HVACR Nation November 2017 by AIRAH

Feature

The A to Z of controls and instruments

11 ways

Skills WORKSHOP

Reciprocating compressors

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11 ways to be a better fridgie 20 HVAC&R Nation is published by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (Inc). AIRAH – National Office James Harrison Centre 3/1 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Tel: 03 8623 3000

Fax: 03 9614 8949

www.airah.org.au/nation

Magazine team Managing Editor Matthew Dillon matt.dillon@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3000

Contributing writer Sean McGowan

Ours is an industry that is forever evolving, and as a fridgie working in this space you should be evolving too. With the help of industry members, HVAC&R Nation’s Sean McGowan has compiled 11 ways to be better at what you do.

Advertising sales HVAC&R Nation regulars

Glenn Douglas glenn.douglas@airah.org.au Ph: 03 8623 3018

John McGrath john.mcgrath@airah.org.au Ph: 03 8623 3007

Skills Workshop

The Toolshed

see what’s new in the ‘Shed

Reciprocating (Type 1) compressors

8 Global Update industry news from around the world

ISSN 1834-9522 HVAC&R Nation is printed on paper sourced from well manned forests and other controlled sources.

gadgets, gizmos and whatnot

Disclaimer HVAC&R Nation is an official publication of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. Statements expressed in HVAC&R Nation do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of AIRAH or its members. No responsibility is accepted by AIRAH, the Editor or HVAC&R Nation’s supply partners for the accuracy of information or for errors or omissions. HVAC&R Nation is distributed without charge to all financial members of AIRAH. The publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the Publisher.

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Exclusive to November

Cool Tech Green Wedge fuel your enviro cred

24 Around the Nation who’s in the news?

26 Insurance advice Protecting yourself when things go wrong

28 Smoko with . . . Q&A with HVAC&R Nation

AIRAH news

What’s happening at the Institute

Lighter Side the shonkier side of the nation

Controls from A to Z Used to monitor system performance, maintain conditions, ensure comfort and improve energy efficiency – as well as various other functions – controls and instrumentation are an integral part of today’s state-of-the-art HVAC&R industry. HVAC&R Nation runs you through the A to Z of controls.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KEEP IT.

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 3

Editorial

ALL THE FRIDGIE YOU CAN BE with many exciting and diverse opportunities,” says ARC CEO Glenn Evans.

Recently a long-time listener/first-time caller rang through to one of the blokier afternoon radio shows. “So, what do you do for a crust mate?” asked one of the drive-time hosts, as they usually do.

We in HVAC&R have a great

“I’m a fridgie,” replied the caller.

story to tell. And through

He may as well have said “eel ecologist” or “circus geek”. No one in the studio had the remotest idea of what he was talking about. Was the caller deluded – did he think he was a refrigerator?!

HVAC&R Nation we will

I guess it says something that such a prominent and important industry as HVAC&R, is still – after all this time – very much below the radar. People take air conditioning and refrigeration for granted. So long as it works and office workers are kept cool, that’s pretty much all that matters. Well, steps are being taken to address the situation. AIRAH, the organisation that publishes HVAC&R Nation, is in the throes of developing a strategy to elevate and better promote the industry. And in the “Around the Nation” section of this issue, you can read about a pretty cool initiative from the ARC aiming to do the same thing.

continue to tell it.

“We have a great story to tell. Our industry is vital to modern life, leads the world in environmental stewardship, and has access to cutting-edge technologies. These themes are given prominence in the video – which is included in the USB stick – and the education material we sent to schools.” As Evans says, we in HVAC&R have a great story to tell. And through HVAC&R Nation we will continue to tell it. n

As part of nationwide campaign to promote air conditioning and refrigeration as viable career choices, the ARC recently sent out some cool fridge-shaped USB sticks, which double as handy fans when plugged into mobile phones. The gadgets, which were accompanied by education materials and a careers video, were sent to secondary schools all around Australia.

@AIRAHnews

Matthew Dillon Managing Editor matt@airah.org.au

“The ARC strongly believes our industry deserves to be presented as dynamic, prosperous and vital,

Want to connect with AIRAH? There are lots of ways to stay up to date with what we’re doing.

AIRAHAU

@AIRAHNews

AIRAHAustralia

4 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

@AIRAHConnect

www.airah.org.au

airah@airah.org.au

RECOGNISING

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November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 5

Toolshed 01

Bitzer’s back with Varipack

for premium indoor enclosed spaces such as gaming rooms, ballrooms and conference rooms. “Airepure AireFlow-V filters have an extremely low initial pressure drop compared to other mini-pleat air filters on the market. This low-pressure drop results in lower energy costs and extended service intervals.”

Bitzer has added Varipack frequency inverters to its IQ product range. Bitzer says Varipack is different from others on the market because it adjusts to suit a system’s cooling demand. “The precise coordination of the compressor and frequency inverter saves additional energy, and thus increases compressor efficiency in full and part-load,” Bitzer says, adding that it’s predicted this will reduce both energy consumption and running costs. The Varipack series is suitable for refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps. It can be integrated into systems with single compressors and those with compound systems.

Airepure says Airflow-V is suitable for use in humid, tropical areas and coastal areas.

“Superior construction features ensure product rigidity, thermal stability, and eliminate any chance of contaminant bypass,” Airepure says. “Furthermore, vulnerable outer media pleats are protected by sturdy metal mesh to avoid any potential risk of damage to the filter media during handling, installation or transport. This reduces the potential risk of fingers damaging the filter media during filter installation.”

“The Bitzer software enables application-specific selection of the frequency inverter,” Bitzer says, “while the BEST software promotes easy operation and monitoring.”

The AireFlow-V filter can operate in commercial HVAC systems that face velocities up to 3.38m/sec and airflows up to 1,260 L/sec.

Go to www.bitzer.come.au n

Go to www.airepure.com.au n

Belimo’s advanced butterfly valve

Belimo Australia has released a new butterfly valve featuring multi-function technology (MFT) actuators designed for enhanced control.

“For TSI, the future is now and the platform is AirPro,” the firm says. “TSI AirPro comprises of hardware section such as meters and accessories, mobile application software with remotely enabled feature sets or performance level, flexible service offering, cloud-based and License Manager Website.

Belimo says the modulating MFT actuator models allow users to create custom solutions for individual applications, using the same programmable actuator. “Whether you need a particular control or feedback signal, or require changing running speeds, MFT is the answer,” Belimo says. “It comes standard as a 2 to 10VDC proportional control but can be reprogrammed onsite. The newly designed butterfly valve and actuator assembly is the most intelligent, energy-efficient, and reliable high-flow solution in the HVAC market. With a focus on ease of installation, application flexibility and longevity, this series sets new performance standards in the HVAC market.”

“This solution exists within the ventilation test instrumentation product line, and our position is next-generation solutions that improve productivity while aligning with ongoing global industry advancement without compromising the high reliability and accuracy TSI is known for. “The AirPro solutions optimises your productivity in the air velocity measurement by providing best-in-class air velocity accuracy, visible display on handle (true one-handed operation); pushing the ENTER button saves data to the mobile device with active feedback and flexible interchange of probes.

