Welcome to

the very first

edition of the

Siemens

NMMU news-

letter

The newsletter is aimed at inform-

ing our industry partners on the

various Siemens accredited train-

ing courses offered by the Ad-

vanced Mechatronic Technology

Centre (AMTC) at NMMU

The AMTC will be increasing the

number of courses offered in 2012

by introducing several new ones

which will include Drives and Safe-

ty training

This edition of the newsletter will

focus on the AMTC training facili-

ties current and new courses the

launch of the junior Cyber Junk-

yard competition and the various

staff involved in ensuring that in-

dustry receive world class training

on world class equipment

The SITRAIN Advantage

NMMU

Mr Karl du Preez

In 2006 through the support of Siemens South Africa and the Automotive

Industry Development Centre (AIDC) one of the most successful

university industry partnerships to date was initiated

The Advanced Mechatronics Technology Centre (AMTC) was estab-

lished and facilitated training for engineering students and industry in

Advanced Factory Automation and Drives Technologies Courses in-

clude training for electricians into the service and maintenance aspects

of the technology to advanced programming industrial networking and

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for technicians and

engineers

The training offered

provides individuals

with the confidence

to efficiently apply

systems or optimise

product usage re-

sulting in shorter start

-up times reduced

downtimes and faster

trouble shooting

Thus far the AMTC has trained almost 500 individuals from industry over

the past six years with the training facilities being upgraded to world

class standards The training centre has gone ―green with a wind tur-

bine and solar panels installed to ensure that training could continue

even through power outages

The training centre has played a major role in developing the skills of

engineers and technicians in the Eastern Cape and will continue to work

closely with Siemens to ensure individuals receive expertise training on

the latest Siemens equipment

Siemens

Siemens

Siemens Accredited Training

The Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre (AMTC) at NMMU in collaboration with Siemens South

Africa offer a wide range of Automation training modules on the latest Siemens technology

These include the following

Introduction to PLC

Micro PLC

LOGO

S7 Service and Maintenance Part 1

S7 Service and Maintenance Part 2

S7 Programming Part 1 (5 CPD points)

S7 Programming Part 2 (5 CPD points)

Analogue Value Processing amp Closed Loop Control

WinCC (5 CPD points)

WinCC Flexible

FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION ON EACH COURSE PLEASE VISIT THE NMMU SIEMENS WEBSITE

The AMTC and Siemens will be introducing the following courses in 2012

Micro Master 440 (May 2012)

Drive Fundamentals (June 2012)

Sinamics S120 (July 2012)

Visit the NMMU Siemens

website to view course content

schedule fees and booking details

wwwnmmuaczasiemens

Siemens

Siemens Accredited Training

The Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre (AMTC) at NMMU in collaboration with Siemens South

Africa offer a wide range of Automation training modules on the latest Siemens technology

These include the following

Introduction to PLC

Micro PLC

LOGO

S7 Service and Maintenance Part 1

S7 Service and Maintenance Part 2

S7 Programming Part 1 (5 CPD points)

S7 Programming Part 2 (5 CPD points)

Analogue Value Processing amp Closed Loop Control

WinCC (5 CPD points)

WinCC Flexible

FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION ON EACH COURSE PLEASE VISIT THE NMMU SIEMENS WEBSITE

The AMTC and Siemens will be introducing the following courses in 2012

Micro Master 440 (May 2012)

Drive Fundamentals (June 2012)

Sinamics S120 (July 2012)

Visit the NMMU Siemens

website to view course content

schedule fees and booking details

wwwnmmuaczasiemens

Siemens

SITRAIN Schedule for 2012

Siemens

CO

UR

SE

D

UR

AT

ION

S

CH

ED

UL

ED

DA

TE

S

Intr

oduction to

PLC

(S

T-P

LC

INT

RO

) 3 d

ays

6 F

ebru

ary

2 A

pri

l

S71200

Mic

ro C

ours

e (

ST

-7M

ICR

O1)

3 d

ays

13 F

ebru

ary

2

8 M

ay

S7-1

200

Mic

ro A

pplic

ation C

ours

e

(ST

-7M

ICR

O A

PP

) 2 d

ays

17 F

ebru

ary

3

1 M

ay

S7 M

ain

ten

ance P

art

1 (

ST

-7S

ER

V1)

5 d

ays

16 J

anuary

1

9 M

arc

h 2

1 M

ay

S7 M

ain

ten

ance P

art

2 (

ST

-7S

ER

V2)

