Edited by Eamonn Ryan The following article is derived from an ASHRAE Journal public podcast delving into the intricacies of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, presented by Kelley Cramm, an ASHRAE Life Member and mechanical engineer with Henderson Engineers. Multiple VRF heat recovery systems with a central control. Multiple Light Commercial cassettes units, high wall units and ducted units which are also connected to the central controller. Supplied by AHI Carriers The presentation explores VRF systems, proper installation techniques, and addresses common misconceptions surrounding co ..read more

By Patrick Burke, SAIRAC Fellow The following article is a follow-up to the technical article ‘A case for gas engine VRF systems’ written by Patrick Burke in the RACA Journal April issue. Patrick Burke, RPM Consulting Engineers and SAIRAC Fellow. ©RACA Journal Following the numerous warnings concerning the future long-term supply of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) in South Africa, the general interest in this type of potential energy source had grown considerably with articles now appearing regularly in several leading business news publications. While it is difficult at this stage to decipher the ..read more

Compiled by Eamonn Ryan With the current trends of Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 (4IR), all OEM air-handling-unit and chiller manufacturers are looking for intelligent components with bus-protocol communication. FUNCTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: Connect – the system connects every device within a machine and shop floor Collect – it captures critical data at every level from sensor to cloud Analyse – it converts data into meaningful analytics Act – it drives action through real-time information and business logic Through Industry 4.0, all industrial networks have been standardise ..read more

By Eamonn Ryan with technical input from Mpumzi Swana, director of product development company SAMAC In a bid to improve its energy consumption and bolster sustainability efforts, Standard Bank recently introduced an innovative energy solution, leveraging SAMAC Engineering Solutions’ cutting-edge technology – the ENRG blanket. Mpumzi Swana, chief operations officer of company SAMAC. ©RACA Journal The ENRG blanket, powered by US-based Phase Change Solutions (PCS), represents a paradigm shift in energy storage technology in South Africa – though it has been around for about a decade in the US ..read more

By Michael Young, Pr. Eng. Part 5: Operating conditions within a data centre for a DX system Things to know… The integration of variable speed compressors have improved the overall energy efficiency of a DX system when used within a data centre type of application. When considering a DX type of cooling system, operating air conditions have become the starting point of the design. Some end users require a specific entering air condition to the server and HVAC designers often need to reverse engineer to meet these requirements. Michael Young is a trainer, coach and a pre-sales engineer in th ..read more

Grant Laidlaw is currently the owner of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA) in Edenvale. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an associate degree in educational administration. He has a National Technical Diploma and completed an apprenticeship with Transnet. He has dual-trades status: refrigeration and electrical. He has been involved with SAIRAC for over two decades and served on the Johannesburg committee as chairman and was also president between 2015 and 2018. Currently he is the SAIRAC national treasurer. Many people ask for assistance in the unders ..read more

As of 1 March 2024, Eskom has taken over control of load shedding in the City of Ekurhuleni, with consequences for businesses in the metro. Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage. Supplied by CBI Electric This came after the city reportedly failed to execute power outages when required. However, the metro has negotiated with the power utility for load curtailment to be implemented instead, which will see businesses reportedly being responsible for reducing their electricity consumption by 30%. “Although this has been met with protest, it is still better than the a ..read more

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a new specification for ventilation hygiene as part of its ongoing efforts to minimise the risk posed by contaminated indoor air to human health and well-being. This is part two of a two-part article. BESA. Supplied by BESA … continued from part one. This was developed to help address the specific risks to people and property posed by poorly maintained systems in commercial kitchens, highlighted by fire officers up and down the country. With this new document, BESA is responding to growing demand for another targeted specifica ..read more

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a new specification for ventilation hygiene as part of its ongoing efforts to minimise the risk posed by contaminated indoor air to human health and well-being. This is part one of a two-part article. Air quality. Freepik.com It has also updated two of its air hygiene training courses to ensure delivery against the new specification and improve safety standards in buildings. The courses are designed so that contractors can advise their clients about ventilation cleanliness to help them meet health & safety obligations and ..read more

AES gets rubber manufacturers on the path to sustainable energy optimisation. Jordan Smith, Gauteng Regional Manager at AES. Supplied by AES For decades, South Africa’s rubber has been a major material used in the HVAC manufacturing sector among others. Now, with increasing pressure to address energy usage and optimisation, the intervention of Associated Energy Services (AES), a leading operations and maintenance service provider to the steam and boiler sector, could be a game changer.  AES Gauteng regional manager Jordan Smith, and associate director operations Ray Lund – who work clos ..read more