HVACR Nation February 2019 by AIRAH

A cool career

Skills

Finding the next generation of fridgies

WORKSHOP

Controlling condensation in mechanical services

Heroes in red

Refrigeration’s vital role in our blood banks February 2019 / ISSUE 118

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2 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

12/12/18 2:32 pm

February 2019 / ISSUE 118

Heroes in red 10

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 Communications Manager Matthew Dillon matt.dillon@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3000

Editor Mark Vender mark.vender@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3022

Contributing writer Sean McGowan

Everyone knows that our blood bank saves lives – but that wouldn’t be possible without the help of refrigeration.

Advertising sales

HVAC&R Nation regulars

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

The Toolshed

Skills Workshop 15

See what’s new in the ‘Shed

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

8 Global Update Industry news from around the world

ISSN 1834-9522

Controlling condensation in mechanical services

Exclusive to this issue

22 WorldSkills Update

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

What it takes to make it to the WorldSkills international final in Russia

24 RMIT Trades Industry Connect

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.

Top apprentices share the secrets of their success

Cool Tech Icon is giving classic cars a techno injection

26 Around the Nation Who’s in the news?

28 Green Wedge Cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

28 Smoko with . . .

A cool career How can you attract school leavers to an industry if they don’t know it exists? That’s the question – here are a few answers.

Q&A with Gary Jones, M.AIRAH

13,159 September 2018

Lighter Side The shonkier side of the nation

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

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 3

Editorial

THE ROAD AHEAD Welcome to another year of HVAC&R Nation! For those of you who had a break, I hope you managed to relax and recharge the batteries. For those of you who have just been through the busiest part of the calendar, I hope you managed to squeeze in some R&R – and have some downtime planned for later in the year. No matter what kind of holidays you had, chances are you still took a moment to step back, check the map, and set your course for the next 12 months. Do you know where you’re heading? Here at HVAC&R Nation we’ve made some plans. We’re excited about covering an industry that is definitely growing in size – and we think finally growing in stature as well. As usually happens, without us intending it a key theme has emerged in the issue, and this time it’s about young talent coming into HVAC&R. The topic seems especially relevant because quite a few of you reading this will be just starting a year of study, maybe your first.

On page 19 we look at initiatives to raise the profile of our “invisible industry”, specifically to lure more school leavers into the world of HVAC&R. On page 22 we check in with one of Australia’s most talented apprentices who is aiming to compete at the international WorldSkills refrigeration competition in Russia later this year. And on page 24 we talk to some of last year’s top students at the RMIT School of Vocational Engineering. Interestingly, the winners were mostly mature-age students, so maybe we ought to be telling the older crowd to consider a career in HVAC, as well as school leavers. Moving on to March and beyond, we’re also looking forward to uncovering more stories about HVAC&R as a hidden hero in the modern world. The cover story on page 10 is just one example

4 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

of – excuse the pun – the bloody amazing things our industry does. We know that there are also questions around regulations and licensing, training, and the new refrigerant gases coming through as a result of the HFC phase-down. Rest assured, these are on our radar, and we’ll be investigating them and updating you throughout the year. And as always, we’re keen to hear your ideas – don’t be afraid to write!

@AIRAHnews

Mark Vender Editor mark.vender@airah.org.au

Lennox transforms any space into a perfect meditation zone Inhale and exhale in peace, knowing you’ve selected an air conditioning system with the intelligence to deliver more precise temperature control, cleaner indoor air, improved air circulation and greater comfort. Our Lennox Series 4 Split System Inverter range includes filters to eliminate bacteria, viruses and unpleasant smells. The outdoor units feature gold fin corrosion protection to improve efficiency and extend the life of the coil. Lennox has been heating and cooling homes around the globe for over 120 years, so we know what you and your customers need for perfect indoor air.

More precise temperature control Photocatalytic dust and particle filters ‘I Feel’ second sensor function for greater comfort Even air distribution - no cold or hot spots Wi-Fi capability for remote operation 5 models I 2.5kW - 8.5kW Lennox Multi Split Inverter and Ducted Inverter ranges also available

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February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 5

Toolshed 01

“Gorilla X fans provide a natural evaporative cooling effect in summer, and eliminate hot, stagnant air that builds up within the occupied zone at floor level. In winter, warm air naturally rises to the highest point of an enclosed area, leaving cooler air to reside at floor level.”

Breathe easy with Lennox

Lennox is aiming to create what it calls the “perfect meditation zone” with its new air conditioning range. The reverse-cycle inverter wall split systems are said to deliver more precise temperature control and greater comfort. “Advanced 3D airflow” circulates cold air from the bottom of the room and hot air from the top of the room, preventing pockets of hot and cold developing. The system also uses photocatalytic filters to eliminate bacteria, viruses and unpleasant smells.

A new 7m fan is now available, providing a 35m maximum area of influence and a maximum airflow of 236,795m3/h. A motor size is also available for the existing 4m and 6m fans, capable of higher rotation speeds to provide greater airflow and thrust.

Go to fantech.com.au n

“Air quality and comfort are what everyone wants to achieve from their air conditioning system,” says Kirk Buckley, Heatcraft marketing manager for refrigeration and HVAC. “And we’ve included gold fin corrosion protection on the outdoor coil to not only improve efficiency, but prolong the life of the coil as well.” Gold fin protection is claimed to improve efficiency by accelerating the defrost process and offering greater resistant to corrosive elements. Testing has shown that gold fin coils perform up to 20 times better under salt spray when compared to blue fin coils.

Instrumentation specialist Dwyer has announced the release of the Differential Pressure Transmitter, Series 629HLP. It has been designed to monitor differential pressure in applications such as air handlers, heat exchangers, chillers and hydraulic systems. “The 629HLP is a high-static, low-differential pressure transmitter that is suitable for measuring overpressure or under-pressure conditions,” says Dwyer. “The IP65 rated enclosure provides a robust exterior, while the compact and lightweight assembly allows for a trouble-free installation.

The new range includes five models from 2.5–8.5kW. They complement the Multi Split Inverter and Ducted Inverter ranges also being released by Lennox this summer.

“The Series 629HLP can detect a low-pressure differential across high-static pressures, allowing for improvement of measurement accuracy and providing the ability for the system to react quickly to changes. Integral dual pressure sensors are able to convert pressure sensors into a customer-selected 4–20mA or 0–10VDC output signal.

Go to www.heatcraft.com.au n

BGW goes Pro

“Ranges are available up to 6 bar (90psi) with accuracy up to 1 per cent full-scale.”

Business software developer simPRO has announced a new integration with BGW Group in Australia that promises to make data import simpler.

Go to www.dwyer-inst.com.au/Product/Series629HLP/ n

The link with BGW Group will allow for the automatic importing of business information directly into simPRO’s system, meaning tradespeople working with BGW Group and using simPRO software in Australia will not need to manually transfer important pricing and invoicing data.

“Time spent on administrative tasks, especially data transfer and electronic filing, is time taken from a business’ ability to service clients and obtain new projects,” he says.

“Trade service contractors affiliated with our new partner, BGW Group, who use simPRO Service and Enterprise in Australia, will be able to log into their online account and see that their invoices and price lists will always be up to date.”

Grab a Gorilla!

Tuckerbox operates across a range of -40°C to 80 and the Sigfox-connected sensor sends measurements automatically every 30 minutes. Historical records can be kept in the cloud and downloaded to Excel for analysis.

Fantech has upgraded its Gorilla X HVLS fan range.

6 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

Tuckerbox is an Internet of Things (IoT) temperature sensor solution that automatically records temperatures and provides real-time alerts via email or SMS when they move outside thresholds. Suitable for fridges, freezers, walk-in coolrooms and other air conditioned spaces, it operates without a SIM card, wi-fi or Bluetooth. “Tuckerbox is an easy-to-install sensor that is suitable for use in all food storage environments,” says the company. “It is a simple, single-purpose industry-standard temperature module that is reliable and low cost.”

Go to www.simpro.com.au n

“Designed to save energy costs, improve comfort and increase productivity, the Gorilla X range of HVLS fans generate a gentle, slow-moving airstream that covers a large area,” Fantech says. “This makes them ideal for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, showrooms, shopping centres, sports facilities and even agricultural applications such as milking sheds.

Thermal alert

According to Tuckerbox, there are 1,500,000 commercial refrigeration units in Australia, many of which are using too much electricity or are older and unreliable. This is a particular concern when they are storing perishable goods and no temperature log exists.

Chief technology officer Jonathan Eastgate says the integration was designed to help streamline the trade service industry.

Under pressure

The sensor is IP65 rated and can be splashed and cleaned, so is safe for instant use in food areas. It also uses flat tape, allowing installation in stainless fridges and freezers while maintaining network coverage. Tuckerbox comes with an as-shipped battery life from 5–10 years. Go to tuckerbox.io n

Toolshed 06

Hot stuff from Wilson

After two years of development with an overseas partner, Wilson Hot Water has released a new imported thermal storage vessel called Hydralux Thermal Storage into the Australian market. “Standout quality at an understated price,” says the company, “Hydralux offers high-quality, high-performance thermal storage with Australian electrical and watermark approvals.

Honeywell has introduced the Howard Leight Earplug Dispenser. HL400 foam earplugs are designed to protect against noiseinduced hearing loss, one of the most common occupational injuries among personnel who work in construction, automotive, manufacturing, food processing, warehousing, plumbing and landscape sectors and subject to the short and long-term effects of hazardous noise on hearing.

“Our vessels are manufactured from Duplex 2205 stainless steel, designed for ease of installation and endorsed by Wilson Hot Water – a leading Australian customised hot water provider for over 85 years.”

“HL400’s disposable foam earplugs provide the right fit for every user in every environment from different sizes, shapes, and materials to attenuation levels that accommodate both personal preferences and specific applications,” says Honeywell. “The dispenser is easily mounted and refilled for convenience.”