5 d

ays

23 J

anuary

1

6 A

pri

l

28 M

ay

S7 P

rogra

mm

ing P

art

1 (

ST

-7P

ro1)

5 d

ays

30 J

anuary

7

Ma

y

4 J

une

S7 P

rogra

mm

ing P

art

2 (

ST

-7P

ro2)

5 d

ays

12 M

arc

h

11 J

une

Analo

g C

ontr

ol (S

T-7

PID

) 5 d

ays

26 M

arc

h

25 J

une

Win

CC

(S

T-W

INC

C)

5 d

ays

20 F

ebru

ary

9

April

18

June

Win

CC

Fle

xib

le (

ST

-WIN

CC

FLE

X)

3 d

ays

13 F

ebru

ary

Drive F

undam

enta

ls (

SD

-DR

VF

UN

) 5 d

ays

4 J

une

Mic

ro M

aste

r 4

40 (

SD

-MM

4)

2 d

ays

14 M

ay

Siemens Cyber Junkyard

A group of five NMMU engineering students participated in the 2011 Siemens Cyber Junkyard competition

which was held in Johannesburg The group consisted of two Electrical two Mechanical and one Mecha-

tronics student who finished second runners up at the national event The event is annually hosted by in-

dustry leaders Siemens Festo and LappKabel

This yearrsquos project entailed the design and manufacture of an air-powered autonomous vehicle driven by

fluidic muscles The competition consisted of two challenges of which one was a drag race and the other

an endurance race During the endurance race the vehicle had to complete as many laps as possible on a

single tank of compressed air The vehicle also had to be programmed in such a way that it automatically

enters the pit area for a refill once the tank reaches a certain air level

This was the fourth year that the NMMU has participated in the event with the NMMU walking away with a

prize each year The NMMU team of 2011 won R30 000 worth of equipment from the three main spon-

sors

The human resource development side of the project was supported by the Automotive Industry Develop-

ment Centre (AIDC) with the VWSAmdashDAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering at NMMU

providing technical marketing and administrative support

NMMU engineering students take 3rd place

Siemens

Due to the success of the Cyber Junkyard competition held annually for tertiary institutions from across South Africa

a junior Cyber Junkyard (CJY) competition was developed for high schools and FET colleges in the Eastern Cape

The AMTC in collaboration with Siemens South Africa and merSETA recently launched the competition at NMMU

which served as a pilot project This yearrsquos project required the development of a simple water tank system in the

form of a small mobile and stable structure

Learners were tasked with implementing industrial automation programming and closed loop control systems to

pump water out of the reservoir into the tank The tank had to be filled to the set level in as little time possible and at

the highest accuracy

The winners of the competition Daniel

Pienaar High School received a R10000

cash prize as well as an iPad for each of

the learners and technical teacher in-

volved Other prizes included digital

cameras external hard drives as well as

cash prizes of R5000 (2nd place)

R2500 (3rd place) and R1000 for each of the participating schools not finishing in the top three of the competition

Launch of Junior Cyber Junkyard

Siemens Supported Projects

A combined effort between tertiary institu-

tions secondary institutions and industry is

the only way we can close the skills gap in

the engineering field mdash Mr Martin Taverner

(Siemens Head of Motion Control)

Back from left Dewald Oosthuizen Sampie Marais (Educator) Des Burrows (Siemens) and Martin Taverner (Siemens) Front from left Tayden Louw Marko

Viviers Emily Molefe (Siemens) Saliem Dolley (merSETA)

Siemens

Siemens Training Assists BEE Company

Delacom Solutions a completely black economic empowered (BEE) small electrical business enterprise

recently arranged for five of their employees to attend an Introduction to PLC short course in the Siemens

Simatic Training Centre housed at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

Delacom was founded in 2006 by two ambitious business partners and currently employs 21 employees in

and around Port Elizabeth An enthusiastic project manager Mr Sabele Mngqushu and four electrical arti-

sans were granted the opportunity to attend evening sessions with Siemens trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

When asked what the reason was for attending these sessions Sabele said that the company was tired of

outsourcing the PLC work to other companies and would like to take on the jobs themselves

They have recently signed major contracts with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as well as Fort Hare Uni-

versity to work on the underground sew-

erage systems and electrical mainte-

nance The theoretical and practical ex-

perience gained from the introductory

course will enable Sabele and his col-

leagues to improve their workmanship

throughout the Eastern Cape

―The course completely exceeded my expectations I was highly impressed with the professional manner

in which the course was delivered We were treated with the greatest respect and integrity The training

was an enlightening experience Because of this opportunity I would now like to further my studies in

