atom such as Uranium 235 oil and gas deposits. Nuclear energy process buildings occupied 16,2 hectare. this method, relatively few units connected has also been conducted on plasma, laser, very fast. splits in half with an enormous release of remained a very promising alternate Total cost of the plant, in 1945 Rand, was in series, can give highly enriched uranium. electromagnetic and chemical processes. energy when bombarded with a subatomic energy source. 236 million. This method is based on the For this reason centrifuge technology is CHAIN REACTION particle. One fission provides very little • It was sound economic policy to rather use fact that the kinetic energy of gas molecules also classified ‘SECRET’. Rotating drums, The separative-element is the major If every fission in a sample of fissile material energy. Thirty-one million-million fissions our fossil fuels (coal) to produce products in equilibrium is the same. 1,5 m long and 0,25m in diameter appear to problem associated with enrichment causes one or more further fissions, it per second are required to produce one for the chemical industry. Coal has more be the optimum. These drums must rotate technology, it is however not the only results in a chain reaction. kilowatt of heat. The neutrons released than 600 by-products; notably, petrol, The velocities of molecules with different at 30 000 to 40 000 RPM to give sufficient one. The oil-free compressors, special travel at about 16 000 km per second. tars, waxes, dyes, and naphthalene, among isotopic masses, is therefore proportional separation. instrumentation, advanced welding and CRITICAL MASS The complete fission of one kilogram of others. This prompted the establishment to the square roots of their masses. If a vacuum techniques and the control of the Too many neutrons escape from a small piece uranium, that is a sphere about 50 mm

of SASOL as far back as 1953. This portion of the UF6 stream diffuses through This method makes use of the centrifugal plant are all equally perplexing problems. of fissile material to sustain a chain reaction diameter, will yield as much energy as 2,7 decision has saved South Africa billions of a membrane the lighter molecules will force on the isotopes to be separated. The but with a mass above a certain critical size million kg of coal. Rand in foreign exchange. move through easier. The result of this is centrifugal force on the heavier isotopes is The research conducted on enrichment the reaction causes a violent explosion. This • The increased awareness of environmental depletion of the lighter molecule before greater than on the lighter ones. The heavier technology in South Africa, has been of critical mass is about one kilogram HEAVY WATER

pollution, gave impetus to increased the porous barrier and enrichment after isotopes are therefore forced against the immense value to the country in other If the hydrogen atoms in water (H2O) are research into other sources of energy. it. Theoretically the maximum enrichment wall of the drum, where they concentrate. spheres as well. Many advanced welding and DEUTERIUM heavy hydrogen atoms, then the water is Hydro, solar, wind and wave options that can be obtained through a single layer The lighter isotopes stay in the centre of metallurgical processes originated during One in every six thousand Hydrogen atoms referred to ‘Heavy Water’, and is chemically were all thoroughly researched. At that is, 1,00428. This ideal separation factor is the drum where they concentrate. The this research. The welding of stainless steel is different from the others; because it has identical to ordinary water except that it stage the nuclear option emerged a clear near to unity and consequently many stages heavy and light fractions are then removed pressure vessels for cryogenic applications a neutron as well as a proton in its nucleus weighs 11% more. winner. are needed to obtain the 2 - 3% enrichment through the respective outlets. has resulted in the local manufacture (mass number 2), and is referred to as a required for reactor fuel. To obtain the of cryogenic evaporators, used at most heavy hydrogen or deuterium isotope. The ISOTOPE SEPARATION It is obviously of vital economic and strategic 99% enrichment required for weapons Several problems had to be overcome hospitals for boiling-off liquid-oxygen. other hydrogen isotopes have only one The isotopes that are to be separated, U235 importance to be able to enrich uranium. manufacture is indeed a formidable task. before centrifuges were viable. Suitable proton in the nucleus (mass number 1). and U238 are chemically identical and, Countries that have this technology regard drum materials capable of withstanding The special oil-free compressors developed absolutely minute; ten million of them side- the information as 'SECRET'. The basic Diffusion membranes pose a particularly the acceleration forces due to rotation had during the program will be very useful ENRICHMENT FACTOR OF NATURAL by-side would scarcely show on a pinhead, principles of uranium enrichment are fairly difficult problem. Production techniques to be developed. Special leak-free seals and in the chemical and food industries. The URANIUM and this makes the separation process very simple, although the practical application are therefore well-kept secrets. The pore couplings had to be produced and bearings design of the separative element is used for In a sample of natural uranium only one out difficult indeed. The isotopes, U235 and U238 thereof poses several very complicated size is very important. If the pores are too had to be designed, to rotate at the high- effectively extracting dust from air. of every 140 isotopes is a U235. We therefore are chemically identical. The only physical problems. large collisions occur between U235 and U238 speeds involved.

44 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 45 technology Uranium 2013 Annual Technology continues from page 45

difference being about 1,2% in mass. All water. This can be compared with putting a monel or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). separation methods must therefore make golf ball; a fast putt will move over the hole This makes an enrichment plant very Banquet Sponsorship use of this fact. whereas a slow one has a greater probability expensive. Uranium hexafluoride is also of dropping into the hole. very toxic, and the slightest inhalation It is that time of the year again, where we are planning the ISOTOPES OF NATURAL URANIUM causes death. This means that the whole Annual SAIEE Banquet, which will take place at the Wanderers Club, Illovo, Johannesburg Natural uranium consists of three isotopes URANIUM ENRICHMENT plant, which includes all components and (atoms with differing atomic masses) As we increase the number of U235 isotopes, usually many kilometres of piping, must be on 1 November 2013. namely, U234, U235 and U238. Only the U235 relative to U238 isotopes, in a given sample 'helium vacuum-tight'. This requirement is We went back to the drawing board to work out how we, the SAIEE, can give your more value 234 isotope is fissile (or fissionable). The U is we increase the enrichment factor. When very stringent indeed. If UF6 escapes into negligible. we get a sample containing only U235 the atmosphere it immediately hydrolyses for your money and we came up with the following: isotopes, we refer to this as 100% enriched with the water vapour present to form ISOTOPES material. hydrofluoric acid (HF). This is probably BRONZE SPONSORSHIP - R10,000.00 Atoms of the same element, with differing the most aggressive substance known to The value of R10,000 will sponsor two bottles of wine per table which will sport your company name atomic masses. URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE (UF6) man. Some separation techniques require on the bottles, your company banner in the foyer and your company logo printed in the programme. The operation of an enrichment plant the UF6 to be diluted with either helium MODERATOR requires the uranium to be in a gaseous or hydrogen. Helium is expensive and Material surrounding the fuel elements in a form. The only gas that is suitable is uranium hydrogen forms explosive mixtures with