Other features of the Hydralux Thermal Storage vessel include polyurethane foam insulation, painted metal outer case, 6 x 50mm, 2 x 25mm fittings (1 x 25mm for PTR), and 28mm diameter heat exchange coils with large surface areas and 32mm fittings on the heat exchange coils.

You can buy pre-filled canisters of 400 earplugs, or zip top bags of 200 earplugs to refill the dispenser. The dispenser can be mounted on a wall or a horizontal surface. A variety of Howard Leight earplugs are available, including Laser Lite (high-vis protection), FirmFit (for long wear-time comfort), Max (superior noise blocking), X-Treme (maximum protection, minimum exposure), Max Lite (for smaller ears) and Multi Max (one size fits many).

The Hydralux vessels also boast thermowell pockets, a 3.0kW element standard on coil tanks, and a maximum working pressure of 700kPa. Go to www.wilsonhotwater.com.au/hydralux n

Give your team a plug

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

Go to www.honeywellsafety.com n

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

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February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 7

Global Update

UAE

JAPAN

BLOOMING SUCCESS

DAIKIN’S STRATEGIC MOVE

Team Desert Rose from the University of Wollongong has finished second in the Solar Decathlon Middle East, held in Dubai. Fifteen teams and 600 students from around the world battled for top honours at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, said to be the largest single-site solar project in the world. The challenge was to a design solar-powered smart and sustainable home that could handle the tough local climate. Team Desert Rose came first in the comfort conditions contest, which measured temperature, humidity, air quality (CO2), lighting, façade airborne sound insulation and HVAC systems noise. It also won the Innovation contest thanks to features such as PV panels that produce electricity and hot water, a second skin wall, and phase change material (PCM) thermal storage. Team Virginia Tech was the overall winner with its FutureHAUS. n

Japanese AC giant Daikin has confirmed plans to purchase AHT Cooling Systems – a European manufacturer of plug-in refrigerator and freezer systems – for €881m (Au$1.38bn). AHT has its headquarters in Austria, as well as major facilities in China, the US and Brazil. It sells its products to 115 countries worldwide and boasts a client list that includes major supermarket chains Aldi and LIDL. The company produces chest freezers, overhead cabinets, refrigerated multideck cabinets, ice-cream cabinets and promotion coolers. These systems use R290 (propane) as a refrigerant, a potential advantage given the current move towards low-GWP refrigerants, and the likely increase of charge sizes for R290 systems. The purchase is expected to triple Daikin’s refrigeration sales and represents a strategic move to build this side of the business. n

USA

GERMANY

AC POISONING

IN THE COOLER

The owner and operator of an HVAC company has appeared in court after being accused of planting mercury in the air conditioner of a family in Queens, New York.

The Cooling Post reports that a 22-year-old Netherlands citizen has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail after being caught with stolen cylinders of refrigerant R134a.

The family of three had been having continuous problems with their old unit, which the company had installed in 2007. The unit was finally replaced in 2015, and soon after the family came down with a mysterious illness.

The HFC phase-down (known in Europe as the F-Gas Regulation) saw major refrigerant price rises last year, prompting various incidents of theft and black-market trading.

After the installation, the father of the family discovered what looked like beads of mercury under an air conditioning vent. The New York City Fire Department found more mercury in the vent and airborne levels 60 times higher than considered safe. The family moved out for four months while the house was purged of the toxic metal. All tested positive for high mercury levels, and their dog died. n

8 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

A German refrigerant supplier was robbed twice in July 2018, the first time losing 851 20kg cylinders of R134a. Two weeks later, police were called to the same location early in the morning after witnesses reported a suspicious truck adjacent to the premises. The thieves had already partly filled the truck with cylinders worth more than Au$100,000. The 22-year-old was arrested at the scene, but three others ran off. The man pleaded guilty and his lawyer announced that he wanted to appeal the length of sentence. n

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 9

Cover Feature

HEROES IN RED According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, demand for blood and blood products will grow by 100 per cent over the next 10 years.

Sean McGowan investigates the vital role refrigeration plays in the blood bank – and meets a fridgie whose personal experience led to a professional passion. In 2013, qualified commercial refrigeration technician Nathan Wallace had just entered the medical refrigeration industry. He was working as a technician and sales manager for a local manufacturer of blood and plasma refrigeration units. Little did he know that he would soon have a personal connection to this vital equipment. In July that year, his then three-year-old son Hunter was diagnosed with a congenital heart disorder. “As you can imagine this was quite a shock to my wife and I, and we weren’t really sure how to handle it,” recalls Wallace. After multiple visits to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), a date was set for surgery.

the best hands. You see, the company I worked for at the time was responsible for the supply, maintenance and ongoing service of the blood fridges and plasma freezers at the RCH’s blood bank division.” Wallace knew the strict legal requirements and thorough systems in place at the RCH blood bank. If his son needed a transfusion, the blood contained within the fridges would be of the highest quality available. “Most people sign that form with blind confidence and trust in our medical system,” he says. “But they can have the same level of assurance as I did, whether they know it or not.”

“It was at this time that we were given a consent form that we could choose to sign,” Wallace says. “It dealt specifically with the permission, should Hunter require it during surgery, to administer a blood transfusion of some kind.

For Wallace, it was a defining moment. Since then he has been committed to applying his knowledge and technical capabilities in the field of medical refrigeration. He currently operates Medical and Commercial Refrigeration (MCR) Solutions in Melbourne.

“I read the form, took a sigh of relief, and signed it with the utmost confidence that my son was in

“My ‘why’ is my son,” he says. “But it’s also your son, your daughter and your family.”

10 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

Medical and blood refrigeration is a specialised field that utilises equipment few of us would ever come across

A SPECIALISED FIELD Just like other sectors of the refrigeration industry, medical and blood refrigeration is a specialised field that utilises equipment few of us would ever come across. Although it’s not as visible as the commercial refrigeration industry, the size of the sector is significant, and it plays a vital role in public health. Every hospital, university, medical establishment, pharmacy – and even local council – will rely on at least some form of medical refrigeration system. Each requires a level of special care and maintenance above and beyond the usual standards. Common refrigeration systems in this sector include: • Pharmaceutical refrigerators (Quality Care Pharmacy Program, or QCPP-certified purpose-built fridges) that are compliant for use in accredited pharmacies, GPs and council offices (often for school vaccinations).

Cover Feature

Failure to store blood correctly can make transfusions less effective, and even harm the patient • Reagent refrigerators, which operate at the same temperatures as QCPP fridges (2°–8°C) but are not directly certified by the QCPP. • Laboratory reagent or sample freezers, offering a temperature range from -120°C up to 0°C cryogenic systems. • Blood fridges and plasma freezers – a very specific group of equipment that must comply with AS 3864-2012 and be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). • Custom processing refrigeration equipment that exists for a precise purpose such as processing apheresis or plasma in their transfusion bags, from the room ambient temperature to -30°C core temperature in under 50 minutes. • Refrigerated incubators and environmental chambers used in the science sector for testing, study and simulation. “Just about every hospital, nationwide, has at least one blood fridge – usually maintained by the pathology lab that occupies that particular hospital,” says Wallace. “Plasma freezers are marginally less common, but they still have a large presence.” Although this equipment creates a refrigerated environment in much the same way as any other fridge, the controls are much stricter. Additionally, they must be able to record and report events to ensure they operate within the requirements of the relevant standards.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, one in 30 Australians give blood each year (3 per cent).

such as red cells, platelets and plasma (see breakout), so the standard indicates the temperatures the different components should be stored at.

The energy efficiency of this equipment is increasingly coming under closer scrutiny, and lower-GWP natural refrigerants are also being considered.

This is critical, because failure to store blood correctly can make transfusions less effective, and even harm the patient.

Blood fridges and freezers must be listed on the ARTG, as administered by the Australian Government Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA describes this equipment as “Medical Device Class 2B”, which has very stringent operational requirements and requires ongoing performance verification and calibration, as outlined in AS 3864.2.

INSIDE THE TECHNOLOGY Refrigerants are undergoing big changes, and that includes those used within blood refrigeration and freezer equipment.

The storage of blood and blood components is covered by AS 3864-2012 Medical refrigeration equipment – For the storage of blood and blood products. This includes the requirements for manufacturers of the medical refrigeration equipment used. Blood is generally separated into components

According to Wallace, R134a has been a commonly used refrigerant in the field. Some blood fridges and plasma freezers also use R507. “Cabinets requiring -80°C temperatures (for the longterm storage of samples, or for experimental storage) have a two-stage cascade arrangement,” he says. “These can use R507 in the first (high) stage and a blend of R508B and R290 (propane) in the low stage.”

FROM DONOR TO PATIENT At donation A whole blood donation is approximately 470mL (an adult has from 5–7L of blood in their body). This donation is collected over 5–10 minutes and the first 30mL is diverted into sample tubes for testing. Step 1

The blood Once donated, the whole blood is centrifuged and separated into red cells, buffy coat (white cells and platelets) and plasma, so that recipients can receive the most appropriate treatment. It is very rare for a patient to need whole blood. Step 2

All red cells and platelets are filtered to remove white cells. All platelets are screened for bacterial contamination. Step 3

The samples

Blood service laboratories test for ABO and Rh (D) blood type, and perform viral screening, red cell antibody screening and syphilis screening. When required, additional donor testing is performed including confirmatory testing, malarial antibody screening and CMV (Cytomegalovirus) antibody screening.

