Page 22 - Energize April 2021

NEWS

Steering fleets to an all-electric future can play a crucial role, with nearly 400 000
electric delivery vans and trucks on the roads
globally. However, many fleets are met with
BB and Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, announced a similar challenges when it comes to real-time
collaboration to jointly develop a cloud-based digital solution for the real-time fleet vehicle and charging status information,
Amanagement of electric vehicles (EVs). The solution will optimise the efficient use of EVs maintenance of EVs and managing access to
and speed up the electrification of transport fleets, helping fleet operators worldwide maintain charging infrastructure.
100% business continuity as they transition to fully electric. Today, most fleet operators opt for third-
The collaboration will combine eMobility leader ABB’s extensive experience in energy party charging management software. This
management, charging technology and e-mobility solutions with AWS’s unparalleled portfolio of offers limited functionality and ability to
cloud technologies and software expertise. customise based on the range of EV models
The new platform, which is planned for roll out in the second half of 2021, will offer a tailored and breadth of charging infrastructure.
user experience in a single-view platform. From the EV charge point to the fleet data dashboard, it The speed at which charging technology
will make EV fleet management more efficient and maximise reliability. continues to develop is increasing, and the
Frank Muehlon, the president of ABB’s eMobility division, says ABB and AWS share a similar resulting adaptations needed can be costly
vision around the potential of eMobility to transform society. Their combined expertise, he adds, and take a lot of resources. As such, fleet
supports a common goal of making EV fleet management simpler and more accessible. This new operators are looking for scalable, secure,
solution will revolutionise the world of electric mobility, integrating EV hardware and software and easily tailored advanced software
into one ecosystem to provide a seamless user experience. solutions, combined with easy to manage
According to ABB, 23% of global, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are caused by charging hardware, that enable them to plug
the transport sector. Electrification of traffic can substantially reduce CO2 levels and large fleets and go.
This new venture will design the
interoperable fleet management solution
to work with all vehicle types and charging
infrastructure. Using machine learning and
analytics, it will include a compelling set of
features including charge planning and real-
time monitoring with insight and actions
for vehicle health and servicing, along with
EV route optimisation based on time of day,
weather and use patterns, Muehlon says.
To drive progress in EV fleets, ABB has
created a pureplay venture in Berlin which
will develop tailored, scalable and cost-
effective technologies for fleet operators
which can be used by all vehicle OEMs.
Contact Busisiwe Molefe, ABB, Tel 010 202-5523,
busisiwe.molefe@za.abb.com

Adjustable earth leakage

protection relays

ewElec’s GA Plus earth leakage relays provide earth leakage
and earth fault protection as per engineering designers’
Nspecifications. An integrated earth leakage test push-button,
which is connected to the test winding on the core balance current
transformer (CBCT), enables the user to test the functionality of the relay.
Using free, configurable software, the relay can be configured for
latched or non-latching main trip contact; fail-safe or non-fail-safe
options and control voltages. This is achieved via a rear-accessed RS232
interface on the unit.
The ELX version of the GA Plus relay allows the user to replace other Being immune to harmonics, the relay can be used on VSDs or DOL
popular brands by fitting into smaller panel door cutouts. starter applications with motors of up to 1000 kW with no nuisance trips.
GA Plus relays are available in sensitivities of 30 mA, 250 mA, 375 The relay enclosures are IP65 dust and ingress rated.
mA, 500 mA and 1 A, and permit user selectable IDMT curve or 100 ms
instantaneous trip in the same relay. Contact NewElec, Tel 012 327-1729, sales@newelec.co.za

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