nuclear reactor, to slow down the neutrons hexafluoride (UF6). Fluorine is mono- air, in concentrations of from 4 - 57%. SILVER SPONSORSHIP - R15,000 released during fission from 16 000 km per isotopic and at the operating conditions The value of R15,000 will sponsor flowers which will sport your logo on a stalk - in return your URANIUM: second to about 24 km per second. This is of 100 kPa and 40 - 50° C, UF6 is a gas. It to increase the probability of the neutrons is very corrosive therefore all surfaces that Is a dark grey metal with a specific gravity company banner displayed in the foyer, your company logo printed in the programme and a free causing further fissions. Some materials are in contact must be made from special of 19,6, it is therefore the heaviest of all the HALF page advertisement placement in the wattnow magazine. that can be used are graphite, or heavy materials such as; nickel, aluminium, natural elements.

GOLD SPONSORSHIP - R20,000 The value of the R20,000 will sponsor the gifts for each guest, your company banner to be displayed in the foyer, your company logo and a brief synopsis to be printed in the programme, and a free FULL page advert in the wattnow magazine.

PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP - R30,000 The value of R30,000 will sponsor the entertainment, your company banner to be displayed in the banquet hall, your advert on the back page of the programme, and 2 x full pages free advertising in the wattnow magazine.

If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Gerda Geyer on 011 487 3003 or email [email protected].

18A Gill Street | Observatory |T 011 487 3003 |F 011 487 3002 www.saiee.org.za 46 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 47 HISTORY Dr. Bernard Price OBE, D.Sc(Eng), MICE, M.I.E.E, F.C.G.I, Mem A.I.E.E, M (SA) I.E.E, M.I.E(SA) “…my wife has made me rich by insisting on darning her stockings and walking to church to save the halfpenny bus fare.”

r. Price had a very long for work opportunities and adopted it as twenty three. Due to the firm’s work standing relationship with his own - contributing his valuable work with electric power stations and systems, the South African Institute expertise and knowledge at a time when he formed a particular interest in their of Electrical engineers (SAIEE) the country needed it most. Undoubtedly operating difficulties. This resulted in him – becoming President in 1915 and South Africa was made a better (and developing various methods of protection being elected an Honorary Fellow in 1940. brighter) place for having him choose to (from damage caused by electrical faults) Following his death in 1948, the institute call it home. for generators, transformers and cables. decided to commemorate his name by The best known of these is the Merz-Price hosting an annual lecture together with Wits Born in London in the year 1877, Dr. Price differential system of protection. University - to be known as the Bernard attended Saint Dunstan’s College and then Price Memorial Lecture. This is just one of went on to train at the Central Technical Whilst building a busy career, Dr. Price the many accolades to a great man who left College in Kensington where he became an found time to court a young lady named behind a larger-than-life legacy. associate of the City and Guilds Institute. Nora Waldegrave. A student at the London Not surprisingly, Dr. Price exhibited great School of Music, Nora was a highly talented It is not easy to follow in the footsteps of promise as an engineering student, which musician. The couple married in 1907 and great men, and if one takes this literally, he built on by gaining valuable experience had their first child (a daughter named the Price descendants might be excused for in several electrical engineering positions. Margaret) shortly thereafter. Nora proved to finding this harder than most. This enabled him to join a leading British be a wonderful partner and support to Dr. electrical engineering consulting firm, Price, proving that ‘behind every great man Why so, you ask? Well, Dr.Bernard Price Merz and McLellan, as Chief Electrical there is a great woman’. Notoriously frugal, left big shoes to fill – figuratively and Assistant in 1901 at the tender age of she ran a tight ship and loathed waste. Many literally. years later Dr. Price told family members “…my wife has made me rich by insisting on Although quite a lot is known about his darning her stockings and walking to church prowess in the engineering and business to save the halfpenny bus fare.” fields, less is known about his personal and family life. For example… it is not In 1909, at the age of thirty two (and with widely known that in the latter part of his eight years of experience under his belt at life, Dr. Price had the misfortune to suffer Merz and McLellan) Dr. Price accepted from Acromegaly, a disease which affects the position of Chief Engineer and Power roughly 1 in every 20,000 and occurs when Supply Manager to the Victoria Falls and the Pituitary Gland produces excessive Transvaal Power Company (VFP) in South A giant amongst men amounts of growth hormone. The term Africa - having joined their board a few ‘acromegaly’ literally means ‘enlarged years earlier. Due to its famed electrical ‘So a prudent man should always follow in the footsteps of extremities’ and affects specific areas of the storms, the Witwatersrand was the perfect body, such as the hands, face - and feet. location for him to continue to practise great men and imitate those who have been outstanding...' and develop his work aimed at overcoming Niccolò Machiavelli Despite his title as ‘the father of electricity the damage that lightning strikes caused supply in South Africa’, Dr. Price was not a to the high voltage lines and generating native South African – yet he devoted the equipment – so vital to the rapidly ongoing BY | ANGELA PRICE best years of his life to this country. British electrification of the mines and developing by birth, he immigrated to South Africa power grids. Mr. and Mrs B Price 48 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 49 HISTORY A giant amongst men continues from page 49