Go to www.belimo.com n

“This solution leverages common computing devices like phones and tablets, with the AirPro mobile app capabilities of measurement configuration, data storage, display and calculations, step-by-step workflow, and local language support. TSI AirPro enhances your productivity, with the ability to measure in multiple locations simultaneously, no manual calculations, and the ability to share data quickly.”

Adding to air movement

Air Additions has released its Rayflow VCDs, designed to provide economical airflow control in ducting systems. “Made locally, our VCD frame and blades are constructed from high-quality, long-lasting marine-grade aluminium for corrosion protection,” Air Additions says.

06 05

Go to airadditions.com.au n

6 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

A new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump from Perth-based technology company Airstream recently launched its Google Home iZone interface.

“iZone air conditioning, lighting (iLight) and garden reticulation (iDrate) can now all be controlled via your Google assistant. So, you don’t have to even reach for your phone. Just tell Google what you want and your little assistant will take care of it.

In the flow with AireFlow-V

“Designed to provide high-efficiency filtration, AireFlow-V filters remove airborne contaminants such as smoke, bacteria, fume, fungi and virus-bearing droplet nuclei; and are perfect

OK Google, turn on the aircon

“iZone is a rapidly expanding fully integrated third-party control system that controls the air conditioning unit, zones, room temperatures and so much more,” Airstream says.

“Along with our standard range we can also custom make any damper to suit your specifications and or décor requirements.”

“The Airepure AireFlow-V is a durable, energy-saving, mini-pleat air filter for high-velocity, commercial HVAC systems,” the company says.

Go to www.tsi.com n

“They are lightweight, versatile, and easy to install. Bearings are a two-piece design manufactured from high-quality acetyl plastic. All motorised dampers are provided with upper and lower seals and venetian side seals. Linkages are a combination of cast zinc and aluminium.

Give AirPro a go

“It’s a lot of fun, but like all voice-recognition technology it takes a little training of both the Google Assistant and the human to get consistent voice control of your iZone system. The system is compatible with most air conditioning brands. Contact sales@air-stream.com.au n

Toolshed 07

Purpose-built from HEVAC

“HEVAC’s Australian made and designed low-cost carpark ventilation controller HCP7 and HGS gas sensors have been purpose-built to satisfy AS1668.2 requirements for nonnaturally vented carparks,” HEVAC says.

“The new BAPI Low Profile “Button” sensor, available from Controls Traders, is ideal for locations where aesthetics are as important as the temperature measurement,” Controls Traders says. “The inconspicuous wall sensor mounts easily by pushing through a 9mm hole and secured with a peel-off tape strip. The only visible portion is a flush 22mm dot on the wall, less than the size of a dollar coin.

“Preset, easily selectable programs to suit occupied and unoccupied carparks and an inbuilt system test button make commissioning and testing a breeze. Our CO and NO2 gas sensors also have a test plug to produce full-response and fault-mode outputs.

Snappy from BAPI

“This sensor is suspended in a round button-size enclosure shell so that room air can surround the sensing element for a fast and accurate temperature reading. The sensor is isolated from the mass wall temperature with internal insulators. The unit can also be painted to fit in with the interior room décor.

“Zero and span calibration potentiometers make testing and yearly calibration a very simple procedure, needing nothing more than calibration gas, an attachment hose and a multimeter, all of which we can also supply as a universal CO calibration kit complete with carry bag.

“The HCP7 can be set to respond to a current value (CV) or a time-weighted average (TWA) sensor measurement, and comes standard with MODBUS – as can the sensors on request.

The Button sensor is available in white or black, with a range of thermistor and RTD sensor types to suit a variety of building automation controllers and PLCs. Go to www.controlstraders.com n

“The controller reads up to seven sensors or via expansion modules EXP7, up to 42 sensors. Go to www.hevac.com.au/car-park-co-systems n

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED?

Email matt.dillon@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.

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November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 7 HVAC HP Be Impressed 220X150 NoBleed v1.indd 1

19/10/2015 12:23 pm

Global Update

DENMARK

USA

PORTUGAL

THE 3D DANISH EXPERIENCE

DATA CENTRE IS A GAS

A NEW PORT FOR BEIJER REF

Danfoss recently opened the first of three new global centres for 3-D printing technology. The centre is located in Nordborg, the small Danish town where Danfoss has been headquartered since 1933.

Microsoft is trialling the concept of data centres run on gas-powered fuel cells. The software company is working on a $3.4 million, 20-rack installation in Seattle.

Swedish refrigeration wholesale group, Beijer Ref AB, is acquiring the assets of the HVAC distribution company DX Por, which has its head office located in Porto, Portugal.

“We're excited to build the world’s first gas data centre,” says Microsoft’s Christian Belady and Sean James. “In this pilot, racks are directly connected to natural gas pipes and fully powered by integrated fuel cells instead of traditional electrical gear.

Established in 2005, DX Por is the main distributor of Toshiba HVAC in Portugal. The Portuguese market for such products is estimated to be worth nearly Au$144 million, having recovered significantly since the GFC.

The centre will provide the company’s European businesses with the opportunity to have prototypes and components additively manufactured via 3-D printing, and to receive expert assistance on 3-D printing technologies. Danfoss has another centre under way in North America, and a third has been planned in Asia. “These centres will help speed up our R&D and development processes and thus speed up time-to-market, optimise production efficiency, and allow us to engineer the products of tomorrow faster,” says Danfoss chief tech officer Andre Borouchaki. n

“Eliminating electrical distribution, power conditioning, and back-up infrastructure makes a data centre easier and less expensive to build, operate and manage.”

INDIA

A POTTY NOTION India-based architecture firm Ant Studio has designed a low-cost and energy-efficient air conditioning system that consists of an elaborate arrangement of hundreds of cone-shaped terracotta pots into a beehive-patterned circle. The cooling solution is installed at a factory of Deki Electronics, where workers were subjected to extreme heat from the genset at the entrance of the factory. The evaporative cooling system operates when water recycled from the factory at room temperature is poured onto the tubes using a motor. The installed prototype was able to cool the area from 50°C to 36°C. The cooling technique traces back to traditional Egyptian evaporative cooling methods. However, modern computational analysis was used to determine the exact measurements of the cones’ walls. n

Microsoft says mass-produced fuel cells would reduce the cost of installing a new data centre rack by at least 10 per cent, and cut operating costs by 21 per cent. n

“The acquisition complements our footprint in the Iberian Peninsula with an entity in Portugal, and will strengthen the distribution of Toshiba air conditioning systems in this country,” says Beijer Ref CEO Per Bertland. “This is fully in line with our strategy.” DX Por management will continue to take an active part in the company. n

USA

DISTRICT COOLING FOR LONDON?

AC LEAK STOPS THE WORLD

To combat high levels of air pollution in his city, London mayor Sadiq Khan has initiated a series of air-quality audits. Fifty planned audits will take place at primary schools in the city’s worstpolluted areas.

An air conditioning leak at Manhattan’s One World Trade Center recently sent water cascading down a stairwell from the 88th floor and halted two lifts in the building, trapping a handful of people inside them for about two hours.

“It is shameful that children across London are breathing in toxic air simply by going to and from school,” Khan says. “And I am determined to do everything in my power to safeguard their health. These air-quality audits are a big step towards helping some of the most polluted schools in London identify effective solutions to protect pupils from toxic fumes but, of course, this is only part of the solution.”

A condenser line was the source of the leak. When the water seeped into the stairways, it triggered the alarm system and stopped the lifts.

The project is to include an assessment of possibilities for incorporation of district heating and cooling schemes to curb emissions and to reduce fossil fuel use. n

The main building of the rebuilt Twin Towers brought down in the 9–11 attacks, One World Trade Center, or the Freedom Tower, is the sixth tallest building in the world. n

8 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

“All of a sudden water started dripping out on the top,” says one of those stranded. “Then the lights started flickering, and then the elevator slowed down, and then everything just stopped dead.”

Clean Air Home & Office™ HVAC & Duct System Protectant, Cleaner / Freshener Clean Air Home & Office™ is a simple and economical way to clean and freshen HVAC systems and ductwork from large central systems to small wall units. A full treatment takes only minutes, requires no tools and has immediate and long lasting results. Clean Air Home & Office™ cleans away the residue in evaporators and drain pans which is the cause of odours and the growth of bacteria, algae, fungi and moulds. The Clean Air Home & Office™ freshens the entire system leaving behind a durable, invisible, protective coating which is leach-resistant and non-migrating. It protects from broad spectrum biostatic activity on many surfaces and lasts approximately three months in HVAC systems. Heat transfer loss is not compromised due to the microscopic coating. In fact, it can increase efficiency as it breaks down surface tension of condensate water, allowing it to drain out of coils. Clean Air Home & Office™ has little degradation up to 170° C and contains no phenols, tin, heavy metals, lead or formaldehyde. It is non-toxic, water based and provides long term protection. One 250gm can of Clean Air Home & Office™ can treat a five to six tonne unit (approximately 5,000 sq ft of building area), or two to four typical wall units (15,000BTU). For ducted systems, locate the return air grille and remove the filter, with the system ON spray the contents of the can into the duct, the product will then be pulled into your system where it goes to work. You will immediately smell a light fragrance coming from the air vents in every room as the product travels through the entire system. The fragrance should disappear within 24 hours leaving the coating behind to continue its work.

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 9

Feature D

Data

The key tool for BMS optimisation is data. “It’s not possible to optimise a system where there is no information on what the controls in the field are doing, and it is hard to optimise where there is no record of what they are meant to be doing,” says Paul Bannister, F.AIRAH, director of innovation and sustainability at Energy Action. But Bannister says that data by itself is not enough. “It needs some degree of analysis to turn it into information that can be acted upon by the building manager, the tuning specialist or the controls company. And this is true of both BMS and metering systems.” F

CONTROLS – FROM A TO Z Used to mon itor system p erformance, comfort and maintain con improve ene ditions, ensu rgy efficienc functions – c re y – as well a ontrols and s v a ri in o s u tr s u o mentation a ther state-of-the-a re an integra rt HVAC&R in l p a rt dustry. HVAC of today’s &R Nation ru everything y n s you through ou need to k now. A

Analytics

Increasingly, real and instantaneous data from multiple system sources is informing how systems are operated and controlled. Known as data analytics, this is having a direct bearing on HVAC system performance, energy consumption, fault finding and maintenance scheduling. B

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Building management systems (BMS) provide control and interface with a building’s various stand-alone controlled systems such as mechanical services and HVAC systems. As the tool through which a building operates, the performance and operation of the BMS has a direct bearing on building energy consumption as well as occupant comfort. And where poorly designed, commissioned or maintained controls are found – typically a poor performing building exists around it.

Get to know the facility manager looking after the building. All buildings have their own intricacies, and most facility managers know their buildings inside and out. The same can be said for the controls engineers – assuming they have been engaged post-construction. H

Calibration

Regular calibration of instrumentation, including sensors, is paramount to accurate controls. For instance, carbon monoxide (CO) sensors found in environments such as carparks are normally of the electro-chemical type and require regular six to 12-month calibration to ensure they operate accurately.

Habits

Breaking convention and the habit of “that’s the way we normally control it” can produce exceptional results when looking to improve system performance through controls. In some buildings, it is not unusual to see an immediate energy consumption reduction of up to 30 per cent as a result of simple control intervention. I

Instrumentation

For those tradies working with HVAC&R systems and controls on a daily basis, owning good instrumentation is paramount. According to Andre Jonker, general manager at Dwyer Instruments SE Asia Pacific, the cost of ownership should be as important a consideration as the initial capital outlay when purchasing instruments. “Be aware of cheap products that will cost far more to maintain over time,” Jonker says. I

Facility manager

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is defined as the internetworking of billions of devices via the internet, so that they are able to communicate, share data and ultimately influence each other. Think of the Internet of Things as the enabler of big data, or the enormous amount of information being produced from controls and instruments. Analysis of this can reveal trends, patterns, faults, and associations. K

Know your limits

To this end, Andre Jonker, general manager at Dwyer Instruments SE Asia Pacific, suggests buying a sensor that is easy to recalibrate.

When it comes to controls, it is important to know your skill limits.

“Look for one that has a display that can be plugged into the unit to easily check the measured value locally at the unit,” Jonker says. “This will make calibration of the sensor in the field simpler when calibration gas is attached to the sensor.”

Rather than adjust set-points and parameters to try and resolve a specific issue – which can have a knock-on effect somewhere else in the system – know when it’s time to call in a controls expert to assist.

10 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

Feature L

FUNDAMENTAL OPTIMISATION ISSUES NDY’s Jonathan Clarke, M.AIRAH, runs us through four fundamental control optimisation issues that are commonly encountered in buildings. 1. Set-points out of design and not achievable Set-points that have been adjusted beyond design can drive the system to operate at 100 per cent. This does not typically achieve any additional cooling or heating, but does waste substantial amounts of energy. Always consider the application before making the adjustment. For example, trying to control humidity in an auditorium to 40 per cent RH will require excessive amounts of cooling, and is probably not achievable. A simple adjustment upwards by 10 per cent can deliver significant results. 2. Control bands too tight In many cases, we have found unstable control with systems constantly hunting between heating and cooling – particularly where the process can influence the results in a fast cycle. For example, supply-air temperature control has a short cycle time between opening the control valves, and affecting the supply-air temperature. With tight control bands, this will cause the system to hunt.

3. Poor VAV control biased to air volume The intent of the VAV system design is to reduce fan power. However, we find that most of the supply-air temperature reset strategies allow the supply-air temperature to rise in conjunction with the average load conditions in the space. In practice, the air volume increases in parallel with the supply-air temperature that satisfies the space conditions, but uses additional fan power. We have successfully implemented optimised VAV strategies using an existing BMS with zone voting techniques to maximise the efficiency whilst maintaining conditions. 4. Demand calculations using P+I loops Use proportional control only for zone temperature control. Implementing the “I” term into the control loop allows the demand to increase to 100 per cent regardless of how close to set-point the conditions are, and this falsifies the actual demand level causing plant to operate at higher levels than necessary.

Even the smartest control strategy cannot overcome seized dampers and sensors out of calibration. So before anything else, look to see that the controls have been tested, installed, commissioned and tuned properly. David Stidolph, controls engineer at Arup, says the most significant improvements can normally be gained by getting the basics right – economy cycle, supply-air temperature reset, pump and fan pressure control, and terminal unit control. “We often see brand new buildings falling well short of their potential and expectations because corners have been cut in the controls delivery process,” he says. “Controls can only perceive the world through the sensors, so if the sensors are wrong the controls will be wrong too.” M

Above all, think about the application and the effect that one control process can have on another. Don’t cut and paste from previous projects – buildings are typically unique and require specific control logic to match the design. Originally published in AIRAH’s Ecolibrium, August 2014

Look first

Machine learning

The evolution of machine learning is changing how the HVAC&R industry monitors equipment performance by allowing controls systems to automatically monitor and recognise system performance degradation and automatically capture faults and their root cause. Machine learning is behind one of the big changes in HVAC&R maintenance – the move from the traditional schedule-based maintenance to predictive maintenance.

TempReport™ Automatic updates, alarms, file downloads

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Temperature Technology

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November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 11

Feature R

Rubbish in. Rubbish out.

Even the best controls systems are based on software that can be configured in a multitude of ways. And as with any software-based technology, it is only as good as the programmer and testing regime behind it. That’s why on-the-ground, intimate knowledge plays a vital role in optimising performance. After all, if you put rubbish in, you’ll get rubbish out. “The greatest tool anyone can have is knowledge based upon experience – understanding how a building operates and identifying the tipping point between energy efficiency and occupant comfort,” says Jonathan Clarke, M.AIRAH, associate director and controls group manager for NDY. The Edge, Amsterdam S O

Over-riding points

Become familiar with the control strategy in place, otherwise simple actions like over-riding points that force equipment to turn on can create problems downstream. For example, over-riding the cooling call of chilled water plant might solve the immediate problem of a warm zone, but then compromise energy targets such as NABERS Energy. So don’t make changes without understanding the system, and if you need to override a point, make a note in the system as to why the change has been made and what corrective action is required.

Protocols

Protocols are the accepted rules and standards that allow communication and data to be shared between system components. Devices and systems that use a particular protocol can communicate easily with each other, but not necessarily with other protocols. In Australia, the ASHRAE open-source BACnet protocol is the most common, and can be found in new building and retrofit specifications. Other protocols you may come across include LonWorks, KNX, DALI, Clipsal C-Bus, Modbus, M-Bus and ZigBee.

Controls Traders is Australia’s online store for HVAC building automation sensors, transmitters and peripherals. Our convenient and easy-to-navigate online portal allows our customers to order, track orders, save favourite products and quotes and transact – all from your PC or mobile device.

Strategies

One of the most important things HVAC&R tradies need to understand are the control strategies being implemented in the system. The shift towards operational efficiency and energy optimisation has resulted in more complex control strategies being implemented that don’t always make sense without understanding the bigger picture. T

The Edge, Amsterdam

Smart buildings integrate and automate all building services, learn and understand occupant patterns, and provide optimum environmental conditions by balancing energy use and comfort.

Kenelec Scientific knows HVAC. Whatever your monitoring needs, we have your solution.

We are the exclusive distributor for Building Automation Products Inc. (BAPI) across Australasia. BAPI is a leading manufacturer of quality sensors and transmitters, supplying to the HVAC building automation industry internationally. Our product range includes temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality and gas-detection sensors, as well as stand-alone configurable controllers, valves, valve actuators and damper actuators.

We only buy from quality manufacturers, including BAPI, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Belimo, Gas Detection (Aust), Dwyer and Honeywell. Phone: 1300 740 140

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12 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

Find out more about our extensive range of products and services: 1300 73 22 33 sales@kenelec.com.au www.kenelec.com.au

AirPro® Solutions by

Feature V

Vendor training

If you are in regular contact with a control system that you are unfamiliar with, approach the controls vendor for training. Basic user training will give you the skills to ensure you are not creating issues, as well as give you the ability to perform fault diagnosis and trouble shooting.

Basic vendor training can be valuable.

Web-based

Almost all systems in use today are web-based, and provide visibility to the user from anywhere that an internet connection is available. Being online also allows for remote alarming via SMS or email, including acknowledgement and escalation, out-of-condition alarms and automated energy and performance reporting via email. Z

Zero emissions

Effective controls strategies are at the heart of high-performance buildings aiming for net-zero emissions. n

Amsterdam’s The Edge building is a good, working example of this seamless integration. It includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting, façade and rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, rainwater harvesting and geothermal heating systems, which all work together to deliver the world’s smartest building.

User access

Restricting user access to reflect each user’s own level of training or competency will avoid many of the common issues that come from various stakeholders making changes to controls.

For more information go to www.airah.org.au/technicalresources

HEVAC was established in 1985 by Trevor Sweetman and Lou Misty as a dedicated controls company specialising in the supply of control systems for the commercial air conditioning industry, and have been producing the now legendary simple and reliable HTC2 & 4 reverse cycle air conditioning package unit controllers since the late 80s.

We service and remanufacture a huge range of electronic controls and circuit boards across an expanding range of industries. Your one source for all electronic controls.

Our sales staff are well known for industry knowledge and service. Our estimator Shaun has 20 years estimating experience. Trevor our Director has 40 years experience designing and commissioning control systems. We manufacture most of our controls in-house for fast turnaround and quality control. HEVAC is also an authorised SIEMENS Victorian distributor. We tender, engineer, supply and site commission control systems, from small air conditioning package units up to large projects utilising the Siemens “Synco” range of controls that can be networked and connected to the internet for remote viewing and control. HEVAC has continued to the current day designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art controls including microprocessor based programmable temperature controllers that come with 365 day time switch function, 0-10V auxiliary signal expanders and various sensor products. Our latest product release is a dedicated AS1668.2 Carpark CO and NO2 control system. We also design and manufacture several OEM products for other companies and welcome new enquiries.

03 9879 3400 • 18 Elliot Place Ringwood, VIC 3134 Australia Explore all the products we service by visiting our website www.modulerepair.com.au

Unit 7, 54 Howleys Road, Nottinghill Victoria 3168 Tel: 03 9562 7888 • Fax: 03 9562 7835

www.hevac.com.au

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 13

Cool Tech

DUTCH SHOW COURAGE FOR SMART GLASSES

Daikin’s smart specs in operation.

In its Netherlands operation Daikin has been trialling high-tech specs to help its service engineers. HVAC&R has always been an industry unafraid to try new tech or different ways of doing things. In the Netherlands, Daikin has been trialling the use of hi-tech “smart glasses” to assist its service engineers in the field. The augmented-reality spectacles support onsite engineers, providing access to technical information such as databases and error codes. Video conferencing with helpdesk staff and colleagues around the world is also possible. Of course, by using glasses, the engineers are hands-free to follow instructions immediately. The Gem Vision specs are provided by Rotterdam-based company AR-Development BV. “Our field engineers currently average two visits a day,” says Daikin service manager Ronald de Feyter. “With more complex failures, they have lost a lot of time searching for, for example, schedules and troubleshooting information. Contact with the service desk is mainly by phone. It proves difficult to describe complex problems without anyone looking into it. That had to be different.”

