Superwatt
Power System in Cape Town

Our generator and UPS systems range from small domestic installations to engineering solutions for large industrial and mining applications. Superwatt offer turn-key solutions for stand-by and prime power source requirements.

Founded in 2006 in response to the growing demand for back-up power solutions in South Africa and Africa, Superwatt has become a leader in supplying turnkey applications with modular platforms, including step-up or step-down transformers which allow for the future expansion and reconfiguration of the back-up power systems, as well as the option of cogeneration. Larger power generating sets are assembled using engines from global, leading manufacturers. This makes it an ideal transit point, as well as being free of Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Duties and VAT for the export of installations outside of SACU countries. Superwatts’ strength is its ability to design tailor made modular systems. Superwatt is involved from the concept and design stages, through to the installation and commissioning of products, followed by a maintenance contract if required. We will submit the most cost-effective solution based on total generated power and power distribution needs. In a typical Medium Voltage installation our most common proposal is based on our proven dual LV winding step-up transformer approach. The step-up transformers offer galvanic isolation between all the alternators and between the alternators and the MV load. We have done numerous case studies comparing our specific topology (2x LV generator sets feeding 1x step-up transformer) against the outright use of MV alternators (for 11kV designs) and are confident that our approach is the better one, provided that the available laydown area is sufficient to allow for the added footprint of the transformers. We need to stress however that we can supply and design around 11kV alternators should this be a specific requirement. The lower current also reduces cable cost and requires a smaller protection/synchronising alternator circuit breaker. Another consideration is that the 690V approach reduces the maximum fault currents on the LV circuit breakers (when the step-up transformers are connected to mains in cogeneration mode). Alternator and MV system earthing are tailored to site specific requirements. Wherever possible we will offer NER (Neutral Earth Resistor) earthing in order to reduce (or eliminate) serious damage to equipment if/when earth faults occur. Our NER ground referencing designs come fully equipped with fault detection equipment which will trip the required breakers and set appropriate alarms on fault conditions. Our smaller, stand-alone generators are offered with Automatic Mains Fail controllers. These controllers are suitable for stand-alone power generation, or for emergency standby generator applications. These generators are equipped with programmable controllers that will allow either generator on generator synchronizing (for multiple genset clusters) or generator onto mains synchronization (single generator with cogeneration). We offer different Medium Voltage switchgear solutions based on a client’s existing equipment and physical requirements such as power take-off via overhead power lines, etc. We have examples of overhead open air switchgear, outdoor metal cladded switchgear, and containerized metal cladded indoor switchgear. Our preferred approach is to deliver a pre-commissioned containerized solution.