Electrical Engineering says an impressed Sabele

Sabele and his colleagues envision a grow-

ing relationship with the NMMU and Siemens

Simatic Training Centre They would certainly

like to attend the follow ndash up advanced cours-

es offered at NMMU

―Technology is advancing rapidly and it is on-

ly the true technicians and engineers that can

keep up with the changes and Delacomrsquos

employees really showed their commitment

to keep up It was a pleasure training such an

enthusiastic group of people These gentle-

men went to work during the day and were

still able to give me their undivided attention

for the duration of the course says Siemens

trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

Technology is advancing rapidly and it is

only the true technicians and engineers

that can keep up with the changes and

Delacomrsquos employees really showed their

commitment to keep up

- Mr Ian van Niekerk (Trainer)

Mr Ian van Niekerk (AMTC Trainer) with Delacom employees

Siemens

Siemens Assisted Research

Energy Demand Control

Energy saving is a topic that has the attention of most individuals and businesses in South Africa espe-

cially because of the scarcity and sharp price increases being applied by the electricity provider

At the Energy Efficiency Workshop it became clear that we need to find innovative ways to assist compa-

nies to manage their energy consumption If one can utilize the system correctly one can save money

and also help take pressure off Eskom in peak times This has urged Mr Jonck a BEng Mechatronics

student to research and design a device that can assist to measure the ideal energy demand curve and

hence with the assistance of basic software embedded in a PLC control the energy accordingly

This project will give the small-

er companies the power to

know their energy consump-

tion and plan around it A big

factor is that companies are

limiting their production output

because of expensive electric-

ity cost meaning companies

are not producing the amount

of products that they potentially could

Mr Jonck will be working closely with Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens and Mr Angus Clark from the

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Mr Du Preez is the NMMU Siemens ac-

count manager who exposes and assists

students on the latest Siemens products

used for final year projects as is the case

with Mr Jonck

Left to right Mr Gustav Jonck with co-promoter

Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens

Energy Management is increasingly im-

portant and companies will have no

choice but to become actively involved

in the solutionmdash Mr Sakkie du Preez

(Siemens Southern Africa )

Siemens

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by

Siemens Cyber Junkyard

A group of five NMMU engineering students participated in the 2011 Siemens Cyber Junkyard competition

which was held in Johannesburg The group consisted of two Electrical two Mechanical and one Mecha-

tronics student who finished second runners up at the national event The event is annually hosted by in-

dustry leaders Siemens Festo and LappKabel

This yearrsquos project entailed the design and manufacture of an air-powered autonomous vehicle driven by

fluidic muscles The competition consisted of two challenges of which one was a drag race and the other

an endurance race During the endurance race the vehicle had to complete as many laps as possible on a

single tank of compressed air The vehicle also had to be programmed in such a way that it automatically

enters the pit area for a refill once the tank reaches a certain air level

This was the fourth year that the NMMU has participated in the event with the NMMU walking away with a

prize each year The NMMU team of 2011 won R30 000 worth of equipment from the three main spon-

sors

The human resource development side of the project was supported by the Automotive Industry Develop-

ment Centre (AIDC) with the VWSAmdashDAAD International Chair in Automotive Engineering at NMMU

providing technical marketing and administrative support

NMMU engineering students take 3rd place

Siemens

Due to the success of the Cyber Junkyard competition held annually for tertiary institutions from across South Africa

a junior Cyber Junkyard (CJY) competition was developed for high schools and FET colleges in the Eastern Cape

The AMTC in collaboration with Siemens South Africa and merSETA recently launched the competition at NMMU

which served as a pilot project This yearrsquos project required the development of a simple water tank system in the

form of a small mobile and stable structure

Learners were tasked with implementing industrial automation programming and closed loop control systems to

pump water out of the reservoir into the tank The tank had to be filled to the set level in as little time possible and at

the highest accuracy

The winners of the competition Daniel

Pienaar High School received a R10000

cash prize as well as an iPad for each of

the learners and technical teacher in-

volved Other prizes included digital

cameras external hard drives as well as

cash prizes of R5000 (2nd place)

R2500 (3rd place) and R1000 for each of the participating schools not finishing in the top three of the competition

Launch of Junior Cyber Junkyard

Siemens Supported Projects

A combined effort between tertiary institu-

tions secondary institutions and industry is

the only way we can close the skills gap in

the engineering field mdash Mr Martin Taverner

(Siemens Head of Motion Control)