The glasses have voice recognition and can also recognise objects and codes. A GPS function shows the service desk where an engineer is located, and a service desk employee can see exactly what the engineer sees. The smart specs can be used to take photos and videos, with the material automatically saved and a workbook automatically filled in. Daikin has begun the initial trial with two pairs of glasses, but in time Feyter can see the specs’ training potential. “Junior engineers learn the work by doing it,” he says, “with senior supervision on the service desk.” n

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Heavy spe em com High levels in some s, regu ples ending rate l HVA areas of l labo fungal nd sho system areas benea a syst through n for Sam of visible Dep ent and ry. activitie accumulated other contam aces ble interna deterio duct fou ng dust, debris ologica n as a assessm laborato or on take th the fine the myc fine debris ination When nd to be g pro rated surf ents of dust but ected ion in ily identifia uld be s for taki are ful to that cover , fibres or any tificatio sport, testing . Component insp in isolate sho iden taminat read the compo are fou n or linin deterio d compon system the cedure ssment d sectio be help indoor ples l, tran surface the ns may latio nent. is barely gal con but not ace sam nded pro ion asse cte n may from the in remova ated with not be. insu entire required. ents, if not at If fun ected, pon the affe the n surf omme taminat tificatiois a shif t is needed r all visible as coordin com d and ned and www.aira iden ned beneath re is susp ent, the . Rec . Clea con the contam ssm analysis fungal h.org.au species ether the ion. This ssment er and restore be clea ts and clea asse ed, by ination. Reference Fungal ine wh concentrat risk asse g own ratory ples for ix D. should taminan images confirm to be order labo ldin r per sam for the end been ssment, determ outdoo www.aira a pro n the bui hed in wing four define for con surface d in App em or ent has h.org.au d hygien to the to per form betwee be establis level follo . pon lytical asse cted syst ed. e levels detaile em d er inat gal com tion uld are provid affe ana the cte ord fun C syst rg. au ontam uld affe n or em or ed in Appen n municacleaner shoeptable cleaned 3. the HVA com ira h.o dix F. If a systobservatioinated the uld be decof a mo C ed and Section w.a rough an acc tion of the HVAermine ww visual contam ents sho ediation if a tho ken and aminat , see edia ont fied to det g and rem n dec be veri mould compon or rem ertaken n underta . 13 ion und bee ples has beel should cleanin system aminat only be has ted sam leve system ld or Decont should the system on limi rg. au e the hygiene to mou that is Onc ira h.o em system ent of ent based em due activity itory w.a ssm the syst Terr ww sed C syst asse assessm and HVA speciali the of a a State ents for not an ation ion is eline.

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H YGI ENE

AIRAH’s HVAC Hygiene Best Practice Guidelines is available to purchase in hard copy. n Establishes the criteria for evaluating the internal cleanliness of HVAC system components n Clearly determines when cleaning is required, according to the building use n Describes the components of HVAC systems to be evaluated n Describes the types of contamination likely to be encountered and includes for post fire and flood damage assessments

n Specifies minimum inspection frequencies for various HVAC systems and components for scheduled maintenance programs

Purchase online at www.airah.org.au/store 14 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

HVAC&R

MODULE

107

Skills Workshop

RECIPROCATING

( TYPE 1) COMPRESSORS To transfer heat from the interior of a cabinet or room to the outside, some type of heat carrier must be used. In a standard mechanical cooling system, heat is removed by evaporating a liquid refrigerant in the evaporator and rejecting that heat in the condenser, and in so doing, changing the vapour back to a liquid.

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The compressor is the main moving component of the vapour-compression system. It provides systems with the force to draw the vapour from the evaporator to force it into the condenser by creating a high pressure, and to maintain circulation of the refrigerant.

Skills summary

The compressor’s work begins by creating a low-pressure region on the low side of the system, which allows the low-temperature vapour to flow from the evaporator through the suction line to the compressor.

n What?

The function of a compressor is to maintain a pressure difference between the high and low sides of a system. Conditions are created in which the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator are lowered, allowing the refrigerant to boil and absorb heat from the surroundings; and the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser are raised, allowing the refrigerant to give up heat at existing temperatures to whatever medium is used to absorb heat.

An introductory guide to reciprocating or Type 1 compressors, explaining the role compressors play in the vapour-compression system, and detailing its relationship to refrigerant.

n Who?

PULLOUT

HVAC&R apprentices, teachers, lecturers, contractors, installers, mechanics/technicians and maintainers.

INTRODUCTION The compressor is the main moving component of the vapour-compression system (Figure 2.2). It provides the system with the force to draw the vapour from the evaporator, to force it into the condenser by creating a high pressure and to maintain circulation of the refrigerant.

(Reproduced with permission of Danfoss [Australia] Pty Ltd.)

Figure 2.1: Hermetic scroll compressors.

The compressor’s work begins by its creating a low‑pressure region on the low side of the system, which allows the low‑temperature vapour to flow from the evaporator through the suction line to the compressor. The compressor then compresses the low‑temperature vapour,

(b) the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser are raised, allowing the refrigerant to give up heat at existing temperatures to whatever medium is used to absorb heat.

evaporator (cooling unit)

compound gauge

condenser

suction gauge connection suction service valve

sight glass

receiver

compressor discharge service valve

high-pressure gauge

discharge gauge connection

Figure 2.2: Vapour-compression system.

Stated briefly, the function of a compressor is to maintain a pressure difference between the high and low sides of the system. In this process, conditions are created in which: (a) the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator are lowered, allowing the refrigerant to boil and absorb heat from the surroundings

expansion valve

expansion valve thermal bulb

raising its vapour pressure and temperature. This high‑temperature and high‑pressure vapour, containing the heat absorbed from the evaporator and during compression, is discharged to the condenser. The heat then flows from the hot vapour into the cooler air or water around the condenser. The compressor is also responsible for lowering the pressure in the evaporator, allowing the refrigerant to boil at a reduced temperature and thereby provides the temperature difference necessary for heat to flow into the evaporator.

high-pressure vapour high-pressure liquid/vapour thermal bulb pressure low-pressure vapour low-pressure liquid/vapour

TYPES OF COMPRESSOR The variety of refrigerants, and the varying size, location and application of systems, are some of the factors which create the need for many types of compressor. Since refrigerant properties differ, one compressor may be required to handle large volumes of vapour at small pressure drops, while another must handle small volumes at large pressure drops.

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 15

HVAC&R Skills Workshop There are five main types of compressor: • reciprocating • rotary • centrifugal • screw • scroll. The action of the mechanical parts of a compressor determines its classification but, no matter what type of compressor is employed, the effect on the refrigerant is identical.

Operating principles The basic operating principles of the various types of compressor are as follows. Type 1: In a reciprocating compressor, a piston travels back and forth (reciprocates) within a cylinder. Type 2: In a rotary compressor, an eccentric rotor rotates within a cylinder. Type 3: In a centrifugal compressor, a rotor (or impeller), with many blades rotating in a housing, draws in vapour and discharges it at high velocity by centrifugal force. Type 4: In a screw compressor, the vapour is compressed between two rotating screws which intermesh and compress the vapour trapped between the lobes or threads. Type 5: In a scroll compressor, the vapour is compressed between two identical involute spiral scrolls. One scroll is fixed and the other rotates, compressing the vapour as it is pushed from the periphery to the centre of the spiral to be discharged.