Dr. Price’s talent (and an ever-increasing being spent on work commitments. developed aircraft detection apparatus ‘Savernake’. Together with their dedicated not only secured the children a good industrialist and philanthropist, Dr Bernard interest in research and the advances in However, around this time he began to (later called radar) for the South African gardener (Phillip Ngcobo), he personally education, but it also enabled Dr. Price to Price. Broom’s eloquence and passion won science) was harnessed by the South African dedicate time towards his other passions Defence Force. Using their developments, designed and laid out the beautiful garden dedicate more of himself and his time to his him over and he pledged an amount of money Government, who asked him to serve as - namely education and research. He also Dr Schonland was able to go to the UK and and accompanying water features. The keen interest in the sciences and work. to establish a foundation at the University Chairman of the Advisory Committee on began a lifelong (indeed family-long) make significant contributions to the war three-acre garden boasted natural rock dedicated to the collection, curation and Science and Technology during WW1, association with the University of the effort. cliffs, a series of waterfalls and ponds (proof The four children spent their holidays with research of South African fossils.’ in recognition of which the Order of the Witwatersrand (Wits) when the interest of Dr. Price’s applied engineering skills) and their guardians in the UK, often holidaying British Empire was conferred upon him in he took in the affairs of the university lead Undoubtedly, Dr. Price was a visionary, sweeping lawns. Held in a family trust since near the Barle River. These were obviously Thus the Bernard Price Institute for 1920. to him becoming a member of its council moved by the exciting ‘newness’ of a the death of his wife, Nora Price, this lovely happy times as Dr. Price’s second son Palaeontological Research (BPI) was born, and helping (materially) to establish the country like South Africa. He was able old mansion has been entrusted to the safe (Roger) later went on to build his family becoming part of the School of Geosciences As Chief Engineer for VFP until 1926, Department of Electrical Engineering. to see the opportunities and possibilities keeping of the Witwatersrand University home in (the then new Johannesburg suburb in the Faculty of Science at the University Dr. Price was invaluable to the growing In recognition of his contributions, Wits that this wonderfully diverse country had who currently use it as the residence for of) Sandhurst and name it after the river – of the Witwatersrand. prosperity of the Witwatersrand gold conferred an honorary degree (Doctor of to offer. Whilst he obviously contributed their Vice Chancellor. Today Savernake still Barle. mines during the busy years of rapid Science) upon him in 1935. hugely to the welfare of SA by helping it stands proudly in Jubilee Road as a beautiful Dr. Price’s prominence as a leading mining expansion. With his guidance and to prosper (in the mining and engineering reminder of Johannesburg’s history. It Despite getting on in years (and very likely businessman, engineer and philanthropist contribution, the VFP was able to establish His continued interest in the university fields) Dr. Price also saw the need to be a now also forms part of the Parktown and dealing with health problems) Dr. Price’s in South Africa (in his time) is evident an excellent power supply system to the as well as ongoing research taking place pioneer; protecting and preserving his Westcliff Heritage Trust – identified by its seemingly insatiable interest in the sciences from the historical information which mines - which rapidly grew into one of at the time (particularly relating to adopted country. His interests did not stop Anglo Boer War Heritage Plaque. and research never faltered or let up. He exists about his work- related activities. the first large power grids in the world. lightening) resulted in him funding the at supplying South Africa with a reliable went on to provide further funding to the Sadly however, fewer records seem to exist Eighteen years after joining the company, establishment of the Bernard Price Institute source of electricity – they extended into Dr. Price and his wife Nora had four Bernard Price Institute of Geophysical relating to his family life. Digging through Dr. Price became General Manager of VFP of Geophysical Research at the University promoting education, research into the children, a daughter and three sons. Research (which had returned to non- family records and archives unearthed in 1927. of the Witwatersrand in 1937. Lead by its sciences and conservation of our natural The youngsters spent their early years military related activities at the end of the much business-related material, from typed founding director (and world-recognized heritage. at Savernake and received their initial war) – expanding the institute’s activities and hand-edited speeches, to detailed Until now, Dr. Price’s busy career path had authority on lightning detection and education at the nearby (and still relatively and resulting in the establishment of the minutes of meetings and perfect record- resulted in most of his time and energy analysis) Dr. Basil Schonland, the instituted After being appointed Resident Director new) schools of Saint Katharine’s and The Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological keeping of day-to-day business activities. of VFP in 1936, Dr. Price moved into a Ridge in Johannesburg. However, at around Research on the same campus. new home on Jubilee Road (one of the the age of eight all of the children were sent Fascinatingly, there is even an official stately ‘Randlord’ mansions in Parktown). off to England to continue and complete The following quote from Wits Achieve company letter (hand written) addressed Originally known as ‘Holcombe’, the their education. material, paints a good picture of Dr. Price’s to Bernard Price detailing a meeting held house was designed by the (then popular) foresight (as well as his love for South Africa, with Winston Churchill predicting that war architects, Leck and Emley in 1904 and Here, under the care of their guardians, research and education) where it recalls the was imminent and that the company would built for Surgeon Major W.T.F. Davies. they attended boarding schools for the rest inception of the Bernard Price Institute for look at moving some of its operations to After purchasing the house, Dr. Price of their schooling. Interaction with their Palaeontological Research (BPI)… various other parts of the British Empire changed the name to ‘Savernake’, believed parents was limited to a 3-week-long yearly (presumably South Africa). What the search to be after the Savernake Forest in Wiltshire visit and letter writing. Dispatching children ‘BPI was established in 1945 following a failed to bring to light were any letters to UK where he spent holidays as a young abroad and ensconcing them in boarding public lecture given at the University of children studying abroad, personal diaries child - presumably creating many happy schools was a very common occurrence the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, by a or household accounts – making it harder memories. in those days. Why Dr. Price and his wife remarkable Scottish-born medical doctor- to gain insight into his life as a family man. chose to school all of their children in the turned-palaeontologist, Dr Robert Broom. Alterations were made to the house in 1939 UK is not quite clear, but since many of the He called attention to the fact that thousands Possibly records of a more personal nature using another prominent architect, John other leading Johannesburg families were of fossils were being lost annually in South were deliberately destroyed or deemed not Fassler, who was also skilled in garden doing a similar thing, one assumes that Africa because of a lack of proper facilities worth retaining once the individuals they design. Perhaps his influence fuelled Dr. the standard of education was believed to to collect, preserve and study them. In the related to had passed away. It would be a Savernake Price’s interest and delight in the garden at be higher abroad. Schooling them overseas audience at the lecture sat a leading local great shame if this were the case, as any 50 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 51 HISTORY A giant amongst men 2013 SAIEE NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITION continues from page 51