Step 4

After testing

Blood components are labelled for release and made available in the Blood Bank stock inventory. Step 5

Transport

and delivery

Orders are packed into shippers according to pack type and component temperature requirements, and transported to hospitals and laboratories using a consignment tracking system. Source: tranfusion.com.au

Specialist service companies must be accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), as well as compliant with ISO9001 – the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). In line with AS 3864.2, the alarms of the refrigeration unit must be tested every six months. “The requirement is to verify that the refrigeration unit has operating alarms at 2.5°C and 5.5°C to ensure correct operation between these temperatures,” says NATA sector manager – inspection, Julian Wilson. A spatial temperature distribution check also has to be carried out to ensure there are no significant variations in temperature across the interior space of the equipment. The check is performed when the cabinet or room is installed, and after relocation or significant repairs or other significant alterations to the internal space. Wallace says that to meet this requirement, a spatial map (3D temperature mapping of each shelf and location of blood product storage) is created. “A NATA-accredited temperature data logger is used for this task,” he says. “The testing company maps the temperature distribution across the blood product storage space, on every shelf, for a minimum of eight hours as per AS 3864-2012.” The spatial map must be performed to the standard of AS ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Such precise temperature control presents real challenges for both equipment operators and service providers.

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 11

Cover Feature

Number of components per shipper 4 to 8 red cell units (if <4 use ballast)

Validated transport time*

Legend

Name

Quantity

Note

Foil pouch

Used to line box and contains all other items

Frozen -19°C

Chilled ballast

Cardboard divider

2 hours 40 minutes

Number of red cell units

Number of ballast packs

4 to 8

1 (or full paediatric set)

1 to 3 paediatric units

Extra chilled ballast (as per table)

Place ballast outside the plastic bag liner

Used to stop contact with ballast

Plastic liner bag

Used to contain red cells and logger if added

Cardboard divider

Used to stop contact with ballast

Chilled ballast

Frozen -18°C

Notes: *If anticipated transport time exceeds the maximum transport time a data logger must be placed in with the shipment.

Place on bottom

Source: Blood Service Shippers – Receipt and Use by External Institutions, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, 2018.

“Some fridges are larger spaces – including walkin spaces – that may be accessed regularly, while others are quite small,” says Wilson. “Cooling a filled fridge is part of the challenge, while maintaining that temperature across the space when loads are varied is another part.”

CLINICAL CONTROL

He says temperature is possibly the most difficult SI quantity to measure with confidence; slight variations in temperature are not easy to identify. “All temperature-controlled enclosures will show natural variation across their spatial range, and this changes with loading, use and the condition of the equipment.” The standard compensates for rapid changes in the air temperature (for example, when the door is opened) by putting sensors in bags that mirror the bulk and properties of stored blood.

Nathan Wallace and his (healthy) son Hunter.

But ultimately, such variability means there is a lot to consider in establishing that a fridge is performing as specified.

Data loggers are also used to continually record the internal temperature of the packaged configurations if the transport time is expected to exceed the maximum transport time. And if the data logger shows the temperature specifications have been exceeded, the data is analysed to decide whether the components can still be used.

BLOOD ON THE MOVE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

As well as storing blood in stationary refrigeration, Australia’s health service must transport blood components to wherever they are needed using a consignment tracking system.

For many of those who work in the medical and blood refrigeration sector, including Wallace, the ability to have a direct impact on the health of the community is a big appeal.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, blood components are usually transported under similar temperature conditions as when they are stored. To maintain these temperatures, specially designed cardboard boxes with thermal insulation inserts are used, along with a variety of frozen and chilled coolant packs arranged in different configurations.

“I have always wanted my profession to be more than just a job – more than just a way to provide for my family,” says Wallace.

These configurations depend on the blood component type being transported, the number of components, the ambient temperature and the expected transit time. For instance, red cell configurations are designed to maintain components within 2–10°C, while platelet configurations are used maintain components within 20–24°C.

“The jump from commercial refrigeration and the food services industry to medical was very interesting, and I learned a lot about the way the health industry works – both positive and negative. But in the end, I’ve found what I want to do with my skill set.” Patients like young Hunter Wallace – who five years after his surgery is a fit and healthy eight-year-old boy – have not just the donors to thank, but also the refrigeration systems that transported the blood safely to them. According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime. n

12 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service separates blood into different components – red cells, platelets and plasma. Patients can then receive the blood component they need. According to the Blood Service, components should be stored as follows:

Red cells Must be stored from 2–6°C. Red cell components have a shelf life of 42 days – although paediatric red cells last only 35 days and washed red cells just 28 days. Red cell components must not exceed 30 minutes at room temperature.

Platelets Must be stored within a temperature range of 20–24°C. They have a shelf life of just five days, and require gentle, continuous agitation in a single layer on a platelet agitator. Therefore, the storage devices used to store platelets are very specific in their design.

Fresh frozen plasma, cryodepleted plasma and cryoprecipitate Must be stored at or below -25°C, and have a shelf life of 12 months. Source: mytranfusion.com.au

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.

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 13

The benchmark in imported quality Hydralux is a new imported thermal storage vessel on the Australian market. Stand out quality at an understated price.

Storage

Single Coil includes 3kW electric element

Twin Coil includes 3kW electric element

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14 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

CONTROLLING Skills CONDENSATION Workshop IN MECHANICAL HVAC&R

MODULE

118

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

AIRAH

Skills summary n What? A guide to designing air conditioning systems in hot humid tropical climates to control condensation.

n Who?

PULLOUT

Relevant for equipment manufacturers/ suppliers, designers and installers and maintenance contractors.

CONTROLLING CONDENSATION IN MECHANICAL SERVICES System design should include condensation control because moisture in insulating materials, especially insulating wools, dramatically reduces thermal resistance and the effectiveness of the insulation. The principal of this is that the vapour barrier (if needed) must be on the warm side of porous insulation to prevent condensation within the insulation.

Vapour barrier application Aluminium foil vapour barrier and closed-cell insulation are common, both have joint-sealing issues. The glues used to join closed-cell foam are equally susceptible to failure as the tape used on aluminium foil barriers. There are few types of glue that will withstand the test of time in hot and humid climates. Gasketed compression joints work the best over time. Manufacturers’ instructions must be followed. Closed-cell insulation is not completely impermeable. Aluminium still has the lowest permeability levels and is recommended.

Obstructions and penetrations In any construction there will of necessity be some obstruction to and piercing of the vapour barrier. Penetrations through the vapour barrier by vent pipes, flues and ducts that have to be taken straight up through the roof should be sealed to ensure the integrity of the vapour barrier is maintained. Services penetrations through the vapour barrier can be sealed by flange type connections on the service with mastic seal to the barrier.

SERVICES

This Skills Workshop looks at methods for controlling condensation in mechanical services in hot, humid tropical climates. Condensation can lead to issues such as mould growth, corrosion and decay, and reduced performance of insulation. This Skills Workshop looks at strategies for effective minimisation of moisture movement. It focuses on vapour barriers (including obstructions and penetrations), intakes and vents, piping, chilled-water fittings and ductwork.

To minimise the risk of condensation due to the thermal bridge effect, particularly for metal vents and flues, provide insulation with vapour barrier along the full length of the pipe or duct that may be exposed to outdoor air conditions on the inside of the roof vapour barrier.

Piping

Where a relief, return or exhaust-air duct penetrates a vapour barrier, a non-return barometric or motorised damper with a thermal break and a method of collecting any condensate that might collect on the damper blades should be provided. Insulation should be provided to any section of ductwork exposed to ambient conditions. This does not matter in soil and waste vent pipes but can cause trouble in exhaust ducts from wet areas, kitchen hoods, fume cupboards and the like. The use of plastic pipes or ducts can assist but these still need to be insulated.

• The specification of the vapour barrier materials is correct;

In tropical regions electrical wiring penetrations to air conditioned spaces should be treated in the same manner as required for penetrations into cold-rooms by sealing conduits at the outer (warm) end. If sealed at both ends water could build up in the conduit if the inner seal is better than the outer seal. To establish the conditions under which an insulated pipe may sweat, refer to AIRAH Application Manual DA16, which discusses condensation on cold insulated pipes.

Outdoor air intakes and exhaust vents Exhaust air, spill air and outdoor air vents and ducts are a potential source of condensation, and therefore a potential source of mould issues. Automatically closing motorised dampers are a useful way to mitigate this issue. These motorised dampers should be provided with blade tip seals and should be arranged to close automatically when plant is shut down.

Critical features of piping insulation in the tropics include ensuring that: • At least the minimum insulation levels of the NCC are achieved;

• The location of the vapour barrier is correct; • Piping supports do not penetrate the vapour barriers, or the penetrations are correctly sealed; • Vapour stops are installed to prevent moisture migration along a pipe. A number of other practical considerations need to be made by the designer. Included in these are the calculation of heat losses from or gains to the insulated piping system as well as an analysis of the risk of condensation on the pipe external insulated surface. A methodology for the calculation of heat losses from both bare and insulated piping, are covered in detail in AIRAH Application Manual DA16 and the AIRAH Technical Handbook. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the vapour barrier on piping remains intact and undamaged during construction. It is often cost effective, especially in ceiling spaces, to sheath insulation to provide protection during the construction period. Sheathing should be minimised to no more than low level exposed insulation. It should be noted that sheathing has to be removed to find and repair insulation or vapour barrier failures (particularly common in the humid tropics). Care should be taken to ensure that the vapour barrier is not damaged during the instalaltion of the sheathing (by drilling into the insulation, rivets or other mechanical damage.)

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 15

HVAC&R Skills Workshop Closed-cell foam is typically used but it is easily damaged; joints open up and often the insulation does not fit tightly to the pipe surface. Pre-formed polystyrene foam with foil vapour barrier is another option. Polyurethane pre-insulated pipe work is also an option. Pre-insulated refrigeration pipe sets are also problematic in hot humid environments. Air remains still, causing condensation to form on the outside in the v between the pipes (see Figure 1).

Damage to the vapour barrier of externally insulated ductwork is a recurring problem in the tropics. Therefore internally insulated ducts should be used where possible. Insulation facing with 50mm wide tuck-under at ends.

Con de ns

PIPE INSULATION

cts in “V” colle ion at

PIPE

GSS ductwork forming vapour seal.

Insulation Internal insulation to be cut 5mm over length to form compressed contact area with no air gaps or voids.

Insulation is fixed to the GSS using plastic pins or glue. Metal pins should not be used under any circumstances. Figure 2: Duct installation – corner joints.

Figure 1: Condensate forming on pre-insulated refrigeration pipe sets.

Chilled-water fittings

Insulation proud of duct end

Chilled-water control valves and other irregular shaped fittings are difficult to insulate because of their shape and on occasions they also require servicing (dismantling) which disturbs the insulation and vapour barrier.

Commence by wrapping the valve in thin plastic sheeting – the type used for wrapping kitchen foodstuffs is ideal since it adheres to itself. For other types of plastic wrapping use adhesive tape. Provide a metal box large enough to house the valve and the required thickness of insulation. The void can be filled with polyurethane, or other insulant foamed in place. Ensure that the joints of the box and the lid are properly taped off to provide an adequate vapour seal. A less favourable alternative is to leave the valve uninsulated and instead, install an insulated drip tray and drain pipe under the valve to carry away the condensate and thus leave the surrounding floor dry. It is most important under these circumstances to properly vapour seal the ends of the insulation on the adjacent pipe work. For valves that need regular service, flexible insulation is a better option. Chilled water pumps are also difficult to insulate for the reasons stated above and could be treated as outlined in this clause. Particular attention should be paid to the insulation and vapour retarding of pipes where they enter or penetrate air-handling units, as this is often implemented poorly.

Ductwork Hanging arrangements for ducting are often an issue where poor duct support arrangements crush and compress the insulation, which affects thermal performance and causes spot condensation. Ductwork and associated fittings and insulation should be installed in accordance with AS 4254.1 for flexible ducxtwork and AS 4254.2 for rigid ductwork.

The treatment for the upper surfaces of air diffusers and housings exposed in unconditioned ceiling/ roof spaces, is shown in Figure 6 while the details of a cushion head enclosing a supply-air register is shown in Figure 4. Where the ceiling space is used as a return air path, it is usually unnecessary to insulate and vapour retard the top of ceiling supply registers and light fittings A cushion head detail common in tropical climates uses a timber frame at the base to prevent cold bridging at the t-bar. This assumes that the supply air temperature and the return/roof space temperatures are fairly constant, which is true if positive pressurisation and sufficient outdoor air dehumidification are implemented in the design. It should be noted that with intermittent plant operation, particularly if slot diffusers are used, condensate will form on the outlets until thermal balance is established. Flexible duct spigot to suit duct size

Insulation

5mm 50mm

GSS ductwork forming vapour seal. Joint type as specified.

Cushion head internal insulation foil faced

550 Typical

The following method offers a simple means of achieving both the insulation and servicing requirements.

Insulation facing with 50mm wide tuck-under at ends.

Internal insulation systems should be robust and of materials and construction appropriate for future duct cleaning. Failed internal insulation can cause HVAC hygiene issues due to moisture and air contaminant retention and require ongoing cleaning and maintenance or total replacement.

Damper

The flange is bolted or riveted to the duct as normal. More than 5mm of insulation overhang may be required as there may be a gasket between the flanges, or gaskets may be provided between the faces of the insulation to ensure an insulated barrier is provided. Figure 3: Duct insulation butt joints.

The insulation and vapour sealing of typical joints in ductwork for tropical applications is shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Where flexible ductwork connections to air conditioning units are exposed to direct sunlight and ambient temperatures, or where located in roof spaces in hot humid regions, the connection should be externally insulated and a PGI surround slip joint arrangement provided with mastic between the two pieces of PGI. This arrangement allows for some vibration isolation and prevents thermal loss and sweating. For hot humid regions, cold tracking also has to be considered. Internally lined duct work with protective coating has advantages in being less subject to damage than external insulation, offering an acoustical advantage over metal ducts for fan sound transmission and is fabricated by a single trade rather than two separate trades as for external insulation. Outdoor air ducts running through conditioned space may sweat internally and should be insulated. Flexible duct work connections to fans and air conditioning units should be externally insulated and covered with a vapour barrier to control sweating.

T-bar

Supply air diffuser lay in type

Fabricate with insulation 15mm proud of duct skin

Note: Aluminium foil tape should be applied to the face of the register (covered by the T Bar) and extending somewhat up the external side of the metal cushion head box. This attaches the register to the cushion head box before fitting it to the ceiling opening provided by the T Bars and prevents cold air escaping back up into the ceiling space. Figure 4: Cushion head enclosing register.

Condensate trays, drains, and vents Drain trays should be fitted under all plant and pipe valves and fittings where condensation can not be fully prevented by insulation and vapour barriers. Note that conventional air handling plants can drip with condensation initially, even when located in conditioned spaces. Where condensation is likely to be more than the occassional drip, such as from exposed chilled water control valves, condensate trays need to have their underside and sides insulated and vapour sealed to prevent secondary condensation forming on these cold surfaces. Trays should be insulated, deep and include sufficient fall to the drain point. Many inexperienced designers fail to calculate condensate rates properly and therefore the drainage plumbing and tundish is sized too small. Note that the amount of condensate to be carried

HVAC&R Skills Workshop Flexible duct Carry insulation facing over outer sleeve and seal with reinforced duct tape.

Cable clamps

Insulate and tape after air balance complete

Inner metal sleeve Four cleats to secure inner sleeve

Quadrant arm (extended)

Outer sleeve insulated Outer metal sleeve Insulation

Internally insulate cushion head.

Seal with non-toxic elastomeric sealant.

Wrap cushion head necks and diffusers with external insulation on site. External insulation to be faced with reinforced aluminium foil laminate.

Ensure corners are fully insulated and all joints are sealed with tape.

Tape over joint with non-toxic elastomeric sealant.

to suit duct

PULLOUT

Figure 5: Flexible or rigid duct detail. Notes: 1. Ductwork insulation to be held in place with pins, no corner angles or bull nosing. 2. At joints in insulation remove 100mm of insulation material and wrap insulation facing over raw end. Tuck under insulation material as required as vapour barrier. 3. Cut insulation 5mm overlength at all joints.

Tape over joint with duct sealant.

Seal all holes in T-bar sides with tape.

Compress insulation with 20 x 5 battens screwed down at centres.

Alternative for T-bar. Figure 6: Insulated supply air diffuser.

away in the condensate tray and drain pipe can be up to 0.014 L/s or 50 L/hour condensate per 1000 L/s of outdoor air (this figure can be as high as 0.22 L/s in extremely humid environments), to which must be added the additional condensate due to any internal latent loads from people, cooking, wet areas and the like. Condensate drain connections should be increased from the usual 19mm or 25mm to 37.5mm or 50mm. This will minimise the risk of blockage due to lint, insects, dirt etc. and provide adequate drainage capacity if the coils have to be drained at some time for service. Ensure the drain pipe has adequate fall towards its exit. Drains should

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

terminate at a tundish that can be accessed for inspection. Condensate systems in tropical climates are very susceptible to algae and fungal growth, particularly in buildings that operate 24/7. To manage this issue, more regular maintenance is required and ensuring that condensate trays and drains are installed to a grade sufficient to minimise any standing water. Condensate drain pipes having long horizontal runs with minimal fall should be sized for stiffness and adequately supported to prevent sagging and hence forming air locks or stagnant reservoirs. Ensure that drains connected to air-handling units have “P” traps of adequate height to resist the fan system pressure; this is especially important on “blow through” style air-handling units.

AIRAH

Drain trays and drain pipes carrying cold condensate are particularly prone to sweating. Metal drains and vents in particular but also those made from plastic need to be insulated to avoid condensation in walls, partitions and exposed areas, whether they are in air conditioned areas or not. Ensure the drain pipe is insulated and vapour sealed over the entire length, or at least beyond the outside of the building’s vapour barrier. n

THE AUSTRA

LIAN INSTITUT

E OF REFRIGE

RATION,

AIR CONDIT

IONING

AND HEATING

DA20 L HUMID TROPICA

APPLIC

ONING

AIR CONDITI

ATION

MANU

This month’s Skills Workshop has been taken from DA20 – Humid Tropical Air Conditioning.

Next month: Air filtration theory and fundamentals February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 17

BREAK THE MOULD,

OR LET IT BREAK YOU!

DA20 HUMID TROPICAL AIR CONDITIONING

STRA THE AU

ST LIAN IN

FRIGER OF RE ITUTE

ATION

NDI , AIR CO

TIONIN

HE ATIN G AND

AIR CON

DITIONING,

COOLING

AND COM

FORT IN

HOT HUM

ID TROPICA

L CLIMATE

DA20

Building d e and system sign selection 3.1 Secti 3

DA20

Climate zone

AIR CON

DITIONING,

COOLING

s base

Western Austr have been exclu and temperate ded are known as alia. Zones which desert, grass zones (see land the whole of New Sout Figure 2.1) which inclu h Wales, Sout ACT and Tasm de h Australia, The tropical ania and large parts Victoria, of regions of Australia whic Western Australia. zones and warm hum h include hot id portion of humid the total area zones add up to a signi ficant of the conti nent. A climate analy sis and zone map and heat pum ping for air p devices carrie conditioners New Zeala d out for nd for air cond governments proposed the Australian and itioning; Hot-h a three zone map Mixed (Coo umid (pred ling heating) refer and heating) and Coldominantly cooling) to Figure 2.3. (predomin antly Australia and New Zeala nd cold and hot-h regions with umid mixed demand betw een

Figure 2.3:

Three zone

ID TROPICA

0 2 A D

L CLIMATE

Note: The data conto urs are not conditions, as high as summer desig being only average 3pm month and n data year. and time period Figures showing other for a particular months s are availa ble from the BoM. Vapour Pressure, 22 24 hPa 26 28 30 32 34 Dew36 Point Temp, °C 19.0 20.4 21.7 23.0 24.1 25.2 26.2 27.2

36 hPa 34 hPa 32 hPa 30 hPa 28 hPa 26 hPa 24 hPa 22 hPa 20 hPa 18 hPa 16 hPa 14 hPa 12 hPa 10 hPa 8 hPa 6 hPa 4 hPa 2 hPa

