Global Update

THE ULTIMATE FRIDGIE BEER?

San Diego-based craft brewery Ballast Point is using condensate from air conditioning systems to make beer.

Ballast Point has teamed up with San Diego International Airport to use waste water for the new SAN Test Pilot beer. The airport has been collecting the condensate from the AC units on jet bridges for several years as part of its conservation efforts, capturing about 375,000 litres per year. Previously this had only been used for cleaning, and for the facility’s cooling towers. Now, people are paying for the pleasure of drinking it!

“Through the years, our R&D brewery has experimented with water reclamation as part of our commitment to sustainability,” says Aaron Justus, Ballast Point’s director of research and development.

We can certainly drink to that. Although be warned, at 5.8 per cent alcohol, the Test Pilot will get you flying pretty quickly. ■

BRAZIL

AC MARKET HEATING UP

Brazil is experiencing strong sales for air conditioning units, partly due to record temperatures during 2019.

According to the Japan Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News (JARN), the year-on-year growth rate for the first 10 months of last year was 20 per cent, and market demand was expected to exceed 3.5 million units for the whole year. The high demand applied not only to single split systems, but also to multi-split systems, which increased by 9.4 per cent.

The figures mark a major recovery from the slump in 2016, when the market dropped by 34.6 per cent. Now, local sales staff are predicting that the national market for single-split units should reach six to seven million.

CAMOUFLAGED CONDENSERS

Daikin UK has come up with a new concept for home-owners who want to “hide”their outdoor air conditioning units: photographic wrapping.

The service allows a unit to be merged with its background by wrapping it in a high‑quality vinyl film based on a photograph provided by the customer. Each panel is removed, wrapped and carefully replaced. The unit is then delivered to site.

The service is covered by warranty, and it does not interfere with servicing. Daikin says the wrap also prevents abrasion, extends colour fastness, and offers easier handling.

Prices range from £589 (Au$1,143) for a single-fan condenser to £1,097 (Au$2,129) for a VRV type.

At the moment, Daikin Australia has not announced plans to offer the service here, but it could prove popular based on the number of photos we receive of condensers in boxes! ■

INDIA

SET AND FORGET

The Indian government has announced that 24°C will be the new default temperature for air conditioners (AC). This includes all air conditioners that are labelled under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)-star program.

The default setting is the setting at which a machine comes from the factory.

Apparently, very few people in India adjust their AC settings – most let it run on the default.

This is the reasoning behind changing the default setting, although users are still able to change the settings as needed.

ENERGY EFFICIENT MODELS NEW

Introducing the newest members of the family.

The new additions to our Variable Capacity Commercial Series have been specifically developed to provide energy efficient performance with advanced control functionality. Perfect for retail and light commercial applications, they come packed with value and a host of advanced features included as standard. Developed with an array of advanced control options, the Variable Capacity Commercial Series is also easy to install and service.

Available Capacities�

14kW NEW

16kW NEW

19kW NEW

21kW NEW

29kW 33kW

�Rated cooling capacities.

TruMax TRU-INVERTER TECHNOLOGY ON NEW MODELS

To learn more about how our extensive range can improve your business, please contact: 1300 522 722 or visit us at actronair.com.au

AN ARBSOLUTE MUST

ARBS 2020 moves into Melbourne this May, attracting the who’s who of the HVAC&R and building services industries. Sean McGowan looks at the major drawcards, and why this year’s exhibition has already broken records.

BACK AT THE SHED

ARBS 2020 returns to the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) this year – a venue colloquially referred to by locals as Jeff’s Shed after former Victorian premier, Jeff Kennett.

Located on the banks of the Yarra River and across the road from the Crown Melbourne and Southbank entertainment precincts, it’s easy to get to, and even easier to linger around.

You’ll find plenty of accommodation, food and drink options, and nightlife if you are so inclined.

BIGGER IS BETTER

After breaking attendance records when it finally returned to Sydney in 2018, ARBS 2020 will surpass all previous size records for the event in Melbourne.

Due to the number of exhibitors keen to get their products and services in front of industry professionals, the exhibition floor area at MCEC has been extended to cover a whopping 18,000m², making this the largest ARBS ever in Melbourne.

TECH SAVVY

ARBS 2020 will surpass all previous size records for the event in Melbourne

extension of space with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEM),” says ARBS Exhibition manager Sue Falcke.

“This has never happened this early before.”

Not only have 350 exhibitors already committed to ARBS 2020, long-term exhibitors such as Daikin Australia, Beijer Ref Australia (Kirby), Temperzone, Airefrig Australia, Mitsubishi Electric Australia and Panasonic have all opted for larger and more impressive stands to display their product ranges.

