Local manufacturer Zest WEG Group’s Cape Town-based generator set (genset) division is in the process of commissioning two 11 kV, 2 000 kVA gensets for a mixed-use property development in Sandton, Gauteng. The full scope of work includes the design, manufacture, complete installation and testing of the units, as well as commissioning. The gensets will be installed in a dedicated plant room.

Zest WEG Group COO Louis Kotze says the company is well placed to offer improved access to locally manufactured fit-for-purpose gensets. “Standard off- the-shelf diesel gensets as well as custom-built application-specific units are readily available, in either stationary or mobile configurations from 10 kVA prime power up to 3 350 kVA emergency standby power and can be increased upwards with multiple synchronised sets.”

Zest WEG Group is well-known for its custom installation work and gained a reputation in the industry for being the company that tackled tough installations, such as those in parking lot basements or roof-mounted sets on tall buildings – installations that posed significant challenges, Kotze explains. This is supported by customised service and maintenance agreements all facilitated by highly trained engineers. Kotze notes that Zest WEG Group’s integrated packages include mechanical and electrical manufacture and assembly as well as electronic design that incorporates in-house control panel manufacture.

“We also supply and install transformers, cabling, bulk fuel systems and sound attenuation with standby generators on a turnkey basis, together with project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance,” he says.

The genset division offers a high level of flexibility for clients who can choose the most appropriate engine brand that best suits their needs. South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to building a custom generator set. Zest WEG Group is able to offer any of the well-known premier engine brands in diesel gensets, including Perkins, Scania, Volvo, MTU, Mitsubishi and Cummins. The value range, for the more cost sensitive client, includes Deutz, FAW and Baudouin engine brands.

Kotze says that the units currently being commissioned in Sandton are prime-rated Mitsubishi-powered diesel generators coupled to WEG alternators and will be used for emergency power backup.

“We have access to all the well-known manufacturers and have built up a strong relationship with them, which enables us to offer clients their exact requirements,” says Kotze.

Zest WEG Group is able to cater for all engine brands and a variety of sizes, making it a cost-effective option for the market, he adds.

These gensets also incorporate inlet and outlet splitter attenuators which will reduce noise levels in accordance with local council requirements. The fuel storage and transfer system comprises bulk and day fuel tanks which will facilitate eight hours of operation in accordance with local fire regulations.

Kotze notes that, based on the location of the generator plant room in this multi-storey building and the physical size of the gensets, these could not be delivered fully assembled. Following testing at Zest WEG Group’s genset division’s facility, the equipment was disassembled and reassembled in the generator plant room. The weight of the equipment meant that specialised rigging equipment was required inside the plant room to complete the assembly on site.

He adds that Zest WEG Group is also able to offer a range of strong alternative power generation solutions through its South American parent company WEG’s wind and steam turbine manufacturing facilities.

WEG is a prominent supplier in the renewables industry, with a large installed base and history in solar and wind.

“Hybrid energy solutions that work in conjunction with diesel gensets partner well with the bouquet of other products available within Zest WEG Group’s manufacturing facilities and supply.”

WEG manufactures wind, steam and gas turbines, or turbo generators, while diesel gensets offer the baseload power that is required at night or when there is no wind.

Hybrid solutions offer a more environment-friendly option of power generation since less diesel is required when combined with solar or wind power generation. “Zest WEG Group has the capabilities and the engineering expertise to assist in this market segment,” says Kotze.

He notes that the company aims to expand this sector of the market by offering a wider range of solutions and by attracting the best technical expertise the industry has to offer.