Back from left Dewald Oosthuizen Sampie Marais (Educator) Des Burrows (Siemens) and Martin Taverner (Siemens) Front from left Tayden Louw Marko

Viviers Emily Molefe (Siemens) Saliem Dolley (merSETA)

Siemens

Siemens Training Assists BEE Company

Delacom Solutions a completely black economic empowered (BEE) small electrical business enterprise

recently arranged for five of their employees to attend an Introduction to PLC short course in the Siemens

Simatic Training Centre housed at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

Delacom was founded in 2006 by two ambitious business partners and currently employs 21 employees in

and around Port Elizabeth An enthusiastic project manager Mr Sabele Mngqushu and four electrical arti-

sans were granted the opportunity to attend evening sessions with Siemens trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

When asked what the reason was for attending these sessions Sabele said that the company was tired of

outsourcing the PLC work to other companies and would like to take on the jobs themselves

They have recently signed major contracts with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as well as Fort Hare Uni-

versity to work on the underground sew-

erage systems and electrical mainte-

nance The theoretical and practical ex-

perience gained from the introductory

course will enable Sabele and his col-

leagues to improve their workmanship

throughout the Eastern Cape

―The course completely exceeded my expectations I was highly impressed with the professional manner

in which the course was delivered We were treated with the greatest respect and integrity The training

was an enlightening experience Because of this opportunity I would now like to further my studies in

Electrical Engineering says an impressed Sabele

Sabele and his colleagues envision a grow-

ing relationship with the NMMU and Siemens

Simatic Training Centre They would certainly

like to attend the follow ndash up advanced cours-

es offered at NMMU

―Technology is advancing rapidly and it is on-

ly the true technicians and engineers that can

keep up with the changes and Delacomrsquos

employees really showed their commitment

to keep up It was a pleasure training such an

enthusiastic group of people These gentle-

men went to work during the day and were

still able to give me their undivided attention

for the duration of the course says Siemens

trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

Technology is advancing rapidly and it is

only the true technicians and engineers

that can keep up with the changes and

Delacomrsquos employees really showed their

commitment to keep up

- Mr Ian van Niekerk (Trainer)

Mr Ian van Niekerk (AMTC Trainer) with Delacom employees

Siemens

Siemens Assisted Research

Energy Demand Control

Energy saving is a topic that has the attention of most individuals and businesses in South Africa espe-

cially because of the scarcity and sharp price increases being applied by the electricity provider

At the Energy Efficiency Workshop it became clear that we need to find innovative ways to assist compa-

nies to manage their energy consumption If one can utilize the system correctly one can save money

and also help take pressure off Eskom in peak times This has urged Mr Jonck a BEng Mechatronics

student to research and design a device that can assist to measure the ideal energy demand curve and

hence with the assistance of basic software embedded in a PLC control the energy accordingly

This project will give the small-

er companies the power to

know their energy consump-

tion and plan around it A big

factor is that companies are

limiting their production output

because of expensive electric-

ity cost meaning companies

are not producing the amount

of products that they potentially could

Mr Jonck will be working closely with Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens and Mr Angus Clark from the

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Mr Du Preez is the NMMU Siemens ac-

count manager who exposes and assists

students on the latest Siemens products

used for final year projects as is the case

with Mr Jonck

Left to right Mr Gustav Jonck with co-promoter

Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens

Energy Management is increasingly im-

portant and companies will have no

choice but to become actively involved

in the solutionmdash Mr Sakkie du Preez

(Siemens Southern Africa )

Siemens

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by

Due to the success of the Cyber Junkyard competition held annually for tertiary institutions from across South Africa

a junior Cyber Junkyard (CJY) competition was developed for high schools and FET colleges in the Eastern Cape

The AMTC in collaboration with Siemens South Africa and merSETA recently launched the competition at NMMU

which served as a pilot project This yearrsquos project required the development of a simple water tank system in the

form of a small mobile and stable structure

Learners were tasked with implementing industrial automation programming and closed loop control systems to

pump water out of the reservoir into the tank The tank had to be filled to the set level in as little time possible and at

the highest accuracy

The winners of the competition Daniel

Pienaar High School received a R10000

cash prize as well as an iPad for each of

the learners and technical teacher in-

volved Other prizes included digital

cameras external hard drives as well as

cash prizes of R5000 (2nd place)

R2500 (3rd place) and R1000 for each of the participating schools not finishing in the top three of the competition