window into the life and times of one’s And it concludes… Price family. In honour and remembrance, predecessors is always intriguing and ‘If his own prowess fails to compare with all of the first born male Prices carry his insightful, especially to family members. In theirs, at least it has an air of greatness about name, Bernard. Perhaps not surprisingly, testimony to the remarkable man that he it. He should behave like those archers who, five out of seven of his South African was, family records contain all 665 letters if they are skilful, when the target seems born grandsons and great-grandsons of condolence sent to Dr. Price’s widow too distant, know the capabilities of their are practising engineers in South Africa, and family after his death on the 9th of July bow and aim a good deal higher than their following in Dr. Price’s almost larger-than- 1948. objective, not in order to shoot so high but life footsteps - which you must surely agree so that by aiming high they can reach the is no mean feat. Carefully catalogued, these paint a picture target.’ of a beloved father, inspirational business Niccolò Machiavelli References: man and much admired individual – one 1. Bozzoli, G. R., (1997). Forging Ahead whose loss was deeply felt by many. Dr. Bernard Prices decedents have indeed been - South Africa's Pioneering Engineers, Price left a rich legacy to the country he prudent. Although their own prowess has Witwatersrand University Press, chose to call home, one which was poorer not equalled Dr. Price’s, his descendants Johannesburg. now for his passing. have all known their own capabilities and 2. Eskom Heritage site, Bernard Price. aimed high. Two of his three sons went Available at: www.heritage.eskom.co.za As his youngest son Michael (who lived in on to become well-known engineers and 3. University of the Witwatersrand the UK) said in a letter to his mother after leaders in industry in their own right and Johannesburg, Bernard Price Institute – his father’s death…'I cannot help feeling all his third son was an accountant. History. Available at: www.wits.ac.za INVITATION TO SPONSOR the time that it is not only a Father whom 4. The Parktown and Westcliff Heritage we have lost but a very great man whose His son, Roger Bernard Price qualified as Trust, Plaques-Anglo Boer War Heritage The South African Institute of Electrical The event will be published in the SAIEE’s The selected company who will sponsor wisdom, encouragement and leadership is an electrical engineer and later became MD Plaques in Parktown. Engineers are calling on companies who would wattnow magazine. The new look wattnow this event will be offered two full pages lost to his country equally as to his family. of English Electric in South Africa (which www.parktownheritage.co.za like to become the sole sponsor of the annual magazine, launched in November 2011 has of advertising, to the value of R12 900 per No one could have wished for a more later became General Electric Company, SAIEE’s National Student Project Competition. shifted the magazine up into top gear. It placement - totally free of charge*. understanding, generous and wise father or and later still - Altom). The youngest son, Special thanks to: This year, the University of Pretoria will host now receives the attention of South Africa’s one who set such a fine example in his life for Michael, never came back to South Africa 1. Dirk Vermeulen (Vice-Chairman of the the prestigious 2013 SAIEE National Student boardrooms and engineering offices. The Sponsor will also be able to market their his children to try and follow.’ after qualifying as a mechanical engineer in Historical Section of the SAIEE); and Project Competition. brand and products at the one day presentation, the UK and marrying the daughter of Lord 2. Members of the Price family for their It has a vibrant new look as well as fresh, high subject to the approval of the host University. The quote at the start of this article read as Nelson. efforts to retrieve historical family Every year, final year students of electrical, value content, written by some of the country’s follows…. information. electronic and computer engineering at South foremost role players and subject matter experts, Please note that a “first come, first served- ‘So a prudent man should always follow in Dr Price’s aptitude for and love of African academic universities and universities as well as a mix of excellent writers from the basis” will be adhered to. The SAIEE reserves the footsteps of great men and imitate those engineering and the sciences has been of technology are required to complete an global electrical engineering community. the right to award the sponsorship. The who have been outstanding.’ passed down through the generations of the intensive design project. sponsor’s name will be engraved on the two If you want to attract/hold the attention of trophies, handed to the winners in each The best student project nominated by these electrical engineer decision makers, and the category (University/University of Technology). ‘... If his own prowess fails to compare with theirs, at least it has an air of greatness about educational institutes competes against ±15 major industry stakeholders, then wattnow is or other presentations in the SAIEE National the way to go. It reaches over 17,000 readers If you or your company are interested to be it. He should behave like those archers who, if they are skilful, when the target seems too Student Project Competition, and prizes are amongst the electrical engineering fraternity, part of this great event, please contact Gerda distant, know the capabilities of their bow and aim a good deal higher than their objective, not awarded to the adjudicated winners. The as well as SAIEE members, 42% of which are Geyer at the SAIEE on 011 487 3003 or email sponsored amount of R50 000 is required and younger than 40 years of age. [email protected] by 30 June 2013. in order to shoot so high but so that by aiming high they can reach the target.’ this will be used for the prizes. Niccolò Machiavelli 18A Gill Street | Observatory |T 011 487 3003 |F 011 487 3002 www.saiee.org.za 52 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 53 OPINION

