Summary
- Client type
- a Northern Cape mining services contractor
- Industry
- Mining
- Location
- Northern Cape
- Specification
- 800 kVA prime diesel, bulk fuel, remote monitoring
- Timeframe
- 14 weeks enquiry to handover
The challenge
An off-grid processing support yard needed continuous duty through multi-shift operations. An undersized standby canopy had tripped under crusher and compressor starts, leaving dewatering and workshop loads dark for hours at a time.
The load assessment
We logged running kW across a production week, captured DOL start currents on the largest motors, and modelled ambient derating for summer pit temperatures. Peak diversity still required headroom above nameplate “average” demand.
The solution specified and why
An 800 kVA prime-rated industrial AGP set with heavy cooling, bulk diesel integration and controller telemetry. N+1 was deferred; the single frame was sized for measured peaks plus documented motor-start margin rather than brochure standby ratings.
Installation and commissioning
Pad, bunded tank, cable routes and AMF integration were completed under site HSE. Commissioning included stepped load-bank proving and a recorded transfer test before production relied on the set.
Results
- Zero unplanned generation trips in the first 26 months of logged operation (operator hour-meter records).
- Measured transfer under test under 15 seconds to essential boards.
- Fuel burn aligned within 8% of the quoted 75% load map on the first quarterly review.
“They were the only supplier who asked to see our load readings before quoting. The set they specified was smaller than two others we were offered — and it has never tripped.”
Placeholder quotation