Launch of Junior Cyber Junkyard

Siemens Supported Projects

A combined effort between tertiary institu-

tions secondary institutions and industry is

the only way we can close the skills gap in

the engineering field mdash Mr Martin Taverner

(Siemens Head of Motion Control)

Back from left Dewald Oosthuizen Sampie Marais (Educator) Des Burrows (Siemens) and Martin Taverner (Siemens) Front from left Tayden Louw Marko

Viviers Emily Molefe (Siemens) Saliem Dolley (merSETA)

Siemens

Siemens Training Assists BEE Company

Delacom Solutions a completely black economic empowered (BEE) small electrical business enterprise

recently arranged for five of their employees to attend an Introduction to PLC short course in the Siemens

Simatic Training Centre housed at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

Delacom was founded in 2006 by two ambitious business partners and currently employs 21 employees in

and around Port Elizabeth An enthusiastic project manager Mr Sabele Mngqushu and four electrical arti-

sans were granted the opportunity to attend evening sessions with Siemens trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

When asked what the reason was for attending these sessions Sabele said that the company was tired of

outsourcing the PLC work to other companies and would like to take on the jobs themselves

They have recently signed major contracts with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as well as Fort Hare Uni-

versity to work on the underground sew-

erage systems and electrical mainte-

nance The theoretical and practical ex-

perience gained from the introductory

course will enable Sabele and his col-

leagues to improve their workmanship

throughout the Eastern Cape

―The course completely exceeded my expectations I was highly impressed with the professional manner

in which the course was delivered We were treated with the greatest respect and integrity The training

was an enlightening experience Because of this opportunity I would now like to further my studies in

Electrical Engineering says an impressed Sabele

Sabele and his colleagues envision a grow-

ing relationship with the NMMU and Siemens

Simatic Training Centre They would certainly

like to attend the follow ndash up advanced cours-

es offered at NMMU

―Technology is advancing rapidly and it is on-

ly the true technicians and engineers that can

keep up with the changes and Delacomrsquos

employees really showed their commitment

to keep up It was a pleasure training such an

enthusiastic group of people These gentle-

men went to work during the day and were

still able to give me their undivided attention

for the duration of the course says Siemens

trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

Technology is advancing rapidly and it is

only the true technicians and engineers

that can keep up with the changes and

Delacomrsquos employees really showed their

commitment to keep up

- Mr Ian van Niekerk (Trainer)

Mr Ian van Niekerk (AMTC Trainer) with Delacom employees

Siemens

Siemens Assisted Research

Energy Demand Control

Energy saving is a topic that has the attention of most individuals and businesses in South Africa espe-

cially because of the scarcity and sharp price increases being applied by the electricity provider

At the Energy Efficiency Workshop it became clear that we need to find innovative ways to assist compa-

nies to manage their energy consumption If one can utilize the system correctly one can save money

and also help take pressure off Eskom in peak times This has urged Mr Jonck a BEng Mechatronics

student to research and design a device that can assist to measure the ideal energy demand curve and

hence with the assistance of basic software embedded in a PLC control the energy accordingly

This project will give the small-

er companies the power to

know their energy consump-

tion and plan around it A big

factor is that companies are

limiting their production output

because of expensive electric-

ity cost meaning companies

are not producing the amount

of products that they potentially could

Mr Jonck will be working closely with Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens and Mr Angus Clark from the

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Mr Du Preez is the NMMU Siemens ac-

count manager who exposes and assists

students on the latest Siemens products

used for final year projects as is the case

with Mr Jonck

Left to right Mr Gustav Jonck with co-promoter

Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens

Energy Management is increasingly im-

portant and companies will have no

choice but to become actively involved

in the solutionmdash Mr Sakkie du Preez

(Siemens Southern Africa )

Siemens

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by

Siemens Training Assists BEE Company

Delacom Solutions a completely black economic empowered (BEE) small electrical business enterprise

recently arranged for five of their employees to attend an Introduction to PLC short course in the Siemens

Simatic Training Centre housed at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)

Delacom was founded in 2006 by two ambitious business partners and currently employs 21 employees in

and around Port Elizabeth An enthusiastic project manager Mr Sabele Mngqushu and four electrical arti-

sans were granted the opportunity to attend evening sessions with Siemens trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

When asked what the reason was for attending these sessions Sabele said that the company was tired of

outsourcing the PLC work to other companies and would like to take on the jobs themselves