www.h3isquared.com [email protected] Are our talented +27(0)11 454 6025

Engineers being the supplier. The reason why engineers seek employment elsewhere is because if they don’t, they will be handed back the procured supplier of the project and be held accountable The RuggedCom range of products includes Ethernet to complete the project within time, to the proper level of routers, switches and disempowered and as a quality and within budget! Who in their right mind is going serial devices servers. to take on this responsibility with most of the contractual With no moving parts, a elements and format of project structures from which - he as high operating temperature range and immunity to EMI the engineer has been excluded?? consequence being lost? these products are idea for running communications The rules set to address the inequalities of the past have not had The fact is that engineers have been trained to think out of networks in harsh desired effect in many areas of our lives in South Africa. the box and to be innovative – so it is relatively easy for them environments. to find other means of earning a living. The reality is that BY | Stan Bridgens | Pr Eng persons trained as engineers are occupying much less onerous positions in our economy such as the financial, banking, he poor have apparently not accountable experience – essential In the procurement processes - computer application and robotics arena much to the DAPDAP products includeinclude a fullfull linelinnee ofof ruggedruggedd andannd seen the benefit in service for becoming a competent engineer engineers are compelled to shoulder detriment of the proposed huge South Africa’s infrastructure reliableli bl computers t fromf mobilebil PDAsPDA tot  xed-d delivery evident by the many who adds value and earns a deserved the responsibility of engineering development plans. Politicians deciding on completion dates mount solutions. strikes and demonstrations, the appropriate salary. So we end up with projects by specifying accurately on projects to score political points for whatever reason and • Large display – 10.1-inch multi-touch display. entrepreneur and small business an inferior product of the system. This the requirements, compliance and doing so without consulting engineering heads – politicians • Ultra-rugged – IP65 and certi ed for a do not enjoy the growth expected or article does not attempt to talk about outcomes required but are excluded being in the engineering kitchen in effect - this practice does 6-foot drop. predicted while spending an inordinate the feeder education system that fails to from, or at best, their recommendations not deserve comment except to say they get what they deserve • Multiple communications options – WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, and optional amount of time on employer compliance produce engineering potential – another disregarded in the financial and supplier – and who suffers? Gobi 3000 WWAN. of statutory dictates. The middle class long story for another day. competence requirements. Track record • Multiple I/O ports – including USB 2.0, Ethernet, Serial, and HDMI. suffer from a myriad of taxes and of engineering suppliers is another There are existing structures in place in the engineering arena inclined tariffs for their requirements In the workplace experienced engineer criteria that does not seem to carry much that can be adapted to raise the priority of engineering. By and complain about huge virtual taxes. strategic decisions are thwarted by weight in the procurement processes. implementing rules and regulations that facilitate expeditious The only beneficiaries appear to be the structures focussing on compliance The resulting evidence of waste and execution of procurements and addressing supplier profiles well connected and those that manage to with supplier staff and management mismanagement is apparent but whilst ensuring the correct skills and properly trained exploit the artificial system of redress. composition as well as too much emphasis unfortunately not considered pertinent. professionals are contracted do engineering. Presently a huge Thee InHandInI Ha Networks InRouter Seriesries are ruggedruggeed industrialiindus cellular routers which are designed to on the financial bottom line and not resource is being lost due to the unattractive engineering transmittra serial/Ethernet data remotely from But having said that – this article is about enough on life cycle costs and prudent The most important disempowerment scene demanding untenable conditions. multiplem devices. our engineers in the work place - are they asset management considerations. aspect driving engineers away from • DesignedD for use in harsh environments being obliquely disempowered by all the doing what they have been trained Unless something is done about empowering our engineers • OperatingOppeerati temperature of between -25°C and +70°C, • ImmunityImmmunit to EMI attempts to right previous wrongs? This results in the end product requiring for, is the engineering management of and implementing realistic and workable rules and • TheseTheesse unitsu support VPN technologies, including IPSec/ huge maintenance at the outset – projects. They have been excluded from regulations in the recruitment, training, procurement, project PPTP/L2TP/GREPPTTP//L2T and SSL VPNs. In training engineers there are structures unfortunately a skilled resource that SA the procurement process, had their management areas in the engineering sector, the drain of that prevent proper mentoring and has lost a long time ago – about when recommendations about life cycle/asset competent engineers will continue. The community in all its guidance because their superiors and apprenticeships went out of fashion. The management considerations or costs sections outlined above will continue to suffer as the economy decision makers are not necessarily culture of ‘buy new, don’t look after, buy disregarded, not had much input in struggles to support the ineffective strategy. engineers but managers. This does new again’ is absolutely unacceptable apart the choice of supplier and the penalties GAI-Tronics provides intercoms and phones not facilitate proper training in the from being unaffordable! The waste of for poor quality or level of skills to be The call in this article is for our decision makers to listen to suited for harsh environments. Phones can be ordered as either the standard Analogue or workplace and could be adding to the money with this type of thinking can be maintained and lastly had no input in the plea and empower competent engineers who will add VoIP (Voice over IP) options, or as a SMART trend that young engineers job hop better used elsewhere and the incidence of lengthy processes to penalise or address value to the economy, if even playing fields are applied, and (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) chasing the money and do not acquire disasters avoided. any default or non compliance by ideology plays a lesser role giving way to prudence. phone. 54 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 55 LOOKING BACK ... 11 June we enjoy great advantages from 21 June 1988 80,000 people attended Mandela’s the inventions of others, we should 1970 Soccer World Cup time; the 70th birthday at Wembley Arena. be glad of an opportunity to serve Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded The only person missing from the others by any invention of ours; to Brazil for the third time. As line-up was Mandela himself. and this we should do freely and winners for the third time this generously." trophy will remain in Brazil permanently. 1860 Today, the world’s first school for COMPILED BY | JANE BUISSON-STREET nurses at St. Thomas’s Hospital in PR ENG | SSAIEE London was opened by Florence gone so soon... Nightingale.

London today took out the first 6 June 18 June patent out on a wireless telegraphy 1988 In New York City David Sterm 1928 Amelia Earhart became the first apparatus. The device can transmit became the world’s biggest bubble woman to fly across the Atlantic spoken messages without the aid blower. His bubble measured when she was a passenger in of cables or wires. Presently the 15,24m at its longest. Friendship, a tri-motor. Flying is range of the device is just under a hobby Miss Earhart is passionate 19km. 1961 "Show me a sane man and I will about and hopes to do a solo flight cure him for you”. Carl Gustav herself along the same route. Jung, Austrian psychoanalyst died 14 June today. 1946 John Logie Baird, British electrical engineer who invented an early 9 June form of television, radar and fibre 1781 George Stephenson, the English optics, died. 1 June engineer who developed greatly 23 June improved steam engines was born. 1831 The magnetic North Pole is found 1989 Queen Elizabeth knighted former 1912 Birthday of Alan Mathison 1934 Donald Duck makes his debut in by Sir James Clark Ross while on governor of California and US Turing, British mathematician and The Wise Little Hen, providing an Artic expedition with Admiral president, Ronald Reagan. He was computer expert who invented Mickey Mouse some competition. Parry. one of the architects of the new The Turing Machine that greatly “Audiences will have to keep a keen cordiality between the West and advanced computer science. ear open if they want to understand 1935 In the interests of road safety, the East. British government is introducing just what he is saying.” 24 June a test for would-be motorists. The 15 June 1983 Sally Ride blasts off in the space test will put drivers through their 1752 “In a brave - or perhaps foolhardy shuttle Challenger becoming the paces, checking how well they can 4 June - act, American founding father, first American woman in space. manoeuvre a vehicle, how good 1798 Today Giovanni Giacomo diplomat and scientist Benjamin their eyesight is, and how well they Casanova, Chevalier de Seingalt Franklin today flew a kite in a 27 June know the rules of the road. died in Bohemia. Considered thunderstorm to prove his theory 19 June 1954 The world’s first power station to be one of history’s most that electricity and lightning 1829 The London Metropolitan Police is opened in the Soviet Union at 2 June flamboyant characters. He was are the same phenomenon. He was founded by Sir Robert Peel, Obninsk. 1780 The Derby is run for the first time expelled from the seminary of St also believes that electricity is the British Home Secretary today. today at Epsom Downs in the Cyprian for “scandalous conduct” “an Element diffused among, 1963 In Britain, the contraceptive pill 29 June South of England. Named after which then saw the start of varied and attracted by, other matter, is made available to women free 1801 The world’s first census is carried Edward Stanley the 12th Earl of and infamous career (as a writer, particularly Water and Metals.” under the National Health Service. out in Britain. Derby, the race is 2,4km long and traveller, adventurer, soldier, spy, 10 June If it is, it should be possible to entries are limited to 3-year old diplomat and lover). 1839 The Oxford Cambridge Boat Race harness its power.” Franklin has 20 June 30 June colts and fillies. 1805 Trooping the Colours was held (The Boat Race) took to the water several inventions to his name 1990 The Routemaster, London’s iconic 1997 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s

for the first time in Horses Guards for the first time along the river (such as bifocals, flexible urinary double-decker bus, is to be phased Stone by J.K. Rowling is published 1896 Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian Parade, London, England. Thames at Henley in southeast catheter and the lightning rod) out after 30 years of loyal and today. physicist, currently living in England. which he never patented; "... as faithful service. 56 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 57 MATHMATICIAN

