Business
4 Questions to Help You Find the Best Current Transformers
What could be worse than arriving at a site to install a meter only to find that you are not equipped with the appropriate current transformer (CT)? As the saying goes, a craftsman is only as great as his tools; not having the right ones is not only a waste of time but also money. However, itentirely avoidable if you pre-plan this the right way.
Today you can easily find a current transformer available in a variety of sizes, styles, and amperage ranges. Some of them also vary in terms of accuracy and output as well. With so many variables, it is often challenging to choose the right transformer for a project.
However, selecting the right current transformer can be simplified by answering a few questions about your goals, site, and the project in hand. In fact, you may be able to straighten out of some of these details even before checking out a project site! That said, let us look at some basic questions that you must answer to choose the right option and save yourself plenty of troubles down the road!
What Power Meter Are You Using?
You need to understand that because a CT agrees with a meter doesn’t mean that it is your best option. In fact, your meter choice has a considerable impact on your CT choice.
So, you need to check if your meter is better for mV output CT or amp output? You must also check if the meter will be installed permanently, or are you planning to move the meter from one location to another?
How Many Amps Do You Want To Measure?
Another important consideration is to know the number of amps that will be measured. This is something you are likely to know before you visit your site because it is something determined by the goals of your project. For example, if your purpose is to measure a lighting load in a small office, then the CT requirement will be relatively smaller compared to the one for a large establishment.
It is also important to keep in mind that CT performs best when the current flow is anywhere between 10-100% of the CT full-scale value. It would help if you also considered Rogowski coils that are easy to install and work with a wide range. It is also critical to keep in mind that you get the maximum CT accuracy when the load operates to CT’s full rating possible. If the load is under 20A, then it is not advisable to use Rogowski coil because it will be too huge for the load.
If you be moving the meter between multiple loads, then the best solution is to keep at least two different sets of CTs in your repository – one for the small load and one for a large load. This way you will remain covered for all kinds of project settings.
What Are Your Project Types And Goals?
If you are thinking about your project type and goals, then it is essential to know the purpose of the end data. For instance, if you are planning to do a measurement and verification project (M&V), then a standard accuracy meter will be enough to reach your project requirements. However, if you use a revenue-grade meter for tenant submetering, then you need a maximum amount of accuracy. This is when a revenue grade CT would be a perfect choice.
What Is The Duration Of Your Project?
If you are planning to move the meter around a lot, then split-core, clamp-on, and Rogowski coil CTs can be a bit inconvenient to uninstall. In any case, regardless of the CT you choose, it is always advisable to first de-energize the circuit and follow complete safety precautions in your manual to move the CT safely.
If you have read enough and still feel unsure about the best CT for your project, then don’t hesitate to take help from an expert. Just discuss your project requirements and let them help you choose the right CT tailored to your needs.
Business
MoneyPoint Empowers Pharmacists With Payment Solutions
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
Business
Embrace AI, CIIN Urges Insurance Operators
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
Business
NASRDA Reassures On Strengthening Nigeria’s Space Capability
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter