In-House Load Testing for Reliable Substation Performance

ACE launches in-house load testing capabilities - A significant advancement in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of VSD substations.

A common industry challenge is the installation of equipment without prior load testing, often leading to unforeseen issues during deployment. Long-wall mining equipment typically doesn’t get loaded for the first 12 months installed on site.

To overcome this challenge, ACE developed capabilities to complete in-house load testing on customer substations and associated drive modules from its Somersby location.

NSW Regional Manager, Shane Wilson, said “By simulating a loaded conveyor in the Somersby workshop before dispatch to the customer, we can significantly minimise the risk of issues once installed on site.”

The concept of the test is that any issues are identified prior to install, providing confidence to the customer that when installed, loaded and running the system will operate to specifications.

These capabilities were first put into action in July 2023, when the ACE team successfully completed the load test of a conveyor substation, involving two 630kW drive modules and the associated cooling system.

The ability to monitor temperature and vibration during load testing allows early identification and resolution of potential issues in a controlled workshop environment.

Load testing provides a platform to validate the effectiveness of cooling methods, guaranteeing optimal performance in demanding conditions.

Customers also have the opportunity to become acquainted with equipment and software before installation, ensuring a smoother deployment process.

“The move reflects our commitment to providing high-quality solutions and sets a new standard for industry practices.”

As ACE continues to pioneer engineering innovation in the conveyor industry, the introduction of in-house load testing demonstrates a proactive approach to guaranteeing optimal performance from the moment equipment is deployed.