KwaZulu Solar & Electrical (Pty) Ltd was established in 2023. Located in Scottburgh South, KwaZulu Natal. The company is SAPVIA PV-Green card accredited.

The owner, Meshalen Bowla is a qualified registered Electrical Contractor also known as an Installation Electrician (Wireman’s license, trade tested, SAPVIA accredited) with more than 17 years in the heavy current electrical industrial sector who served as the Site Electrical Technician for Illovo Sugar (Pty) Ltd based in Sezela, KwaZulu Natal.

After a recent injury, he decided to terminate his services with Illovo Sugar (Pty) Ltd and pursue his own company, KwaZulu Solar & Electrical (Pty) Ltd.

His skills and experiences over the years:

• Interrogate read/write perform online diagnostics on MV (3300V/11000V) protection relays (ABB REF630, REM630, REG650 & MICOM relays) installation of ABB PCM software packages, networking to common engineering PC and backing up of relays settings.
• Backing up of powerhouse controllers Dawson CGCs & GSM’s and performing functional testing. (20MW capacity over 6 Turbo alternators)
• Remotely accessing of powerhouse engineering pc to assist with diagnostics when required.
• Backup of DECS, GEC Multilin protection relays and various other relays in power generation.
• Develop and conduct routine inspection schedules electrical equipment on site.
• Perform shutdown maintenance on WEG diesel generator and turbine generators. (AEG, Parson Peebles, Siemens, Oerlikon Escher Wyss, WEG)
• General maintenance on UPS systems including battery testing and charging circuits.
• Turbine generator testing including over speed tests, ESV operation, run down oil pumps, control system integration with DCS delta V systems and stroking actuator valves when required.
• Perform diagnostics with Si-Tec Dataview software package.
• Perform condition-based maintenance on plant equipment with infrared thermography and plan/repair the necessary hot connections.
• Maintain MV and LV switchgear oil and vacuum circuit breakers (Siemens, ABB).
• Identifying, installing and commissioning of new equipment due to defectiveness or plant optimization.
• Conduct installations in accordance with SANS10142 and issuing of certificate of compliance (COC).
• Experience in Siemens S7 1200/1500 200/300 & Omron PLC’s.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the power both single phase and three phase systems, MV reticulation and control systems.
• Wire, program and commission ABB DCS 800 DC variable speed drives.
• Wire, program and commission ABB DCS 880 AC variable speed drives.

• Wire, program and commission WEG CFW 06-11 & Siemens variable speed drives.
• Wire & commission AC single phase & 3 phase induction and slipring motors (up to 2MW 3300V)
• Wire & commission DC motors (up to 2MW 3300V)
• Carry out detailed project work such as electrical wiring diagrams on Autocad, cable sizing, switchgear selection, fault level calculations and compiling test reports for protection devices.
• Design and draw electrical schematics on Autocad (motor control schematics)
• Electrical Root cause analysis – failure and investigation.
• Electrical asset management.

Meshalen is also an ardent supporter of renewable energy and promoting a greener environment. He aims to implement the industrial standards to residential installations.

References:

1. Nadeem Shubrati Pr. Electrical Engineer 0836776925
2. Richard Mack Pr. Electrical Engineer 0795297726
3. Anil Singh Pr. Electrical Engineer 0845699172
4. Sipho Mzila Electrical Engineer 0614757895
5. Bonginkosi Mncwabe Electrical Engineer 0847094122