Potential of the implementation of demand-side management at the Theunissen-Brandfort pumps feeder

Abstract

Demand-side management (DSM) is one of the integrated energy planning concepts that has only recently been introduced in South Africa. This concept needs to be fully developed in order to suit current industrial development situations. South Africa’s coal and water reserves will not last forever because of the growing population and the accompanying demands on our energy resources {[5] of Chapter 1]}. Therefore the demand-side interventions are considered on an effective means of overcoming these problems. The traditional approach of electrical energy utilisation by Eskom and its customers has to be reviewed. Socio-economic and environmental development benefits must also be reviewed. Advanced research on demand-side management has benefited the international world tremendously and this kind of research should also be done in South Africa.

The research project for this study as described from chapter 1- 8 was undertaken to show the potential implementation of demand-side management and its interventions (DSM programme) on the Theunissen-Brandfort Pumps 11kV feeder (TBP). This would result in the generating of potential energy and cost-savings that would flow from the feasible DSM programme. This would be measured and verified by billing the actual saved energy at the TBP electrical system for the future. Every potentially saved-energy means one less potential reduction in emission.

The case studies were conducted on Eskom’s entire TBP network and on four large power users which were identified and which provided the relevant potential results. Methodological design protocol processes for best-practice pollution prevention and the efficiency-energy (EE) audit protocol model, with its accompanying goal and objectives were used. The project concentrated on EE and time-of-use (TOU) factors related to the selected customers and the TBP as a whole, thus: potential Replacement and Rewinding of low efficiency with higher efficiency motors and the TBP feeder potential Load-Shifting. The stages within the EE, LS and DSM project process which were used for potential implementation are the following: project identification, energy audits and assumptions and recommendations for implementation. The M&V interaction with DSM, EE or LS project processes (methodology) for future implementation purposes (actual retrofitting) is also shown. The TBP feeder collective baseline (Figure 6.2) was quantified by trapezium rule.

The feasible EE and LS programmes opportunities analysis on motors and the entire TBP were performed by inference and stipulation techniques and the potential energy reduction effects using a simulation programme called International Motor Selection and Savings Analysis (IMSSA). The potential LS programme was also performed based on the Eskom’s miniflex tariff defined time of use.

TBP plant-wide EE and LS assessments conducted with the methodology mentioned, identified and quantified a total of two EE savings opportunities and were divided into four categories: those for short-term, long-term, none and best solution potential implementations (Table 7.9).

As far as indirect results are concerned, DSM is a very new concept in South Africa and is consequently not well known. The study was based on simplicity in order to make the DSM subject very simple and easily accessible to future research. By using a simple and userfriendly IMSSA software programme, quick, relevant results were obtained. The study played an important role in influencing and educating interested parties about the importance of potential demand-side management concepts and objectives. The study compiled valuable information on EE, DSM (LS) and M&V that was previously unknown and, which will make future research much more accessible and manageable.

It is recommended that all the motors identified as inefficient be rewound and replaced by new and efficient ones in the future. It is also very important that the potential LS programme be implemented only after these potential EE opportunities are implemented so that there will be sustainability and the DSM objectives may be achieved (Table 7.10).

The project led to better grasp of electric energy consumption by the customers. From a socio-economic perspective, Eskom can distribute the surplus potentially saved energy of capacity at the TBP to other communities, which would also create employment if a new network could be built. Allocation of potentially saved energy to other population groups or customers of low-income groups in the Theunissen area would mean a significant lifestyle change. With regard to environmental benefits, previous research has proven that for every kWh of electricity saved, fewer emissions (e.g. C02) would be generated at the power station. The study addressed TBP-wide power use, focusing primarily on the demand-side interventions, but implications for improvements in the supply-side emission reductions were also considered.