Have some fun and stand a chance to win R1000. Complete the June issue crossword puzzle and send it with your name, surname and contact details to: Managing Editor, May 2013 Crossword Puzzle, P.O. Box 751253, Gardenview, 2047 or email it to [email protected]. The completed crossword puzzle should reach us by no later than 30 June 2013. The winner of R1000 will be announced in the August 2013 issue of the wattnow magazine. Bergman Fisher ASSOCIATES, DESIGNERS OF A SAFER GREENER ENERGY EFFICIENT FUTURE, are the proud sponsor of our crossword puzzle. How is it that at many major athletic events we hear of new 1 1 1 2 2 1 10 3 4 2 3 3 1 1 3 4 records being established year after year? How much longer April issue winner: can we set new times for the 100 metres sprint or for new 7 2 2 3 Mahesh Govender | Durban weights for the heavy lifts when, after all, there are limitations 2 3 2 3 4 4 5 5 7 3 3 April issue answers: to human strength and endurance? 6 5 7 7 ACROSS 6 4 8 BY | BILL BRADING | CENG UK | FSAIEE | FIET 1 Electromagnetism 2 Transmission 3 Siemens & Halske 4 Callan 5 Henry 5 8 9 6 Galvanometer 7 HVDC 1 5 8 Electric Lamp ell, actually, this can theoretically go on (Hint: multiply repeatedly by p 2 and use the prime number 9 Sulfurhexadluoride 8 10 forever. Practical limitations will only occur sieve.) DOWN when our technology fails to measure the 22 32 52 7 2 112 π 2 6 9 × × × × × ..... = 1 Transformer 2 Michael 2 − 2 − 2 − 2 − 2 − smaller and smaller incremental advances that take place. (2 1) (3 1) (5 1) (7 1) (11 1) 6 6 7 7 6 3 Generation 4 Nicholas 5 EMF 6 Switchgear 7 Simmer We have only to look at the well-known geometric series to realise 9 8 Jack 9 SCADA 1 1 1 that every added term increases the running through all of the prime numbers (p) from 2 to infinity. 1+ + + + .... π 4 7 8 8 2 4 8 sum whilst the sum approaches 2 but will never Or you can do the same with fourth powers to arrive at π 6 90 make it. The mathematics of this tells us that or sixth powers to get and so on. 9 945 the sum to infinity is 2, which is another way of saying it will never 9 9 10 happen. Appearances are deceptive regarding the outcomes of sequences that may seem to have similar complexities, for example: ACROSS 6. Which country still offers telegram DOWN towns?(10) services because they are thought 6. Telegraph Exchange (abbr.) Infinite series have always held a fascination for me. Some have 1 1 1 1 1. The word 'telegraph' was first 1. The definition of + + + ..... = coined by which French inventor? to be more formal than an email or 'Communication'. (5) 7. What machine did simple sums whilst others can become hugely complex involving 1.2.3 2. 3.4 3.4. 5 4 whilst (6,6) fax, but less so than a letter? (7) 2. See 2 across (7, 10) the Scottish inventor logarithms and particularly for no apparent reason especially as π ln 1 1 1 ..... 3 − 3 2. Who co-developed the first 7. Continuous Wave (abbr.) 3. See 1 across. Alexander Bain invented in . . + . . + . . + = many have nothing to do with circles. Of particular interest in 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 4 commercial electrical telegraph? 8. What form of communication 4. Who was the first to sent 1843? (9) number theory is this one related to the Riemann Zeta function: (7,5) displaced telegraphy? (5) and receive radio signal, 8. See 5 down (4,4) 3. By which code did Telex machines 9. Independant Communications using Morse Code, in 9. South African Commun. 2 So I thought I would try something a bit more difficult to see how ∞ 1 1 1 1 π ζ (2) = = 1+ + + + ..... = sent data? (6) Authority (abbr.) France in 1895? (6,7) parastatal. (5) ∑ 1 n 2 22 32 42 6 (1) complicated it can get. Here goes; find the sum to infinity of the 4. What code is known as a method 10. During the 1930s, which country 5. The first use of telecom- 10. Which city in South Africa sequence: of transmitting text? (5) was the first to implement a wide- munication in RSA was were the first to be linked Other even values of the argument yield sums having to the same 1 1 1 coverage Telex network? (7) to Europe via undersea + + + ..... 5. What did Pavel Schilling design in a single line telegraph even power in the denominator. Although having no obvious 1.3. 5 6.8.10 11.13.15 1832? (15, 9) connecting which two cable? (6) relationship with circles some of the methods of proof do spread Terms and conditions: 1. Only one entry per person. 2. Winners will be notified via email. 3. Incorrect information will automatically disqualify the entrant. 4. Anybody may take part except the office staff of the SAIEE, their family members and members of the Publications Committee. 5. wattnow magazine and the SAIEE cannot take any responsibility for lost entry forms or any damage, some light, for example by expansion in series of trigonometric In the July issue of wattnow magazine, I’ll show you how it’s done; losses or injuries related to the draw of the prize. 6. The winner must be prepared to be photographed and such photograph will be published in the relevant issue of the wattnow magazine. 7. Closing functions. or you could have a go yourself. In the meantime you might try date for entry is 30 June 2013. 8. The winner will be announced in the August 2013 issue of the wattnow magazine. 9. The Managing Editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. looking up the Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel From (1) above it is a few short steps to the remarkable infinite (1802-1829). Good luck. product:

