Refrigeration 2021 wrap

STAYING COOL IN FRONT OF A CHALLENGE

AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2021 Conference highlighted the incredible innovation and opportunities in our sector – and the need to overcome some familiar barriers.

After a long, COVID-enforced break from large face-to-face events, AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2021 Conference at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne represented more than just a chance to explore the latest developments from the world of refrigeration – it was a much-anticipated reunion. “It’s been a long journey to return to in-person conferences,” says AIRAH Chief Executive Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH. “And when you see the people from our industry back in the same room together, you realise what we’ve missed. There is a clear desire to reconnect.”

This desire was reflected in a strong turnout of 150 people who enjoyed the two-day hybrid conference both live and online. They were treated to three international keynote presentations that highlighted innovations in the sector, and showed the profound impact that refrigeration has on our world.

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTES

Bruce Nelson, M.AIRAH, from Colmac Coil Manufacturing beamed in from the US to discuss natural refrigerants. As well as looking at the more commonly used CO2, ammonia and hydrocarbons, Nelson spoke about systems that use water and air as refrigerants. He emphasised that these could pave the way to low-GWP heating and cooling. “We know that these fluids that occur in nature are environmentally benign,” said Nelson. “So if that’s what it takes to reduce global warming and reduce ozone depletion, then let’s get on with it, and as refrigeration engineers let’s design equipment to fit these natural fluids.” Thomas Frank from Refolution in Germany followed up with a presentation on the air refrigeration systems his company has developed in European cold saunas that operate at -115°C. And Thomas Lund from Denmark shared Danfoss’ detailed analysis of the performance of industrial-size refrigeration systems.

SHARP FOCUS AND BIG PICTURE

In all, more than 30 presenters and panellists offered insights on everything from advanced technical topics such as high-temperature heat pumps and cascade heat exchangers, to broader issues for the refrigeration industry such as attracting new talent – especially women. Elizabeth Paparo, Affil.AIRAH, presented an eight-step strategy for achieving gender equality in the workforce, and laid out the challenge in simple terms. “Men continue to hold a lot of the power,” Paparo said. “Ask yourself: What are you going to do with it? What do you stand for? And if not you, then who?” As well as gender equality, other familiar challenges were raised by presenters and attendees alike. Lively discussions focused on the transition to lower-GWP and flammable refrigerants, professional registration and trade licensing, and the eternal quest for wider industry recognition. “These issues have been with us since we ran our very first Refrigeration Conference a decade ago,” says Gleeson. “But we believe they can be overcome. That’s why it is our goal to provide excellent technical content, as well as a broader conversation so that specialists and other stakeholders can tackle these big issues.” Videos from the live-streamed event will be made available to registered delegates soon – keep an eye on the conference website: www.airah.org.au/ refrigeration2021 ❚

The refrigeration end-user panel included (L–R) Sarah Reid, City of Melbourne; Amna Abdalla, City of Yarra; Bryon Price, F.AIRAH, A.G. Coombs; and Julian Hudson, M.AIRAH, Glaciem Cooling.

AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, welcomed the attendees.

AIRAH THANKS THE SPONSORS OF REFRIGERATION 2021

Diamond sponsor

Gold sponsors

Bronze sponsors

and the Women of AIRAH STG as the Cocktail Function sponsor.