Page 8 - Energize October 2021

NEWS

Case study: Batteries stood change in the specific gravity of the acid. On the second day there
After the first day, we tested them and found that there was no

idle for more than two years – was also no change in specific gravity. On the third day, a change
in specific gravity and voltage was detected. That change was still
will they recover? not enough to do the capacity test, so we kept on charging them,
monitoring the specific gravity and the voltage of the batteries.
On Day 4, there was still not enough charge on the batteries, so
we carried on charging them. On the fifth day there was some
By Wilfred Mkhulise, Silicon Engineering improvement but still not enough charge to do the capacity test.
Furthermore, the batteries temperature had increased slightly. We
ilicon Engineering received 36, 100 Ah BAE batteries from a rested them for 24 hours before the next charge. On Day 6, the
customer in August 2021. On the day they arrived a physical specific gravity and the voltage improved but still not enough to do
Sinspection of the batteries was carried out. We found that they the capacity test.
were packed just as they were when they left our factory more than Then, on the seventh day, the specific gravity improved and was
two years ago, in May 2019. Although a little dusty, when we removed good enough for us to do the capacity test. We decreased the charging
the protective wrapping, they were spotlessly clean, as if brand new. rate to 7% of the battery’s capacity. At 168% capacity we decreased the
There was no white powder on the plates of the battery, which is charging rate to 3,5% of the battery capacity for 24 hours. The level of
normal when batteries stand for this long without being charged. the electrolyte was also approaching minimum level.
Neither was there any visible chemical damage when we started This was surprising, since we expected the batteries, which
charging them. had stood unused for so long, to be sulfated, but they were not.
We charged these batteries at 10% of the battery’s capacity for While decreasing the charge on the batteries, we prepared them for
more than a week. the capacity test. We did a 5-hour capacity test on these batteries
according to the manufacturer’s specification. To our surprise, they
achieved more than 100% capacity!
The excellent quality and manufacture of BAE batteries counted
in the customer’s favour. It would certainly not have been the case
with many other cheaper batteries and although these BAE batteries
may have been more expensive initially, great quality and good
engineering made the difference. As a result, these batteries could be
sent back to the customer for use in a UPS application for a fraction
of the cost of having to buy new BAE batteries, thus providing a huge
saving for the customer.
Contact Wilfred Mkhulise, Silicon Engineering,
Phone 011 474-3423, wilfred.m@silicon-online.co.za

Ground-breaking fuel App delivers real convenience

n a first for the Namibian petroleum industry, Engen have brought The Engen App boasts exciting rewards and gamification features,
retail convenience to the fingertips of their customers by introducing including instant Win & Spin and Scratch & Win games; Smiles$ loyalty
Ia ground-breaking new mobile app. points and digital vouchers.
Available for download from Google Play, the Apple App Store and “Our customers can receive loyalties and rewards with every
the Huawei App Gallery, the Engen App enables customers to order purchase, as well as a cashback option which can be used in exchange
groceries and take-aways at the click of button, for either delivery or for goods, services and payments”, says Li.
pick up between 08h00 and 20h00. Cashless payments can be made by either using points
“We deliver your order or bring it to your car for collection”, says accumulated or via a linked credit or debit card.
Christian Li, Engen’s Managing Director in Namibia. “The loyalty feature allows our valued customers to collect digital
To mark the launch of the Engen App, the first 100 customers loyalty badges through the Engen App,” explains Li.
who order online for N$300 or more will receive their delivery free of “You can also send a gift voucher via the Engen App to other users
charge and earn double loyalty points. as well as to people who are not on the App via a specified cell phone
“Customers who download and register can also earn rewards number which is sent via SMS.”
instantly by playing the ‘Scratch and Win’ games,” adds Li. The Engen App is available to download on Google Play, Apple
With Covid-19 hygiene protocols still front and centre, the Engen App Store and Huawei App gallery. Download the Engen App and
App conveniently offers motorists a safe and contactless way to pay for experience convenience and rewards at your fingertips.
their fuel and convenience store purchasers.
Adds Li: “We are extremely excited to launch our new user-friendly Contact Agnetha Mouton, Engen Namibia,
Engen App, which offers 24-hour access to all our products and services Phone +264 61 296-9012,
via a secure cashless payment mechanism.” Mobile +264 81 122-0869, https://engen.co.za/

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