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58 | wattnow | june 2013 T 011 679 3481 |F 086 537 3589 |E [email protected] wattnow | june 2013 | 59 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WIN A PRIZE SAIEE Membership 2013Rates as from 1st January Membership 2013 Members of the SAIEE now enjoy the following a wide array of benefits: Benefits Annual Subscriptions paid Annual Subscriptions paid after New Members FEES by 28 February 2013 28 February 2013 * see Notes 1 & 4 below. Grade of Membership • A discount of up to R1110 on their ECSA registration • Membership has significant career benefits, as fee, which is due in April every year, provided that membership holds prestige and recognized status in RSA incl VAT Outside RSA RSA incl VAT Outside RSA RSA incl VAT (R) Outside RSA excl (R) excl VAT (R) (R) excl VAT ( R ) VAT (R) they join the SAIEE before the end of March that same the profession. SAIEE gatherings provide excellent Student 117 82 130 92 130 92 year. opportunities for members to interact with normally After 6 yrs study 752 526 835 593 835 593 • Upon joining the SAIEE there is a standard entrance inaccessible captains of industry. Associate 752 526 835 593 835 593 fee of R700, an annual membership fee of R923 for • SAIEE letters after your name indicate your Member 831 582 923 648 923 648 Members, and between R1129 and R1223 for Senior membership grade and are a useful measure of your after 6 years 972 680 1,079 765 n/a n/a members depending on age. Most of this will be experience. after 10 years 1,016 711 1,129 801 n/a n/a recovered through the ECSA discount. • Members receive generous discounts on the SAIEE Senior Member 1,016 711 1,129 801 1,129 801 • SAIEE members receive 11 issues of the wattnow run CPD courses and earn (category 1) CPD credits. after 6yrs/age 40 1,102 771 1,223 868 1,223 868 magazine valued at R330. Members also have the option of joining the wattnow Fellow 1,102 771 1,223 868 1,223 868 Retired Member • The SAIEE Africa Research Journal (ARJ) our peer online CPD program at a fraction of the cost. 465 326 515 365 n/a n/a (By-law B3.7.1) reviewed research publication (which incorporates • The SAIEE mentorship program assists members to Retired Member nil nil nil nil n/a n/a the SAIEE Transactions) is also available to SAIEE gain professional status through the Institutes large (By-law B3.7.3) member’s quarterly upon request. database of mentors. • The real rewards of being a member can be realized • SAIEE members are awarded 1 CPD credit (Category3) NOTE through attending monthly lectures, debates, tours for being a member of the SAIEE. 1. Entrance fee for all grades of membership is R700 (except Students which is free) and site visits organized by the SAIEE. These are • Members are able to serve on organizing committees 2. Transfer fee to a higher grade is R400.00 for all grades of membership (except Student within 3 months of qualifying). mostly free of charge and provide refreshments at no and gain valuable experience and professional 3. Members are encouraged to transfer to a higher grade when they qualify. It will be noted that the fees of Member and Senior extra cost. Members are awarded valuable CPD credits networking in doing so. Member grades after 10 and 6 years respectively are equal to the fees at the next higher grade. for attending these events. • Use the electrical engineering library at SAIEE House. 4. Members elected after June 2013 pay a reduced subscription fee.

By-law B3.7.1 reads “a member in good standing who has been a member of the Institute for at least ten (10) consecutive It is always exciting to receive an application as it Copies of the required documentation should years, has reached the age of sixty (60) and who is no longer actively engaged in the profession, may apply to Council for an means that we will soon be welcoming another new accompany the application forms but unfortunately we adjustment in the amount of his subscription. and valuable SAIEE member to our family of nearly still find application forms are sent in without it. 6000 members. However, more often than not the By-law B3.7.3 reads “any member complying with the conditions of B3.7.1 but who has been a member of the Institute for not application is incomplete. To avoid unnecessary delays A number of applicants do not complete the application less than 25 consecutive years, shall be exempt from the payment of further subscriptions.” Members who comply with the in the process it is important to highlight the problems forms adequately, please complete the form in full. requirements of By-Law B3.7.3 may make written application to Council for exemption form paying subscriptions. regularly experienced within the administration with received applications:- Payment of both application fees and membership fees By-law B3.9 reads “any member in good standing who has been a member for fifty (50) consecutive years shall be exempt from Many applicants do not read the list of requirements. are frequently not paid timeously. the payment of further subscriptions.” We require the following documents: • Copy of the applicants ID; Only once all the above requirements have been met Members not in good standing by failing to pay their subscriptions by end of June of each year will be struck-off the SAIEE • Certified copies of achievement certificates; is the application considered complete, enabling the membership role - subject to Council decree. • A copy of the applicants latest CV; process to continue efficiently. • The completed application form; Members in good standing and no longer in substantive employment and do not receive payment or salary for work done may • Proof of payment for the application and membership apply to Council for a reduction in their annual subscriptions. fee which are required upfront. Please use surname Please, help us to help you receive the many benefits and initials as payment reference. of SAIEE Membership sooner rather than later!! 18A Gill Street | Observatory |T 011 487 3003 |F 011 487 3002 www.saiee.org.za 60 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | mayjune 2013 | 61 2013 EVENTS calendar If you want to see your function or event listed here, please send the ADVERTISER LISTING details to Minx Avrabos at [email protected] PAge coMPANY NAMe Contact Details website 2 IDC 086 069 3888 www.idc.co.za

7 Ana-Digi Systems 011 658 1337 www.anadigi.co.za

17 Reliable Transformers 011 421 2333 www.reltrans.co.za

JUNE 2013 25 Becker Mining Systems 011 617 6300 www.za.becker-mining.com 3-6 ECCE Asia 2013 Melbourne , Australia www.ecceasia2013.org 31 Impact Energy 031 201 7191 www.impactenergy.co.za 12 SAIEE Presidential Address Pietermaritzburg, KZN [email protected] 13 SAIEE Presidential Address Durban, KZN [email protected] 55 H3I Squared 011 454 6025 www.h3isquared.com 16-19 2013 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo Metro Detroit MI , USA www.itec-conf.com 59 Bergman Fisher Associates 011 679 3481 www.bergmanfisher.co.za 20 President's Invitation Lecture Univ of Johannesburg [email protected] 68 Powertech | TIS 012 426 7200 www.ptsi.co.za 23-26 2013 IEEE 14th Workshop on COMPEl Salt Lake City UT , USA www.ece.utah.edu/compel13 24-27 Road Trans Africa 2013 Sandton Convention Centre www.terrapinn.com

JULY 2013 23-26 KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition 2013 Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban www.kznindustrial.co.za 16-19 2013 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo Metro Detroit MI , USA www.itec-conf.com 23-26 2013 IEEE 14th Workshop on COMPEl Salt Lake City UT , USA www.ece.utah.edu/compel13 26 SAIEE Wattnow Breakfast SAIEE House, Jhb [email protected] 29 - 1 ASME 2013 Power Conference Boston, Massachusetts, USA www.asmeconferences.org

AUGUST 2013 13-15 World Trends in Maintenance Engineering CSIR Conference Centre, Pretoria www.m-tech.co.za/ It is the mission of Feed-a-Child to provide a nourishing meal to children regardless of their cultural or ethical group – who 27-30 9th IEEE International Symposium on Diagnostics for Electric Machines, Power Electronics and Drives - (SDEMPED 2013) through circumstances beyond their control, have been or are below the poverty line. VALENCIA , Spain www.ta.ieee.org 29 Bernard Price Memorial Lecture Johannesburg [email protected] The-Feed-a-Child team works closely with people who want to eradicate poverty and make a difference by striving to bring 30 Bernard Price Memorial Lecture Cape Town [email protected] some hope to these children in need as well as building a vision to give them a brighter future.