According to ARBS organisers, exhibitors are going all out to attract visitors to their spaces. Larger and more visually dynamic stand designs are expected to be a key feature of this year’s exhibition.

Prepare to be wowed. Set alongside the ARBS 2020 main exhibitor hall, IBTech@ARBS is a precinct dedicated to the exploration of the very latest in intelligent building technologies and solutions.

Building on its debut at the Sydney exhibition in 2018, this year’s IBTech@ARBS precinct will showcase the innovation driving new product development and solutions for digitised buildings.

But it’s not just for building owners and designers.

Anyone working on building services systems found in modern buildings will find the precinct to be an educational wonderland. Recent advances in technology that deliver greater integration and interoperability between key systems will be on show for visitors to engage with and explore.

According to Jon Clarke, M.AIRAH, head of smart building technology delivery at Dexus, technology is changing how buildings are both constructed and managed.

CAMFIL

Stand No. 810

As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimise energy use and benefit human’s health and the environment. We believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with manufacturing sites, R&D centres and sales offices around the world. We have local sales offices in 26 countries and proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the globe.

FLUID SEALING

Stand No. 10

A total of 9,262 people visited ARBS 2018 in Sydney. Early signs are that ARBS 2020 could be even bigger.

BLYGOLD

Stand No. 627/629/631

Complete pump repair and maintenance solutions for every HVAC&R application.

PUMP OVERHAULS and REPAIRS We supply and overhaul all types and brands of pumps. AIR HANDLING UNITS and FANS – COOLING TOWERS Electrical motor replacements, on site bearing replacement to motors, main fan shafts, pulley and belt replacement and laser alignments LASER ALIGNMENT Laser shaft alignment (motor and pump) achieves better performance and longer product life

Contact: Frank or Corey Ph: 0418580196 or 0408802073 Email: frank@fluidsealing.com.au corey@fluidsealing.com.au Blygold is the market leader in high-end corrosion protection of HVAC equipment. Next to corrosion causing economical damage, it also affects health, safety and environmental issues. Blygold products and services will extend the economic lifetime of your equipment and will keep the efficiency high. Blygold is an innovative and forward-thinking company offering unique and sustainable high-quality protection against corrosion. With over 40 years’ experience, we have the know-how and state-of-the-art products and techniques to solve any corrosion problem. Our multitude of success stories says it all.

We are committed to our core values: Quality, Innovation and Sustainability HVAC Coil Coating Tube Sheet & Water Box Cladding Cabinet & Casings Protection HVAC Refurbishment/Renovations

NSW: 02 9481 0300 | Qld: 07 3807 0660 SA/NT: 08 8347 7695 | Vic: 03 9544 6754 WA: 08 9200 7002 | NZ: +64 276 647 435 info@blygold.com.au info@blygold.co.nz

Costs for seminars in the Speaker Series will be advised with final program – check out arbs.com.au

As well as the exhibition space, the IBTech Insight Series will present a seminar program focusing specifically on SMART buildings and property technology. This will include case studies, panel sessions and workshops.

BEST AND BRIGHTEST

As has become tradition, ARBS 2020 will partner with WorldSkills Australia for the ninth time to co-host the National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Competition on the exhibition floor.

Part of the 2020 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, the event will see 12 of the best and brightest young refrigeration technicians invited to compete following their success in the 2019 WorldSkills Australia Regional competitions held across the country last year.

Representatives from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, the ACT and Western Australia are all expected to compete in the three-day event at

Running concurrently with the exhibition, the Speaker Series is designed to connect you to what matters most

ARBS 2020, which will involve a series of practical and theoretical tasks based on industry practices.

Visitors to ARBS 2020 will be able to watch on alongside judges, volunteers, families and program partners as competitors go head to head under time constraints in pursuit of a medal.

“It’s an incredibly important, exciting and productive relationship,” says WorldSkills Australia general manager, Brigitte Collins.

| HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | March 2020 She says that as well as being a valuable opportunity for competitors to showcase their talents in front of the industry, it’s an important opportunity for WorldSkills Australia also.

“Co-hosting the event provides WorldSkills Australia with ideal opportunities to build relationships and collaborate with industry to support and promote Vocational Education and Training (VET),” she says. “Additionally, these partnerships help us create a platform to present skilled-based careers as an ideal pathway for young men and women wanting to take on an apprenticeship.”

Successful competitors will have the chance to progress to the WorldSkills International Championships to be held in Shanghai in 2021, as part of the WorldSkills Australia national team, the Skillaroos.

SPEAK UP

The ARBS 2020 Speaker Series provides visitors with a unique opportunity to hear from a host of industry leaders as they share their knowledge and expertise on the most pressing HVAC&R topics.

Running concurrently with the exhibition, the Speaker Series is designed to connect you to what matters most.