RECIPROCATING (TYPE 1) COMPRESSORS To compress the charge of refrigerant vapour in a reciprocating‑type compressor, a plunger or piston is moved up within a cylinder. The vapour is compressed and moved through the discharge valve. Then, as the piston moves back downwards in the cylinder, a void (or partial vacuum) is created. A new charge of vapour is drawn into this space and in turn is compressed and moved to the condenser. Because the original source of pumping energy is usually an electric motor which has only rotary motion, a mechanism must be made to change the rotary motion to reciprocating motion. This change is usually accomplished by means of a crank and a rod connecting the crank to the piston. The complete mechanism is housed in a leak‑proof housing called a crankcase. Reciprocating compressors are by far the most widely used, being employed in all fields of refrigeration. They are especially adaptable for use with refrigerants requiring relatively small displacement and condensing at relatively high pressures. Among the refrigerants used with reciprocating compressors are R22, R134a, R402A, R403A and R717 etc.

reciprocating compressor can be manufactured economically in such a wide range of sizes and designs and operate efficiently over a wide variety of conditions accounts for its popularity. Reciprocating compressors can be of two types – vertical single‑acting and horizontal double‑acting. In single‑acting compressors, compression of the vapour occurs only on one side of the piston and only once during each revolution of the crankshaft. Double‑acting compressors, however, compress the vapour alternately on both sides of the piston so that compression occurs twice during each revolution. Double‑acting compressors of the swash plate type are common in vehicle air‑conditioning (see Figures 2.3 and 2.15). The vertical single‑acting compressor (Figure 2.4) has been developed to a high level of efficiency and is now used extensively. These compressors differ considerably in design according to their intended duty. Numerous combinations of the following design features are used in order to obtain the desired flexibility: • number and arrangement of cylinders • type of piston • arrangement of valves • crank and piston speeds • bore and stroke of piston • type of crankshaft • method of lubrication. The reciprocating compressor is easy to construct, easy to service and has other excellent qualities. Even though its parts can be fitted with relatively wide tolerance, it has a high pumping efficiency.

ball

double-ended piston

swash plate ball

shaft

Figure 2.3 (a): Drive system in double‑acting compressor with ball joints between swash plate and double‑ended piston imparting reciprocating piston movement.

(a) Simplified drawing of a swash plate. As it rotates, the plate wobbles, as shown by the dashed lines. double-ended piston

ball

Operation cycle The reciprocating compressor basically consists of a cylinder with a piston fitting closely inside. When the piston moves downwards (Figure 2.5), a low pressure is produced above it in the cylinder. The pressure in the suction line forces the suction valve open and vapour enters the cylinder. When the piston moves upwards, the vapour is compressed and, when its pressure is greater than the pressure in the discharge line, the discharge valve is forced open. Flapper or reed valves prevent the vapour from returning to the crankcase.

piston

drive ball

swash plate ball

shaft

(b) As the swash plate wobbles, it causes the double-ended piston to move back and forth in its cylinder. Figure 2.15: Swash plate action.

front discharge valve plate suction shaft reed seal

main shaft rear bearing oil pump

relief valve rear head

Most current compressors can be used with any refrigerant with minor changes such as different‑sized valves for each type – and for ammonia the use of steel components (no copper or brass). Reciprocating compressors are available in sizes varying from 60 W for small domestics up to 150 kW or more. The fact that the 16 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

clutch suction reed

front head

pulley

main shaft main shaft thrust bearing front bearing swash plate

oil pick-up tube

Figure 2.3 (b): Axial piston compressor controlled by swash plate.

HVAC&R Skills Workshop

head cover permits water and air cooling

spring-loaded safety heads

valve plate mechanism

gaskets

unloader mechanism pistons and cylinder sleeves

oil filtration

crankcase oil cooling

(Reproduced with the permission of Mayekawa Australia Pty Ltd.)

Figure 2.4: Cr oss‑section of open‑type reciprocating compressor (MYCOM W Series).

Downstroke of piston creates low pressure in cylinder. Pressure in suction line forces suction valve open.

Pressure in cylinder raises discharge valve. Vapour flows into discharge pipe.

Pressure in discharge line holds discharge valve closed.

flapper valves

Pressure in cylinder holds suction valve closed. piston on downstroke

piston on upstroke

Figure 2.6: Some piston, cylinder and crankshaft arrangementsfor two‑, four‑ and eight‑cylinder compressors.

MORE INFORMATION EDITION

This month’s Skills Workshop has been taken from Australian Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Volume 1, by Graham Boyle, F.AIRAH.

N ERATIO REFRIGITIONING ALIAN URCE AUSTR D AIR-COND NAL RESO NATIO AN

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Where four or more cylinders are employed, ‘V’, ‘W’ or radial arrangements are usually used. In‑line arrangements have the advantage of requiring only a single valve plate, while ‘V’, ‘W’ and radial arrangements provide better running balance and permit the cylinders to be staggered so that the overall compressor length is shorter (Figure 2.6).

The number of cylinders varies from one to as many as 16. In multi‑cylinder compressors, the cylinders may be arranged in‑line, radially or at angles to form a ‘V’ or ‘W’ pattern. For two‑ and three‑cylinder compressors, the cylinders are usually arranged in line.

TO YOU

GIVIN

CYLINDERS

HT UG O

NCE 1920

Figure 2.5: Operating cycle of reciprocating compressor.

PULLOUT

crankshaft

D THE IN

VOLUME

Go to www.airah.org.au/ARAC

Next month: Summer season contingency planning November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 17

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18 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

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Green wedge

GROW YOUR OWN A group of Dutch students has created a biodegradable car.

The vehicle, dubbed Lina, is made of a resin derived from sugar beets and covered with sheets of Dutch-grown flax. It’s powered by lithium-ion batteries with an output of 8kW using two DC-motors. It’s also light, weighing a total of 310kg. “Only the wheels and suspension systems are not yet of bio-based materials,” says one of the developers, Yanic van Riel. The car’s structure has a similar strength-toweight ratio to that of fibreglass. However, using biodegradable materials presents possible safety challenges. The prototype has not yet passed crash tests, since it’s likely to break upon impact, rather than bend and absorb the force like a traditional vehicle. A biodegradable car may seem like an environmentally friendly option. Yet the reality is alternative car designs actually require a large amount of energy to manufacture, meaning environmental benefits are cancelled out. “Energy that is saved while driving the car is now spent during the production phase,” warns team leader Noud van de Gevel. But the innovation behind a biodegradable, electric car is still a step in the right direction for sustainable technologies.

Lina is made from beets and flax.

A group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has created

a biodegradable car. The young team claims it could be the next step in environmentally friendly motoring.

The students plan to test drive Lina later this year, once given the green light by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority. n

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November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 19

Cover Feature

WAYS TO BE A BETTER

FRIDGIE Ours is an in dustry that is forever evolv working in th ing, and as a is space you fridgie s h ould be evo help of indu lv stry membe ing too. Wit h the rs, HVAC&R N has compile a ti o n ’s Sean McGo d 11 ways yo wan u can becom e a better fr idgie.