Realizing the importance of nutrition to a child in the early ages, Feed a Child therefore focuses on the children to help them develop to their fullest potential through our feeding scheme. 13-15 AUGUST 2013 MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS www.feedachild.co.za | www.facebook.com/feedachild1 CSIR | SOUTH AFRICA International speakers include prof Basim Al-Najjar of the University of Växjo in Sweden, dr Ali Zuashkiani of the Center for Maintenance Optimization and For more info visit Reliability Engineering of Canada, and prof Wolfgang Breymann of the Zurich www.m-tech.co.za University of Applied Sciences. Local speakers include prof Stephan Heyns of the University of Pretoria, Johan Jansen van Rensburg, Factory Manager of Illovo Sugar’s Sezela mill, and Karlwim Heese, Business Improvement Manager at Saldanha Steel.

62 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 63 SAIEE COUNCIL MEMBERS SAIEE COUNCIL MEMBERS

GRAde nAMe & Surname contact Details eMAil address GRAde nAMe & Surname contact Details eMAil address

President Paul van Niekerk 011 789 1384 [email protected] Fellow Prince Moyo 011 629 5165 [email protected]

Deputy President Dr. Pat Naidoo 031 409 3130 [email protected] Fellow Prof. Jan-Harm Pretorius 011 559 3377 [email protected]

Senior Vice President Andre Hoffmann 011 235 1731 [email protected] Fellow Prof. Rex Van Olst 011 717 7220 [email protected]

Junior Vice President T.C. Madikane 031 536 7300 [email protected] Fellow Dries Wolmarans 011 793 4062 [email protected]

Immediate Past President Mike Cary 011 425 3497 [email protected]

Honorary Treasurer Viv Crone [email protected] Senior Member Jane-Anne Buisson-Street 011 646 0756 [email protected]

Honorary Vice President Sarel Schoombie 041 504 3208 [email protected] Senior Member John Dal Lago 011 800 2657 [email protected]

Senior Member Theuns Erasmus 016 960 2496 [email protected]

Past President Stan Bridgens 011 487 9048 [email protected] Senior Member Prof Sunil Maharaj 012 420 4636 [email protected]

Past President Mike Crouch 011 728 2852 [email protected] Senior Member MphefuGift [email protected]

Past President John Gosling 011 651 6266 [email protected] Senior Member Dumisa Ngwenya 011 471 4400 [email protected]

Past President du Toit Grobler 011 498 5025 [email protected] Senior Member Prof Ken Nixon 011 717 7203 [email protected]

Past President Rod Harker 021 553 2632 [email protected] Senior Member Patrick O’Halloran 011 490 7485 [email protected]

Past President Dr. Angus Hay 011 585 0490 [email protected] Senior Member Leon Staphorst 012 841 3236 [email protected]

Past President Ian McKechnie 012 667 5151 [email protected]

Past President Alan Meyer 011 616 4997 [email protected] Member Wayne Fisher 011 679 3481 [email protected]

Past President Andries Tshabalala 011 820 5094 [email protected] Member Thavenesen Govender 011 629 5738 [email protected]

Member Dr. Mike Grant 011 717 7256 [email protected]

Fellow Bill Bergman 011 465 3501 [email protected] Member Philip Konig 011 239 5348 [email protected]

Fellow Hermann Broschk [email protected] Member Nhlanhla Maphalala 012 656 1266 [email protected]

Fellow Viv Cohen 011 485 2567 [email protected] Member Hope Mashele 011 312 9902 [email protected]

Fellow George Debbo 012 991 3748 [email protected] Member Silas Moloko 011 635 8000 [email protected]

Fellow Tom Eichbaum 011 652 2226 [email protected]

Fellow Dr. Hendri Geldenhuys 084 625 5522 [email protected] Chairman - E&S Section Ian Gebbie 011 202 8758 [email protected]

Fellow Sy Gourrah 011 784 0141 [email protected] Chairperson - Power Section Thandiwe Nkambule 011 629 5158 [email protected]

Fellow Paul Johnson 012 428 7647 [email protected] Chairman - Historical Section Max Clarke 011 476 5925 [email protected]

Fellow Isaac Kruger 011 254 6400 [email protected] IEEE Representative Prof Willie Cronje 011 717 7224 [email protected]

Fellow Jacob Machinjike 011 800 3539 [email protected] RMWG Representative Mario Kuisis 011 326 2708 [email protected]

Fellow Collin Matlala 011 997 8900 [email protected]

64 | wattnow | june 2013 wattnow | june 2013 | 65 SAIEE CENTRES

Kwa-Zulu Natal Centre Chairman | Veer Ramnarain Postal Address | eThekwini Electricity | 1 Jelf Taylor Place, Durban, 4000 T| 031 311 9008 F| 086 693 4283 E| [email protected]

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RSA | by the South African Institute of R30.00 incl. VAT RSA | R30.00 incl. VAT Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), highlights Eastern Cape Centre RSA | R30.00 incl. VAT the exciting worlds of technology and electrical engineering. Topics Chairman | Dawid Bester The enviro efficiency issue include robotics, rockets, automotive Postal Address | 66 Havelock Street, Port Elizabeth, 6001 THE OFFICIAL MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS | FEBRUARY 2013 T|041 585 7559 E|[email protected] developments, nanotechnology, CABLES & ACCESSORIES biomedical engineering, astronomy, THE OFFICIAL MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS | MARCH 2013 telecommunications and other THE OFFICIAL MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS | Transformers & subsT technologies of tomorrow. aTions Mpumalanga Centre APRIL 2013 If you are not a SAIEE member, but would THE PRESIDENTIAL ISSUE Chairman | Sello Raphadu THE OFFICIAL MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS | MAY 2013 like to receive your own copy of the THE COMMUNICATION ISSUE Postal Address | PO Box 432, Secunda, 2302 TRICAL ENGINEERS | JUNE 2013 wattnow magazine, then subscribe today. E SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ELEC

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