3pm Vapo ur pressure (hPa) January 2013

“Hot Humid “areas wher Tropics” could e the summ er outdoor temperatu re exceeds design dew- be; the temperatu point re”. Dew-poin indoor design dry-b ulb t temperatu res are a critic al

on introdu

ction

This section discusses the and HVAC&R considerations designers that build must and systems for applicatio give to designing building Informatio n in tropical ing n and advic climates. e is provided on • Passive design strate gies; • Low energ y design strate gies; • Effects and design impli cations of tropical climate chara cteristics; • Building moisture migr ation desig • Design n strategies; strategies for minimising the infiltration and controlling of outdoor air. This section also comfort syste provides guidance on appropria m selection evaporative te including; Ventilative air cooling, spot cooling cooling, refrigerativ e air and hybrid applications. conditioning,

•

Ceiling fans are a low cost, option and low energy should be cooling cons They can be highly effec idered where possible. tive during the drier mon Quality ceilin ths. g insulation heat flows reduces down . ward • Low-e glazing Tropical locat reduces internal radia nt heat. ions can expe rience high • All exter diffuse radia nal and inter tion. nal should be lightly colou solar exposed surfaces red. • Eaves on the northern and reduce wall and window southern walls heat gains . • Externally shaded wind ows on the oriented walls east and west reduce heat load. • Shade trees to the east and west reduce heat • Low mass load. cons time but may truction will cool quick er at night bridging shou heat quicker during the is used then ld be eliminated. If high day. Thermal internal insul Passive desig thermal mass particularly n if the build ation may be considere of buildings can improve the inter ing is to be Solar expo nal conditions that are not air condition d, sed significantly air condition ed. with summ high thermal masses reduce the ed er shading. should be cooling loads and can that are to provided be air cond of buildings itioned. • Cooling breezes Well insulated elements such can be encouraged roofs, optim by design as wing walls eaves both al solar orien to face north and . Avoid orien tation, overh breezes. south on both east ting buildings and west, shad, external window shad anging • ventilated Reflective es e trees, and spac insulation should be allowing free es large openable wind for naturally insulation used materials to air decrease the with other desirable. Light movement and cross ows with louvres absorption -ventilation • Sealing capacity and weight construction of heat. are the building reduces therm therefore cools to ensure a vapour barri al continuou quickly after er encompa s sunset. The follow especially ing are all impo if the build sses the building, ing strategies is rtant to be passive build air condition for buildings If the build ing design ed. in tropical of these strate ing is to be clima air seale gies tes. cond reduces cooli The d and insul itioned it shou comfort in ated and ng loads and application the building: ld be well high perfo improves rmance glazi provided with well positioned • Solar orien ng. Outdoor incorporating air ventilation tatio occupanc y heat recovery should (i.e. the long n with long axis align spaces. be provided systems ed east/west er walls shou in high and south) ld be orien redu ted to the Infiltration north and windows. ces the thermal load can on such as shop be hard to minimise and solar hot This also provides optim external walls in ping centr es, shops, resta building types water orien (particularly al photovolt tations. foyer aic of doors. Posit s) and the like, with urants, hotels frequ ive pressurisa (see 3.5.4) tion is essen ent opening or air curta tial and air ins (see 3.5.5) locks can be utilis ed. •

3.2 Passi ve de strategies sign

IONING

DIT AL AIR CON IC P O R T ID HUM

••• 33

heatin

g/cooling regions map. 2.2.3 Dew -point tem peratures in tropical regions One definition for the

HOT HUM

l HVAC

system zone ■ Hot-humid s (air conditionin ■ Cold (heati g) ■ Mixed (heati ng required) ng and coolin

•••

FORT IN

consideration humid tropi when designing comf cal ort systems summer dew- climates. The use of for hot suita the likeliness point contours are usefu ble maps showing of condensa l tion and air when assessing moisture conte Figure 2.4 show nt. pressure whic s the average 3pm Janu using the tableh relates directly to dew- ary vapour . poin Thes t e temp map the BoM clima erature s te zone and reflect the informatio above but n in climate class quan ification figur and also show tifies the moisture es content in the air inland from s the drop in moisture the and east coast northern coastline content moving and down s of Australia. the west

d on temp ■ Hot humid erature and summer humidity ■ Warm summ ■ Hot dry er, cold winte summ ■ Hot dry r ■ Warm humid er, mid winter summer, cold summer winter ■ Mild/warm summer, cold winter Figure 2.2: Six Australian Climate Zone Northern Territ s. ory and

Residentia

AND COM

Figure 2.4:

Average 3pm

Janua

ry vapour pressures. 2.2.4 Eva porative in tropical cooling regions Evaporative air coolers

MANU T IO N PPLI C A

are not suita cooling in hot ble for comf Zone 1. Evap humid tropical clima ort tes, see Figur orative air coolers are coastal area suitable in e 2.5 and most of the see Zones the inland 2 and 3. areas of Austr southern alia,

AIRAH’s bestselling technical application manual, DA20, is available as a hard copy. n Simple user-friendly format n Covers the application, selection, design installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of AC and other comfort systems in hot humid tropical climates n Standardises and promotes best-practice design, installation, and management n Outlines principles and processes applicable to any building type or size in hot humid conditions. n A must-have design resource.

Order you copy online at www.airah.org.au/DAmanuals

18 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

Feature

A COOL CAREER

Parents tend to control where their children end up, and a large majority prefer that their children pursue a career that involves university-level training Smith believes the industry needs to do a better job of making itself known to the general public. “We have been a hidden industry for too long and we are now suffering the effects of this,” he says. “How can employers attract anyone when the public are not aware that it’s an incredibly diverse and rewarding occupation?” That’s the question. And while key industry stakeholders formulate their battle plans, HVAC&R Nation has discovered that many individuals, companies and industry organisations are already looking for the answer.

THE YOUTUBE GENERATION In 2017, the issue of skills shortages in some states drove the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) to develop a careers video aimed at presenting the RAC industry as a dynamic career choice.

Source: PEER

Much has been said of the invisible nature of the HVAC&R industry and how it has led to the current skills shortage. But behind the scenes, efforts are being made to attract a new generation to the trade, as Sean McGowan reports. As part of the broader electrotechnology sector, refrigeration and air conditioning has been experiencing a skills shortage for the best part of a decade, perhaps even longer. A host of reasons have been put forward, from an ageing workforce to HVAC&R’s low profile compared to traditional trades. Yet for all the finger pointing – and the best efforts of industry participants – an end to the skills shortage has appeared as far away as ever.

“Back in my day, I decided what to do for a job with a bit of guidance from my parents,” says Smith. “This was common in my generation, but I have come to realise that things are different today. Parents tend to control where their children end up, and a large majority prefer that their children pursue a career that involves university-level training.”

“The ARC services over 90,000 individuals and businesses in the wider refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sectors,” says Alex Doran, general manager of communications and business development at the ARC. “It is because of these close ties to the sector that we feel so strongly about the health and sustainability of the RAC community as a whole.” The video was produced to target students in Years 9 and 10, based on research that has shown this is the period when young people begin to seriously consider their career and future. “At a grass roots level, the video was about presenting the industry as vital to modern life,” says Doran.

But more recently, the industry seems to be gaining traction. Apprenticeship commencements in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector have risen since 2012 – against the overall downward trend of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia. The number of women and older candidates starting a refrigeration and/or air conditioning apprenticeship has also grown, although the participation rate of women remains very low. But with the industry predicted to keep growing – and the demand for skills with it –a “steady-as-shegoes” strategy is unlikely to do the job. As head teacher of refrigeration and air conditioning trades at the Kingswood Campus of Nepean TAFE, Steve Smith, M.AIRAH, says there is still much the industry needs to do to present HVAC&R as a viable career choice for school leavers. And that work needs to start by winning the hearts and minds of parents.

Refrigeration and air conditioning technician Skye DaVinci from Veolia Australia appeared in the ARC careers video.

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 19

Feature

FREE TAFE? From January 1, 2019, the Victorian government has offered free TAFE for priority courses. The program aims to reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in areas of high demand. The Free TAFE for Priority Courses program covers tuition fees for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. It includes 20 Victorian apprenticeship pathway courses (sometimes known as pre-apprenticeships). Among these are the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) and Certificate II in Engineering Pathways courses – both potential pathways into a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. Faircloth & Reynolds set up at a recent careers expo held in Coffs Harbour.

“When you consider that surgical operations can’t happen without refrigeration facilities, or that there’d be no transport of meat without refrigeration, then you start to understand how important a role refrigeration and air conditioning technicians play in society.” The video also focuses on the cutting-edge technologies and diverse career pathways offered by the industry. “In widening the scope of what our industry can offer, it became about ‘climate control’ and using new terms that speak to the youth of today who are considering many career options.” The ARC developed the careers video in conjunction with additional promotional and educational materials. Information packs sent to secondary school careers counsellors included the ARC video on a fridgeshaped USB stick, information leaflets and phoneactivated fans. The video is hosted on the ARC’s website and YouTube channel. It has since been republished by TAFEs and associations on their websites and communications.

to upgrade the manufacturing capacity of its Coffs Harbour facility, Faircloth & Reynolds is taking a proactive approach to recruitment and training. This includes close engagement with local secondary schools, where the company introduces the HVAC&R industry to students at careers events, including the technology involved. Students interested in taking up an apprenticeship with Faircloth & Reynolds are asked to submit a hand-written application, and as part of their interview are offered a few days of work experience. “Out of that, you really get a feel for their interest, their aptitude and whether or not they are there just because their parents told them they had to, or whether they really want a job,” says Reynolds. Those that demonstrate an aptitude for the trade are then offered an apprenticeship. “Bringing young people through, and putting them with decent tradesmen, also means you can mentor them into being decent people in the community,” he says, “and this contributes to the building of our company culture.”

The initiative from the Victorian government follows similar moves in other states. In Queensland, Year 12 graduates can enjoy free TAFE in high-priority courses, including Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration. The NSW government, meanwhile, is paying the course cost of 100,000 new apprenticeships.

As well as apprentices, the company is committed to the employment and upskilling of mature-age tradespeople through traineeships. “Training and upskilling both new and existing staff is part of our growth,” says Reynolds. “If we don’t do that, we don’t grow – and we need to grow to keep ahead of both local and international competition, particularly since we manufacture a varied range of customised products out of our Coffs Harbour factory.”

HAVING A CRACK The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor’s Association (RACCA) is another organisation that feels the impact of the industry’s skills shortage on a daily basis – and is trying to address the problem.

“We’ve been thrilled about the positive response the video has received from students and schools, as well as from members of the RAC community,” says Doran. See the video yourself – www.arcltd.org.au/careers

VALUING PEOPLE Based in Coffs Harbour with offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Ballina, Port Macquarie and Armidale, refrigeration and air conditioning contractor Faircloth & Reynolds employs about 150 staff and trains approximately 10 apprentices every year. Director David Reynolds, AM.AIRAH, says the company has always placed enormous importance on the training of new apprentices and the retention of staff. “Few business owners would argue that their employees are surely the best asset that their business has,” says Reynolds. “Some of our staff have been with us for over 30 years, and many others for 10 years or more. Many were apprentices that started straight out of school, progressing to become tradesmen and department managers.” Having recently received a grant under the federal government’s Regional Jobs and Investment package 20 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

Students from Port Hacking High School “try a trade” at ARBS 2018.

Feature “We at RACCA have attended careers events, and are out there spreading the word about our invisible industry,” says RACCA Australia president, Kevin O’Shea. At last year’s ARBS exhibition in Sydney, RACCA introduced a Try-A-Trade program, with school students invited to learn more about the industry and its career prospects. RACCA was assisted by three apprentices: Amber Perrott-Jones from A.G. Coombs, Marcus Jackson from Equilibrium Air Conditioning and David Kupta from the BevWizz Group. Students from Port Hacking High School attended day two of ARBS. Split into three groups, the students were allocated an apprentice to guide them around the exhibition, talking to exhibitors and learning what the industry has to offer. They also observed the WorldSkills National Refrigeration Competition. After the tour, students were given the opportunity to “try a trade” by learning how to cut, bend and flare copper pipe under the tuition of the apprentices. “The response was great, and every student enjoyed the day and left happy,” says O’Shea. “Obviously not all will follow a career path into our trade, but they went home and told their parents and friends about their experience, and from that word starts to spread about our wonderful trade.” RACCA intends to continue the Try-A-Trade program at the next ARBS exhibition in Melbourne 2020, and hopes two schools will attend each day. As well as building on this program and attending careers events, RACCA is exploring opportunities to adopt programs from overseas in a bid to lift the profile of the industry. “We have been in contact with ASHRAE in the USA to find out more about their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program, which we are hoping to be able to use,” says O’Shea. “I am very passionate about our industry and will do whatever I can to lift the profile of this great trade.”

My over-riding passion is to encourage young women to seriously consider becoming fridgies . . .

THE GOOD NEWS OR THE BAD NEWS? At a national refrigeration and air conditioning teachers meeting held recently at the new ActronAir facility in Sydney, all TAFE representatives present reported an increase of between 25 and 50 per cent in 2018 enrolments compared to 2017. “The numbers here at my college went from 287 in 2017 to 400 in 2018,” says Steve Smith, M.AIRAH, head teacher of refrigeration and air conditioning trades at the Nirimba College of TAFE NSW. And in what is encouraging news for the industry, Smith says the intake for this year is expected to be higher again. There are likely several reasons for the increase in numbers. For instance, Sydney and Melbourne are undertaking massive infrastructure projects likely to drive a spike in apprenticeship numbers in both cities. Meanwhile most TAFEs around the country indicate the clear majority of apprentices are working in the residential air conditioning sector. Smith recently reflected with a colleague on how things have changed over the 40 years he has been involved in the trade.

“When I was attending TAFE as an apprentice, 12 of the 15 students in the class worked for companies that predominantly did commercial refrigeration work, with a bit of commercial air conditioning work thrown in,” he says. “I was one of those 12. The other three worked for commercial air conditioning companies in the high-rise sector.” When he looks at a typical class today, Smith finds that almost all his students work in the installation of residential air conditioning systems only. “This is of particular interest, as it demonstrates why the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sectors are experiencing serious issues in finding competent, experienced technicians these days. The high-rise chiller companies are in extreme jeopardy, while the industrial sector is yet another leap worse off.” Smith says this exacerbates skills shortages and wage increases in those sectors. It also shows, he says, the national trade course is no longer fit for purpose. “We are all delivering a course structure,” he says, “that was essentially created 50-plus years ago!”

Peall says the book began life as an illustrated work directed at middle grade schoolchildren but is now being targeted towards young women facing confusing career choices.

Peall says the story has received excellent reviews, with readers praising the concept, the creative use of James Harrison as a historical narrator, and a contemporary protagonist.

“The first book is targeted to the RAC trade and family support groups who surround young school leavers and job seekers,” he says. “But my over-riding passion is to encourage young women to seriously consider becoming fridgies as a career stepping stone.

Professional review is under way, with plans to independently publish the book in the coming months. Peall is now researching the experiences of successful female tradies as background for a sequel to be co-written with a female author. n

Dave Peall, Stud.AIRAH, with the narrator of his novel – or at least a statue of him – refrigeration inventor James Harrison.

A NOVEL IDEA Dave Peall, Stud.AIRAH, is an educator and a long-time refrigeration and air conditioning technician who seized an early career option to become a marine refrigeration engineer. While working in the Far East on the MV Golden Summer in the late 1960s he began his first manuscript, A Reefer in Paradise. Encouraged by friends and family to follow a lifelong ambition to be an author, Peall recently completed a Bachelor of Creative Industries degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). He is writing a fictional novel to encourage more young women to consider an apprenticeship the RAC trade as an exciting career option. “The desire to write the book was partly inspired by my own adventures,” he says, “but I feel that I'm being swept up in a whirlwind, driven to encourage more women to join the industry.” February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 21

Top Talent

TAKING ON THE WORLD He might have won AIRAH’s Student of the Year – Trade award, but Patrick Brennan, Stud.AIRAH, isn’t resting on his laurels. He has his sights set on the WorldSkills international finals in Kazan, Russia in August.

“Travel, jet lag, different foods, distractions – all of these and the pressure of a four-day competition is replicated,” Balke says. “No amount of training at TAFE or in the workplace can give you that experience to get you prepared for what pressure is, both mentally and physically. I need to get Paddy to panic, make a mistake, ride the emotional roller-coaster and see how he handles it, to get back on task. “Our local GSC is confirmed, and may be our only opportunity to see how other countries’ skills and abilities are developing. This is how we can adapt our training to better prepare Paddy. Just remember, there are many countries whose competitors are full-time students focused on WorldSkills training, some for the past two years.” For Brennan, this is one more step on a journey that started at his regional competition in June 2017, to potentially joining 33 other countries already registered to do battle in the refrigeration category in Russia. With formal training on hold over our industry’s busy summer period, Brennan has been honing his hand skills and personal preparations on the job with his supportive employer Tony Stephens Refrigeration.

It’s a long hard road to Russia, but Brennan’s expert trainer believes he has what it takes. “Paddy is a credit to his mum and dad, and his employer,” Balke says. “He’s is very focused and has dealt with pressure to date. He is also very open to training and taking on new and varied ways to go about his work. Paddy really hasn’t displayed any weaknesses or areas of concern – he is very good across the skills and tasks without being outstanding in any one area. My challenge is to bring those skills up to excellence and have him score every point available for the four days.” For the Refrigeration competition, Noel Munkman, M.AIRAH, the Australian Refrigeration Council’s technical and training manager, has been selected by WorldSkills International as the Skill Competition Manager responsible for providing management, guidance, and leadership for planning, setting up and operation of the next skill competition. It was early in the night at the AIRAH Awards presentation dinner late last year when Student of the Year – Trade was announced. And more than 260 people at Melbourne’s Central Pier put their hands together as Patrick Brennan, Stud.AIRAH, arrived onstage to accept his award. It was a great way for the young refrigeration apprentice to finish a massive year. At ARBS in May, he won gold at the WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition, edging fellow Queenslander Chris McNally by less than a mark. After that both Brennan and McNally continued their WorldSkills journey, with the goal of representing Australia as a Skillaroo at the international competition in Kazan, Russia this coming August. At SkillsTech TAFE Queensland campus under the watchful eye of WorldSkills Australia’s international training manager and expert Carl Balke, and with the support of SkillsTech’s refrigeration team and past international competitor Nathan McHugh, they improved their skills and mental toughness.

Weekly training days saw the pair going head to head on various refrigeration system installs, refrigeration/electrical testing and fault finding. As well as completing their TAFE college training, in September they attended the WorldSkills Australia (WSA) Skills Squad Training camp with other young Skillaroo potentials to get an insight into the expectations and the challenges of taking on the rest of the world in the Kazan 2019 international competition. Eventually, though, there could be only one representative in the category, and based on feedback from trainers, team leaders and their performance improvements, Brennan got the nod. He now moves on the next round of selections at the Global Skills Challenge (GSC) in April. Here he will compete against up to six other countries, replicating an international competition over four days. According to Balke, Brennan will have to perform well to cement his place in the Skilleroos team. If all goes well, he may also get the chance to compete in similar events overseas.