They have recently signed major contracts with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as well as Fort Hare Uni-

versity to work on the underground sew-

erage systems and electrical mainte-

nance The theoretical and practical ex-

perience gained from the introductory

course will enable Sabele and his col-

leagues to improve their workmanship

throughout the Eastern Cape

―The course completely exceeded my expectations I was highly impressed with the professional manner

in which the course was delivered We were treated with the greatest respect and integrity The training

was an enlightening experience Because of this opportunity I would now like to further my studies in

Electrical Engineering says an impressed Sabele

Sabele and his colleagues envision a grow-

ing relationship with the NMMU and Siemens

Simatic Training Centre They would certainly

like to attend the follow ndash up advanced cours-

es offered at NMMU

―Technology is advancing rapidly and it is on-

ly the true technicians and engineers that can

keep up with the changes and Delacomrsquos

employees really showed their commitment

to keep up It was a pleasure training such an

enthusiastic group of people These gentle-

men went to work during the day and were

still able to give me their undivided attention

for the duration of the course says Siemens

trainer Mr Ian Van Niekerk

Technology is advancing rapidly and it is

only the true technicians and engineers

that can keep up with the changes and

Delacomrsquos employees really showed their

commitment to keep up

- Mr Ian van Niekerk (Trainer)

Mr Ian van Niekerk (AMTC Trainer) with Delacom employees

Siemens

Siemens Assisted Research

Energy Demand Control

Energy saving is a topic that has the attention of most individuals and businesses in South Africa espe-

cially because of the scarcity and sharp price increases being applied by the electricity provider

At the Energy Efficiency Workshop it became clear that we need to find innovative ways to assist compa-

nies to manage their energy consumption If one can utilize the system correctly one can save money

and also help take pressure off Eskom in peak times This has urged Mr Jonck a BEng Mechatronics

student to research and design a device that can assist to measure the ideal energy demand curve and

hence with the assistance of basic software embedded in a PLC control the energy accordingly

This project will give the small-

er companies the power to

know their energy consump-

tion and plan around it A big

factor is that companies are

limiting their production output

because of expensive electric-

ity cost meaning companies

are not producing the amount

of products that they potentially could

Mr Jonck will be working closely with Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens and Mr Angus Clark from the

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Mr Du Preez is the NMMU Siemens ac-

count manager who exposes and assists

students on the latest Siemens products

used for final year projects as is the case

with Mr Jonck

Left to right Mr Gustav Jonck with co-promoter

Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens

Energy Management is increasingly im-

portant and companies will have no

choice but to become actively involved

in the solutionmdash Mr Sakkie du Preez

(Siemens Southern Africa )

Siemens

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by

Siemens Assisted Research

Energy Demand Control

Energy saving is a topic that has the attention of most individuals and businesses in South Africa espe-

cially because of the scarcity and sharp price increases being applied by the electricity provider

At the Energy Efficiency Workshop it became clear that we need to find innovative ways to assist compa-

nies to manage their energy consumption If one can utilize the system correctly one can save money

and also help take pressure off Eskom in peak times This has urged Mr Jonck a BEng Mechatronics

student to research and design a device that can assist to measure the ideal energy demand curve and

hence with the assistance of basic software embedded in a PLC control the energy accordingly

This project will give the small-

er companies the power to

know their energy consump-

tion and plan around it A big

factor is that companies are

limiting their production output

because of expensive electric-

ity cost meaning companies

are not producing the amount

of products that they potentially could

Mr Jonck will be working closely with Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens and Mr Angus Clark from the

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Mr Du Preez is the NMMU Siemens ac-

count manager who exposes and assists

students on the latest Siemens products

used for final year projects as is the case

with Mr Jonck

Left to right Mr Gustav Jonck with co-promoter

Mr Sakkie Du Preez from Siemens

Energy Management is increasingly im-

portant and companies will have no

choice but to become actively involved

in the solutionmdash Mr Sakkie du Preez

(Siemens Southern Africa )

Siemens

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by

Siemens Training Centre Staff

Professor Theo van Niekerk

Position Training Expert

Telephone +2741 504 9951

E-mail TheovanNiekerknmmuacza

Mr Karl Du Preez

Position AMTC Manager

Telephone +2741 504 3644

E-mail KarlduPreeznmmuacza

Mr LeRoi Grimbeek

Position Marketing Consultant

Telephone +2741 504 9912

E-mail LeroiGrimbeeknmmuacza

Trainers

Ms Bronwyn Moodaley

Position Administrative Coordinator

Telephone +2741 504 3165

E-mail BronwynMoodaleynmmuacza

Mr John Fernandes

Mr Ian van Niekerk

Supported by