Alongside some broad-based discussions on topics such as NABERS Energy, there is plenty that is both practical and applicable to HVAC&R technicians and others working at the coalface.

For instance, there’ll be a presentation on the decommissioning of existing HFC based aircooled refrigeration plants and replacement with NH3 DX‑based solutions. Then there’s the topic of why seismic restraint of HVAC is required. No doubt the aftermath of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake will serve as an example (see HVAC&R Nation July 2017).

Another presentation will reveal how artificial intelligence is optimising HVAC&R systems by generating predictions of system load and resources.

And the much-anticipated update of Cold Hard Facts by Michael McCann and Peter Brodribb, M.AIRAH, of the Expert Group will also be presented at the ARBS 2020 Speaker Series. This will shine a spotlight on the state of play in the HVAC&R sector with particular emphasis on the annual rates of change in the adoption of new technology and refrigerants. If you want to be on top of all that is happening in Australia’s industry, this session is a must.

While some sessions will cost, others are free – you just need to register. Jump onto the ARBS 2020 website to check out the sessions and topics that interest you most.

ARBS 2020 AT A GLANCE

May 19–21 Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

SHOW HOURS Day 1 and 2, 10am–6pm Day 3, 10am–4pm Visit arbs.com.au to register

A key event of every ARBS exhibition for the past 10 years has been the ARBS Industry Awards.

The awards officially launched in 2010 in Melbourne with the purpose of honouring and rewarding talent within the Australian industry.

Over the years, the ARBS Industry Awards have grown to become some of the industry’s most sought-after gongs.

One of the winners at that inaugural awards dinner was tech architect Nirosha Munasinghe, who was presented with the Young Achiever Award for his involvement in developing open system controls products for the HVAC market.

Reflecting on his win almost a decade later, Munasinghe says it provided a launch pad for his career.

“Winning this award was a great honour to me and really catapulted my career,” he says. “We were a small company back then – a small start-up in Melbourne. It gave presence to our company and we were able to establish a distribution network around Australia.”

This year, there’ll be a new group of young achievers to celebrate, as well as five other categories: product excellence, software excellence, project excellence, outstanding maintenance and service, and industry education and training.

If you needed more reason to come, this year’s ARBS Industry Awards Gala Dinner will be held at Crown Palladium – the venue of choice for some of Australia’s most prestigious events including Cricket Australia’s Allan Border Medal and the AFL’s Brownlow Medal.

So book in the babysitter and walk the red carpet like Steve Smith or Dustin Martin. The evening on May 20 is sure to be a cracker.

COME WISH US A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

And in case you were wondering, AIRAH will be at ARBS 2020 too – celebrating our centenary.

JOIN US AT ARBS

Where Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

When Tuesday May 19: 10am –6pm Wednesday May 20: 10am –6pm Thursday May 21: 10am –4pm

Contact Email: airah@airah.org.au Info: www.airah.org.au

AerisGUARD ™ Corrosion Protection Services

Stand No. 816

AerisGUARD ™ Corrosion Protection Services will help maintain and improve the life expectancy of your plant and equipment.

Our coatings can be used across many metallic surface including: coils, frames, casings & unit structures.

Available in both clear and blue finishes, Aeris corrosion protection excels in all aspects of testing performed by the CSIRO. 5-year warranty with maintenance servicing OEMs, HVAC&R manufacturers, wholesalers, specialty projects and specifying engineers. We apply coatings in-factory, in-field and on-site… Call us to find out more.

In 2018, Tony Squires was the Awards MC. This year it will be actor Shane Jacobson.

We’ll have plenty of copies of HVAC&R Nation on hand, back issues to catch up on, and info about all the things the Institute is up to.

Don’t be shy – come by the AIRAH Stand at 313/314 and say hello. We’d love to hear what you think about our publications, and the exciting projects you are working on.

You never know – you might just find yourself featured in the future.

The big event will be the opening of a time capsule buried back in 1995 for AIRAH’s 75th anniversary. We’re hoping they chucked in some Apple shares. ■

BOC

Stand No. 366

BOC is a leading supplier of industrial gases, refrigerants and related welding/gas equipment. Our range includes oxygen, acetylene, welding consumables, nitrogen, traditional fluorocarbon refrigerants such as R22, R134a, R410a and R404a, and natural refrigerants R717 (ammonia) and R744 (CO2). We also offer the latest HFO refrigerants R1234yf, R1233zd, R1234ze with a GWP <1. For over 80 years, we have delivered outstanding customer relationships through our extensive range of products and our nationwide distribution network with around 60 Gas & Gear stores and over 850 agents throughout Australia.

Head Office 5/26–34 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery NSW, 2018, Australia T: +61 2 8344 1315 E: info@aeris.com.au www.aeris.com.au