20 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

Aaron McConnell says answers to problems aren’t always easily available.

TIP #1 CONTINUALLY UPDATE YOUR SKILLS The HVAC&R industry is large, diverse and always changing. Getting to the end of your trade and finishing your technical training is not the end of the road if you wish to keep relevant in today’s ever-changing industry. Flammable refrigerants, ever-evolving standards and emerging technology in diagnostics are just a few examples of how our industry rapidly changes. Sign up for as many training and information nights as possible to keep your skills sharp and to be abreast of the changes in our industry. n Chris Fontana, Affil.AIRAH Divisional manager Degree C, Hobart

TIP #2 BE A PROBLEM SOLVER Don’t just fix the symptom and not the problem! It occurred for a reason – whether it be poor maintenance, no maintenance, poor placement, incorrect selection, settings being wrong or something else. So get to the heart of the problem and correct it and don’t be afraid to follow up.

Cover Feature Anyone can change out parts – work out what actually happened and why, and do corrective works. Develop a skill-set to help you become a real problem solver, not just “a fixer upper”. Jenny Smith, Affil.AIRAH Owner About Airconditioning, Darwin

TIP #3 PRACTISE, GRASSHOPPER As a fridgie, you need to appreciate that the answers aren’t always readily available. When making changes to a system during service, the system may need to be closely monitored for lengthy periods before any change is identified. Some things you can tweak and see the change immediately, but for many others, such as TX valves, the change isn’t instantaneous and you need to give the system time. Other examples are cycling of condenser fans, air pressure controls, and setting up high-side floats. So don’t be impatient. Give it half an hour before making any decisions that could ultimately impact the performance of the system for the worse. Patience is also required when dealing with people in our industry – from clients to colleagues and apprentices.

We all have different strengths and weaknesses. We are not all going to be on the same page at the same time, so be patient and mindful when dealing with people. Aaron McConnell, Refrigeration mechanic Airmaster Australia, Melbourne

TIP #4 GET INVOLVED WITH AN INDUSTRY BODY NEAR YOU There are numerous industry bodies that represent our industry in different ways – AIRAH, ARMA and RACCA to name a few. These industry bodies put on information and trade nights but are also great networking events to discuss issues in our industry, problems you may face on the job, and make connections in our industry. For example, you may have issues at a large refrigeration or air conditioning plant and you meet a fridgie who worked on it 10 years earlier in his career – these people can impart some valuable insights. Plus you also never know where your next career opportunity may come from! Chris Fontana, Affil.AIRAH Divisional manager Degree C, Hobart

Jenny Smith, Affil.AIRAH

TIP #5 COMMUNICATE AND BUILD TRUST Learn about your client and how to read them. Some want to know a lot, while others want a report. Think first about what you want to tell them, how you’re going to tell them, and have a solution for them.

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 21

Cover Feature Customers need to trust you, and the only way you can build that trust is to always be honest, clear and direct. Jenny Smith, Affil.AIRAH Owner About Airconditioning, Darwin

I am all for upskilling and continual development and applaud anyone with ambition who wants to push themselves to the next level. BUT learn the necessary skills in the trade you are in before embarking on a new trade. Generally it takes two to three years out of your time to fully master refrigeration due to its huge scope and complexity.

TIP #6 DIAGNOSTICS AND FAULT FINDING We can all do with having a better understanding of wiring diagrams, but they are the type of thing best studied on site rather than in books. So seek out the opportunity to check the wiring of different systems to familiarise yourself in the event of a fault. Having greater exposure to the many different brands and systems in the market, and how they should operate in their application, is invaluable. If you’re in a big enough company, you’ll probably get this opportunity but for those working in smaller companies, it might be easier said than done. Fault-finding can sometimes test the best of us, so having a good support network of friends and colleagues can really help you out when you get stuck. You might know someone who worked on the system prior to you, or is more familiar with the brand. Lean on them for advice, and be willing to pay it back when they, or someone else you know, needs advice. Aaron McConnell, Refrigeration mechanic Airmaster Australia, Melbourne

Chris Fontana, Affil.AIRAH Divisional manager Degree C, Hobart

TIP #8 BEING SELFMOTIVATED IS MORE THAN JUST CLOCKING ON Motivation is required to organise yourself, to work unsupervised, to want to learn and to advance yourself. No one is going to do it for you. Don’t fall into the trap of being lazy just because you work unsupervised. Taking short-cuts will short-cut your learning opportunities, and the opportunity to advance your career. Usually the lemons get found out.

Customers need to trust you, and the only way you can build that trust is to always be honest, clear and direct

TIP #10 MAINTAIN YOUR SPACE WITH PRIDE Present well. Keep your van, ute, tools and equipment well-maintained and presenting as professional. Update your tools and equipment and see it as an investment in yourself. Clean up after yourself and don’t leave hand marks, boot prints, rubbish etc. And have a look at how others present themselves and then look at yourself and ask, “Am I credible?” Jenny Smith, Affil.AIRAH Owner About Airconditioning, Darwin

Make your time valuable, and make yourself invaluable. Ours is an ever-changing industry, so embrace all that it offers – the opportunities, the challenges and the rewards that will come from hard work. Aaron McConnell, Refrigeration mechanic Airmaster Australia, Melbourne

TIP #9 YOUR PAPERWORK IS A PART OF YOUR JOB Every time you fill in a timesheet, maintenance log, etc., you are completing an important legal document. Chris Fontana, M.AIRAH

TIP #7 BECOME GOOD AT YOUR TRADE BEFORE STARTING ANOTHER Quite often there are refrigeration mechanics who come out of their time and start an electrical apprenticeship before they are barely competent at refrigeration.

It is a record to your clients of the work you have done and materials used. It is also a record to your employer of hours worked, and materials used, and is an absolutely critical part of operating a business. Unfortunately, happy clients are not worth a lot if the business you work for is not financially profitable. To keep a business profitable the paperwork (or electronic timesheets) must be filled in correctly. If this is done properly, rather than chasing you for your paperwork, your employer will be spending time doing more important things such as chasing down new work opportunities or being proactive in ensuring the business runs smoothly rather than being reactive to incorrect paperwork. Chris Fontana, Affil.AIRAH Divisional manager Degree C, Hobart

22 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

Airmaster Australia’s Aaron McConnell.

TIP #11 CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS! Whether you are undertaking air conditioning maintenance or industrial refrigeration, the state you leave your job in determines how you will be perceived. About 90 per cent of clients have no idea what it means when you put operating pressures or current draws on your timesheet. But 100 per cent of people can recognise dirty supply-air grilles, filthy indoor unit covers or oil dripping on a plant-room floor. Always keep the site you work at spotless and your clients will love you for it. Chris Fontana, Affil.AIRAH Divisional manager Degree C, Hobart

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Connect to comfort, wherever you are. The QUE platform comes complete with a mobile app, QUE Connect as standard.

It’s thanks to features like these that QUE delivers control without compromise.