22 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

Munkman has been involved in all but one international competition since 1995 as a supporter, WorldSkills Australia’s refrigeration expert (judge), chief expert and assistant technical delegate. “Heading overseas to compete against the best from other countries in your trade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says. “If Paddy can give us everything he has learnt and trained for and leave nothing in the tank, that’s all we can ask for. He should enjoy the journey, and there are doors that he would never have thought of that will open up for him.” n

EYES ON THE PRIZE For a full list of AIRAH Awards winners, check out the article in the December issue of Ecolibrium at www.airah.org.au/ecolibrium

AIRAH Industry Nights

TRADES • INNOVATIONS • ENGINEERING AIRAH Industry Nights are a great opportunity to broaden your networks and see the HVAC&R industry’s latest innovations. Whether you’re looking for the latest technology to improve your business, or extending your networks, there will be plenty on offer. February 21

HOBART, Tas

Wrest Point Casino

March 20

GEELONG, Vic

Sphinx Hotel

April 10

WAGGA WAGGA, NSW

Rules Club

May 15

MELBOURNE, Vic

Caulfield Racecourse

May 23

BRISBANE, Qld

Royal International Convention Centre

May 30

TAMWORTH, NSW

Wests Tamworth

June 13

PERTH, WA

HBF Stadium

June 26

DARWIN, NT

Sky City Casino

July 03

WESTERN SYDNEY, NSW

Rosehill Gardens

July 25

CENTRAL SYDNEY, NSW

Luna Park

August 21

CENTRAL COAST, NSW

The Entrance Leagues

August 27

CAIRNS, Qld

Pullman Casino

August 29

TOWNSVILLE, Qld

The Ville Resort Casino

September 4

SHEPPARTON, Vic

Parklake Hotel

September 25

CANBERRA, ACT

Exhibition Park

October 10

ROCKHAMPTON, Qld

Leagues Club

October 17

ADELAIDE, SA

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

October 31

GOLD COAST, Qld

Southport Sharks

Free entry – Doors open at 4pm

www.airah.org.au/industrynights February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 23

RMIT Trades Industry Connect

Aidan Kennedy (centre) receives his certificate from executive dean Peter Ryan, and $3,300 worth of tools from Cool Tools managing director Nigel Muggridge. Source: Gordon Flynn

TOP OF THE CLASS RMIT’s leading trade students had their moment in the sun on the city campus rooftop late last year. RMIT has been delivering refrigeration and airconditioning training for over 60 years and offers Certificate III or IV courses full-time or part-time. And after another hectic year of work and study, the school wound up 2018 with the Trades Industry Connect Event at its Melbourne CBD campus. It was a chance to recognise the most successful students, network with industry professionals, and to enjoy a hot snag and a cold drink. It was also a chance for HVAC&R Nation to meet some of the winners . . .

DOORS TO THE COOLROOM One thing that marked the winners was that many have entered the trade after trying something else first – from fixing coffee machines to civil engineering. Quite a few have chosen HVAC&R because they had family and friends working in the sector, but not all. Most Outstanding Third-Year Student Aidan Kennedy worked as a chef for 10 years, rising to sous-chef level before deciding it was time for a change. And he discovered his new career while working in the restaurant. “If it’s a Friday night service and you don’t cram as much as you possibly can into that underbench fridge, you are screwed,” Kennedy recalls. “And if you have to

stack the chip boxes in front of the fan, just to make sure that you have enough, maybe you do it.” Inevitably, there were problems with the equipment, and the cooking crew had to make an emergency call to their refrigeration guy. “He was fixing our problem – we kind of saw him as a demigod, and I drew from that,” Kennedy says. “That’s the only thing that piqued me to go back through the apprenticeship cycle again.”

VARIETY THE SPICE When asked what they liked most about working in HVAC&R, the winners mentioned the problem-solving nature of the work – and the requirement to master several disciplines. “You go to a different job, and it’s not always the same,” says Encouragement Award winner Chatura Ruparathna. “You need to know the plumbing side as well as the electrical side, as well as the air conditioning and refrigeration sides, so you’re like four tradies in one.” First-year winner Fergus Harpley agrees. “Every single thing is different,” he says. “You rock up to work and a puzzle is presented to you. It keeps me intrigued, and it keeps me wanting to go back every day.” As well as working on different problems, Harpley likes the variety of locations his job takes him to.

24 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

“I’ve been to Adelaide, I’ve been to Sydney, Tassie, Victoria all over,” he says. “I’m booked in to go to Hong Kong in a couple of weeks. And as a first-year apprentice, work says to go there you pack your bags and get going!”

LATE IS GREAT Many of the winners also believe that coming to the trade later in life gave them extra focus and drive. This was definitely the case for Most Outstanding Overall Student winner Jacob Emans. After working as an aquaculture consultant and travelling to South-East Asia with his job, he made the move into HVAC&R. Now he’s finished his studies and is into his fourth year on the tools. “Having that tunnel vision to what I wanted to achieve is massive,” he says. “That was a huge advantage getting through the course and not having such duress on the rest of my life. I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone else – later in life is never too late.” n

HONOUR ROLL Most Outstanding 1st Year Student Fergus Harpley – sponsored by Heatcraft Most Outstanding 2nd Year Student Troy Basher – sponsored by Airmaster Most Outstanding 3rd Year student Aidan Kennedy – sponsored by Cool Tools Most Outstanding Overall Student Jacob Emans – sponsored by Testo

Cool Tech

RETRO PERFECTION Imagine an old-school truck’s looks combined with the latest automotive knowhow, and then finished to the highest quality. Meet the Icon Thriftmaster. That’s where Icon founder Jonathan Ward saw an opportunity. His Los Angeles business basically turns old jalopies into new cars. So although the Icon Thriftmaster has the spirit of a 1940s Chevy pickup, the technology inside is thoroughly modern. Everything beneath the exterior has been redesigned and replaced using modern methods, high-end materials, and clever engineering. We’re talking a supercharged 5.3L small-block V8, 324kW engine, touchscreen display, power windows and leather seats.

Everything else is either custom designed or obsessively sourced from high-end suppliers. This includes displays, knobs, fixtures, trims, textiles, axles, suspension components, brakes, and the exhaust system. “We’ll do what we think the original designer would’ve wanted to do,” Ward says, “before the focus groups and the accounting department f*cked up the details.” The business model has its doubters. After all, you’d think the market for a US$250,000 (just shy of Au$350,000) pickup with a potential three-year waiting list would be small. Yet Icon has celebrated a decade of operation, expanding its operation to five trademarked models. “This vehicle without peers,” Ward says, “is built for a journey without boundaries.” n

“As demands and expectations on classic cars grew, so did the desire for modern performance married to classic styling,” Ward says. “I not only took note, I took action.”

The classic vehicles of the 1940s and 50s were beautiful creations – all smooth lines and graceful silhouettes.

There is quite the process to create an Icon ride. It begins with laser-scanning the car body and designing a custom chassis to fit a variety of powertrains, from traditional petrol engines to dual electric Tesla motors.

The only problem with old stuff is that while it looks awesome, it often doesn’t work so well. Old cars are unreliable, they leak and sputter, and they’re uncomfortable too.

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Around the Nation 1

RAISING THE STANDARD

The installation and design of energy-efficient residential air conditioning has been given a helping hand with the publication of AS/NZS 5141, Residential heating and cooling systems – Minimum applications and requirements for energy efficiency, performance and comfort criteria. Standards Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans says there are many schemes in place to guide energy-efficient products in our homes, but none that look at the installation and design of air conditioning and its impact on overall energy efficiency. The standard specifies the requirements for design, selection, installation, commissioning and maintenance of residential heating and cooling climate control systems. Robert Beggs is Chair of the Standards Australia technical committee responsible for the standard. He says that although programs such as Energy Labelling and MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) have driven manufacturers to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of their products, this can be blown away with poor application or installation. “This standard now introduces minimum requirements for the selection and installation of the equipment and system components to ensure that the installed system can operate at optimum efficiency,” Beggs says. “Other important consumer requirements such as noise levels, system reliability, serviceability and workmanship are also addressed by this standard.” Go to infostore.saiglobal.com n

FOCUS ON FLAMMABLES

have “directly contributed to injuries, deaths and damage to property globally, including in Australia and New Zealand”. As well as the direct risk of fire, the combustion products of some refrigerants and mixtures are toxic. For example, halogenated refrigerants release hydrogen fluoride or carbonyl dichloride (phosgene) in a fire. In response, the HWSA has developed a position paper on flammable refrigerant gases. It highlights issues such as systems being converted to alternative refrigerants or topped up by people without the correct level of competence or training. It also signals the lack of information about which workplaces use flammable refrigerants and the need for systems to be clearly labelled with the refrigerant in use. The paper provides clear guidance on the legal responsibilities and recommendations for work health and safety (WHS) duty holders with respect to the use of flammable refrigerant gases at workplaces. n

GET THE COLD HARD FACTS

A new version of Cold Hard Facts – a comprehensive inventory of Australia’s HVAC&R sector – has been published. Based on data up to 2016, Cold Hard Facts 3 confirms the continued growth of Australia’s HVAC&R sector in terms of employment, direct spending, electricity use and emissions. The stock of equipment rose from 45 million to 50 million pieces. Of special note was the increase in the walk-in coolroom sector – up 265 per cent from 98,100 to 258,000.

The HFC phase-down has seen increasing use of refrigerants that have lower GWP but higher flammability such as R290 (propane) and R32. This has raised major concerns about the safe use of these gases.

The refrigerant bank grew by 17 per cent from 2012 to 2016. The big three were 410a, 404a and 134a, followed by R22, which has now dropped below 10,000 tonnes. This will continue to fall as existing equipment reaches end of life and no more enters the bank. The bank of natural refrigerants grew by 14 per cent, with CO2 and hydrocarbons the big contributors to that rise.

