Welcome to the Rotating Machines Section Home Page.
In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s the National Electric Engineering Research Institute [NEERI] was a very active body operating within the CSIR. There was considerable interest in high voltage research at universities, industry and in NEERI itself. Hence a committee was formed to coordinate this research in South Africa, the High Voltage Coordinating Committee [HVCC]. Initially the interest was in the field of transmission, especially lightning and switching surges that affected transmission lines and power transformers. The HVCC was funded by the CSIR and meetings were held there.
Also at that time widespread problems were occurring with premature failure of the windings of medium voltage motors (6,6 kV and 11 kV). This also became of interest to the HVCC. It was soon realised that firstly, the research workers in HV phenomena were not experienced in rotating machines and secondly, problems with MV motors could not be considered apart from low voltage motor problems.
Thus a working group under the HVCC, the Rotating Machines Working Group [RMWG], was formed. The scope was expanded to include all electrical rotating machines, i.e. low voltage and medium voltage, motors and generators. The RMWG came to be recognised as an influential body of specialists and was represented on SABS TC61 Rotating Machines. Members served by invitation, there was no constitution and there were no membership fees. Chairpersons were elected for an undefined term by the members. This arrangement worked very well for some years.
Changes were, however, occurring in the policy of the CSIR which lead to the closure of NEERI. The HVCC then decided to continue with support from Eskom. As it was then looking at research topics wider than high voltage, the name was changed to the Electric Power Coordinating Committee [EPCC]. This was always in difficulty due to lack of funding and eventually wound down, but as far as it is known the EPCC has not been officially disbanded.
In the meantime the RMWG had gained a momentum of its own. Membership was opened up to anyone interested or involved in the field of electrical rotating machines. Representation was well balanced between academia, research institutes, manufacturers, end users, repairers, consultants, SABS/IEC and private persons. Meetings were hosted by employer bodies of members on a rotational basis.
When the EPCC ceased activities the RMWG continued. A tenuous link to the SAIEE was established. This was formalised in 2008 when the RMWG became an ASSOCIATED CHAPTER of the SAIEE in terms of the SAIEE Constitution. Some years later it was felt that the RMWG would benefit from still closer ties and in 2013 the decision was taken to convert the RMWG into a new Section in the SAIEE. The name was then changed to what it is today – the Rotating Machines Section of the SAIEE.
These are the names of some of the chairpersons who have served over the years:
- RMS Chairman August 2022 - Dr. Amesh Singh
- RMS Chairman April 2022 to August 2022 - Wesley Doorsamy
- RMS Chairman April 2020 to March 2022 - Jabu Bembe
- RMS Chairman April 2018 to March 2020 - Prof. Jan De Kock
The RMS Section is Proudly Endorsed and Supported by :