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 23

Around the nation 1

COOL PRODUCTS FOR A COOL INDUSTRY

As part of a nationwide campaign to promote air conditioning and refrigeration as viable career choices, the ARC recently sent out some cool fridge-shaped USB sticks, which double as handy fans when plugged into mobile phones. The gadgets, which were accompanied by education materials and a careers video, were sent to secondary schools all around Australia. “The ARC strongly believes our industry deserves to be presented as dynamic, prosperous and vital, with many exciting and diverse opportunities,” says ARC CEO Glenn Evans. “We have a great story to tell. Our industry is vital to modern life, leads the world in environmental stewardship, and has access to cutting-edge technologies. These themes are given prominence in the video – which is included in the USB stick – and the education material we sent to schools.” Evans says feedback from schools suggests the video and USB stick/fan have been a hit with their young audiences. Go to www.arcltd.org.au/careers n

BRADMAC’S BIRTHDAY

Bradmac Air Conditioning is celebrating 30 years in the HVAC&R industry. Starting out in a factory in Thomastown in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Bradmac was incorporated in 1987 by Geoff Bradley, Affil.AIRAH, and Mark McPhail, with Henry Michaelsen joining shortly after.

Bradmac attributes its success to commitment of its loyal team of competent staff, and also a niche group of highly skilled contractors. “It’s been a successful recipe for 30 years now, and we see no good reason to change that part of our business model,” says Bradley. Today, Bradmac is based in Airport West, and boasts a “must see”, state-of-the-art interactive showroom featuring a broad range of single and multi-room split systems, air curtains, ducted home and commercial heating and cooling solutions, as well as a complete working display of hydronic heating options. Go to www.bradmac.com.au n

BITZER MD HEAD OF IOR

Bitzer UK MD Kevin Glass will be the next president of the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) after his nomination passed unopposed. Glass is expected to be formally appointed soon, but will support the existing president, Steve Gill, until his term of office ends in November next year. Glass has had a successful 30-year career with Bitzer UK. He started out as an apprentice with Taylor Woodrow as a construction plant technician. This led to a position in a subsidiary company installing split-system air conditioners and repairing dehumidifiers. Glass’s involvement with the IoR has included presenting regional talks about screw compressor technology, serving as a member of the IoR’s board of trustees, and sitting on the membership committee. Go to https://ior.org.uk n

A RELIABLE APPOINTMENT

Reliable Controls has appointed Ian Giles to the position of vice president, sales & marketing for the Asia-Pacific region.

24 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | November 2017

“Upon joining Reliable Controls in 2013 as regional sales manager, Australasia, Ian immediately began leveraging his wisdom garnered from two decades as a leader in customer service and strategic business development,” Reliable Controls says. “He aligned that wisdom with the core values of Reliable Controls and the hallmarks of the MACH-System, and as a result, he substantially strengthened the business relationships with each of the authorised dealers across the Australasia region, while significantly increasing the regional sales. “Ian’s ability to effectively communicate and grow business relationships rooted in quality, honesty, and customer satisfaction, demonstrate that he is now ready to take on new challenges, and apply his many sales and marketing talents across the entire Asia-Pacific super region.” Go to: www.reliablecontrols.com n

HFO-EXCLUSIVE EVENT

The UK-based Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) will host the first IIR International Conference on the Application of HFO Refrigerants. The event is set to take place in Birmingham in September next year. “With the reduction of HFC use, it is vital we look for alternatives, and we feel that the industry is going to benefit from an event dedicated to HFOs,” says Institute of Refrigeration CEO Miriam Rodway. “There has been a lot of developments in the area but it will be the first time that stakeholders can meet under one roof, and we’re delighted to have been selected to facilitate this event.” The conference is aimed at an international audience of those with an interest in HFO refrigerants. Go to www.ior.org.uk n

Around the nation 6

AIRAH’S TRADE WINDS BLOW THROUGH OLD SHEP

One of the last AIRAH Trade Nights to take place for the year was held late last month in Shepparton, in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. Fridgies flocked from miles around to have a gander at the latest HVAC&R kit, to ask pointed questions of sales engineers, to have a brew and some nosh, and of course, to shoot the breeze with mates old and new. On the night, Toshiba Air Conditioning raffled a jacket, which was won by Ben Spiller, M.AIRAH, of SpilAIR. Ben is shown with John Dwyer of AHI Carrier Toshiba. The 2018 schedule of AIRAH Trade Nights has been announced. Go to ww.airah.org.au/tradenights n

WE’RE ALL FOR IT

It’s not often that air conditioning makes it into the mainstream news, but it did just that recently when it was suggested that in order to cope with energy demand over summer, we set our air conditioners to 26°C. As it turns out, about two-thirds (64 per cent to be precise) of Australians support the idea of incentivising energy users to curb their energy use. The somewhat surprising result turned up in an independent poll commissioned by the Australia Institute. The survey results were announced the same week the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Australian Energy Market Operator announced their $35.7 million demand-response trial will deliver 200MW to manage extreme peaks.

Demand response involves paying energy users to be on stand-by to shift or reduce their power consumption, draw on their battery storage or switch to back-up generation when energy supply reaches critically low levels. “This polling clearly indicates that Australians support the idea of managing demand during peaks in a smart, cost-effective way that avoids the need to build new infrastructure,” says ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht. “Moreover, this polling suggests many Australians are happy to adjust their energy use slightly – such as turning down their cooling or heating, or switching off appliances not in use –- to ease pressure on the grid if they can reduce their energy bills.” The three-year trial will involve 10 pilot projects run by eight companies across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, with at least 143MW ready this summer. The pilot projects will involve both commercial and industrial businesses and residential households who will volunteer to be on stand-by to conserve energy for short periods. Go to arena.gov.au/demand-response or arena.gov.au/blog n

RDM’S NEW HOME

Energy and building controls specialist Resource Data Management (RDM) Australia has moved its Melbourne-based team into larger office premises, to better support its growing customer network. The new location in Victoria will accommodate a growing technical support and sales teams. “The new office location will support our growth along with a new RDM training facility that will showcase all our new products,” says RDM Australia national manager Craig Lewis.

RDM Australia offers a broad range of low-cost, high-performance HVAC&R building control hardware, complemented by facilities management and remotemonitoring software solutions. The RDM Group of Companies headquartered in the UK has office locations worldwide, including New Zealand, Malaysia, the US, Chile, Sweden and India. Go to www.resourcedm.com.au n

PRIDE SWELLS AT CAREL

Carel has taken home the prize in the “Building Energy Project” category at the RAC Cooling Awards for the case study on Italy’s largest retailer, which decided to invest in its HVAC systems at some of its stores, with the aim of reducing energy consumption. In absolute terms, energy savings across the six stores came to 440,107kWh, corresponding to a cost saving of 12.83 per cent. In environmental terms, atmospheric CO2 emissions were reduced by 198 tonnes. The investment will be paid back in 2.6 years, earlier than the initially expected three years. The new local control and supervision system is based on pyramid logic, and manages the air-handling units, the heating-cooling systems, and the lighting. “The monitoring system in each store is also connected to a centralised – remote – supervisory system, representing the top of the pyramid,” Carel says. “System optimisation to maximise energy savings is the main focus of data centralisation, providing a benchmark for direct comparison between the different stores. Design and development of the final system were the result of careful analysis of the energy audit.” Go to www.carel.com n

November 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 25

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