According to the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA), recent workplace fire incidents involving flammable refrigerant gases

Other highlights from the report included the rapid emergence of R32 in small air conditioning systems; the use of hydrocarbons in domestic refrigeration

26 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

and supermarkets; steady growth in ammonia, driven mainly by increased cold-storage floor space; and the very recent emergence of HFOs and blends for large chillers. Go to www.environment.gov.au/protection/ozone/ publications/cold-hard-facts-3 n

ACTION AT ARC

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has been re-awarded the contract for administration of the national refrigeration and air conditioning licence scheme, for up to nine years. The ARC has administered the scheme since its inception in 2005. It is the body responsible for granting refrigerant handling licences (RHL) and refrigerant trading authorisations (RTA). These are compulsory for individuals and businesses working with fluorocarbon refrigerants and refrigeration and air conditioning systems. “The ARC is both proud and humble to continue this valuable work for the RAC industry, which has seen an increase in skills since the scheme began and where emissions reductions have resulted in significant environmental benefits,” says the ARC. In more news from the ARC, long-time general manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia Michael Bennett (pictured), has been appointed as the new chairman. He replaces outgoing chairman Kevin O’Shea, who stepped down from the role after reaching the term limit under the ARC’s constitution. According to the ARC, Bennett's hands-on experience working with industry and government provides him with a unique and vital perspective on industry which will help guide his stewardship of the board. n

ON A MISSION TO COMMISSION

The government, the Green Building Council of Australia, builders, asset owners and thought leaders have joined forces to address a widely recognised sore point in the Australian building industry: commissioning.

Around the Nation 6

The goal is to produce an Australian Standard for building commissioning. As a first step, a working group is producing a guideline. Paul Jackson, M.AIRAH, is associate director of IBMS and part of the working group. He believes there is a clear and urgent need for a commissioning standard. “For years now end users have been complaining about and putting up with issues within new buildings or assets,” he says. “You don’t buy a car and spend the first 12 months trying to make it work, so why buy or lease a multi-million-dollar asset and accept the current project outcomes?” Jackson highlights the lack of inter-discipline co-ordination as one of the issues. “For example, mechanical or air conditioning systems need to interact with access control, lighting, vertical transportation and fire control,” he says. “Invariably these systems are commissioned in a siloed manner.” The aim is to provide an initial draft for peer review in mid-2019. n

COOL IN FRONT OF GOAL

Fans of the round ball game in Australia may have noticed that Mitsubishi Electric is supporting the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hyundai A-League this season. According to Mitsubishi Electric, it has values that are strongly aligned with the Wanderers, and takes pride in supporting the Western Sydney community where the team is based. “Since the partnership began, the Wanderers have created a strong community with a truly inspiring positive impact in Western Sydney,” says Mitsubishi Electric’s managing director Jeremy Needham. “We have been privileged to be a part of this.” Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas is looking forward to taking the partnership to the next level in the coming years. “The relationship with Mitsubishi Electric has grown strongly since our inception, and they are well and truly embedded in the Wanderers family,” says Tsatsimas. “As one of our longest serving partners,

we are excited that Mitsubishi Electric will experience the next incredible phase of this club’s growth with us and continue to be prominent in the Western Sydney community.” n

BOWLING THEM OVER

A new three-storey sports hub to support grassroots and women’s cricket has been built as part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the South Australian Cricket Association’s (SACA) Park 25 in Adelaide. Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by Kennett Builders, the officially named Karen Rolton Oval has dramatically reduced the footprint of previous buildings while delivering much-improved amenities. The facility includes a high-efficiency system installed and commissioned by local mechanical services contractor Integrated Air Services (IAS). “The project had a mix of products from Fantech to serve a number of different applications,” says Matt Longhurst from IAS. This includes exhaust systems for the carpark, chemical storage, bathroom, kitchen and dishwasher. Longhurst says selecting the correct fan for the chemical store area was a big challenge, which IAS overcame by consulting with all parties on the design team. “We used a number of PowerLine Series fans for this project to meet the specification,” says Longhurst, “and Vacon variable speed drives (VSDs), supplied by Fantech, for commissioning and to achieve the controls functionality.” Fantech supplied attenuators and supply air fans. It also supported IAS during the commissioning process and assisted with the setup of the VSDs to achieve the specified air quantities. Go to www.fantech.com.au n

Ryan has extensive experience within the HVAC&R sector, having worked for Conex Bänninger’s partner, the Reece Group, where he held positions in field marketing supporting key brands, business development and branch management. “I’m delighted to be joining the Australia and South Pacific team and look forward to building on the fantastic work already done to make Conex Bänninger the ‘go to’ press fittings brand,” says Ryan. “One major objective for me will be to develop new, as well as existing, relationships with contractors and specifiers to grow our market share even further. “Another will be promoting the advantages of our innovative MaxiPro press-fit fitting for ACR applications, supporting customers during the installation process and working with my team on industry roadshows.” Conex Bänninger international sales director Pietro Cardente welcomes Ryan to the role. “The depth of experience that Nick brings to the table will be invaluable as we look for further growth in Australia and the South Pacific, where we are already well established,” he says n

BOOST FOR BUSH APPRENTICES

Late last year the federal government announced the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy Trial. The initiative aims to support apprenticeships in skills need occupations in rural and regional areas. The scheme is open to employers who take on a new apprentice doing a full-time Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List in a rural and regional workplace. Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic is one of the trades on the list. Under the trial, the government will subsidise 75 per cent of the first-year award wage, 50 per cent of the second-year award wage, and 25 per cent of the third-year award wage.

RYAN’S REGIONAL ROLE

Conex Bänninger has appointed Nick Ryan, Affil.AIRAH, as specification manager for Australia and the South Pacific.

The trial began on January 1 and will continue until 1,630 sign-ups have occurred. Go to www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au n

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 27

Green wedge

SPLASH

plastic from flowing over it, while the skirt stops debris from escaping underneath. At the same time, fish can safely pass below.

FOR TRASH

The system floats freely in the water, driven by the current – just like the rubbish. But because the wind and waves propel the floater, it moves faster than objects suspended in the water, and can capture the plastic.

Clean up the plastic poisoning our oceans – that’s the goal of the team of engineers at The Ocean Cleanup. One of the greatest victims of our modern disposable lifestyle has been the oceans. And there is no greater proof than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This trash vortex between California and Hawaii consists of 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic weighing an estimated 80m tonnes. It’s almost as large as the state of Queensland, and rapidly getting bigger. The Ocean Cleanup project aims do something about it. Led by inventor-entrepreneur Boyan Slat, a team of more than 80 engineers, researchers, scientists and computational modellers have created a prototype to collect the plastic. The system consists of a 600m “floater” and a tapered 3m “skirt” attached below. The floater provides buoyancy to the system and prevents

As the current applies pressure to the skirt, the system naturally adopts a U shape, turning it into a big plasticeating Pac-Man. The drag from the skirt also acts as a stabilising force, allowing the system to re-orient itself when the wind changes direction. When it fills up a support vessel comes to remove the concentrated plastic, which is taken back to land for recycling. After 273 scale model tests, six at-sea prototypes, and several technology iterations, the system was launched in September last year. This will reveal how the system performs in the open sea and whether it can withstand the harsh conditions. If successful, the plan is to produce 60 such systems to clean up half of the great Pacific Garbage Patch every five years. Sink or swim, it’s good to see someone taking on the challenge. n For more information on the project and status updates go to www.theoceancleanup.com

Smoko with . . .

H Name: Gar y Jones, M.AIRA Company : Finn Air Pty Ltd fridgie Occupation: Old-school industry do you work in? What par t of the HVAC &R Commercial CBD HVAC. &R ut working in the HVAC What's the bes t thing abo trade and not just our to ets fac ny ma so are industry? Diversity. There mind-readers, e days we even need to be mechanical or electrical. Som . call vice ser the to complete psychologists and magicians d in the industry? How long have you worke working for Finn Air. trade and proudly my 22nd This is my 30th year in the more nic leak detector. I’ve found Favourite tool? CPS electro ners. din hot had e hav s st apprentice leaks with that tool than mo do you HVAC &R industry, what If you didn't work in the arcane farm a Farming. I grew up on sug think you would be doing? . one any t d work never hur and miss the countr y life. Har tion of HVAC &R Nation? What's your favourite sec hop and Lighter Side Global Update, Skills Works O Dream car? Ford XY GTH an. ere where I can hear the oce Dream holiday? Any wh XX Bitter. ooner of barbed wire aka XX Drink of choice? Cold sch t About Me)” listen to? “Don’t You (Forge What song did you las t sed. pas has o lot for an old mate wh by Simple Minds. Means a

28 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

? Favourite quote or saying d in every day. but there’s something goo d goo be not y ma day ry Eve and toasted HCT sanga. Car tel Americano cof fee Favourite smoko snack? ch, mighty Balmain Tigers. Sporting hero? Blocker Roa ot to turn back on. . . . Thinking of what I forg When I’m not working I’m

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February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 29

The Lighter Side This month’s Lighter Side brought to you by:

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1 WINNER

EVERSE CYCLE RMichael from Kelso, Queensland, was called out to check a coldroom that was not cooling and found that the TX valve had been installed backwards. “Surprising that it lasted so long before faulting,” he says. n

ASTE NOT . . . W “Found this gem at a shopping centre in Patterson Lakes, Victoria,” says Chris. “Someone has used a dead AC outdoor unit as a mounting plate for a hot water service.” n

ME S“SawUPERSIZE this out on a job,” says James. “Old mate didn’t have

the right size, so he stuck a 450mm fan over a 350mm shroud and used the timbers to fix it in place.” n

F SPIDERMAN WERE A FRIDGIE . . . IAnother one for our access shame file. It should, however, be noted that Peter from Melbourne snapped this in another country – where we can only assume the service technicians are very talented climbers. n

O HO HO HFollowing on from condensers in boxes, here’s a similar idea that could catch on next Christmas. Thanks to Matt from Victoria for the early warning. n

HAVE YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING SCARY, UGLY OR JUST PLAIN FUNNY? If your entry is deemed the monthly winner, a 700ml bottle of Jim Beam will be on its way to your door. Please include a postal address with your entry. Entrants must be 18 or over. Send your hi-res (>500KB) photos to Editor, Mark Vender at mark.vender@airah.org.au

30 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | February 2019

The dawn of a new apac era.

apac High Efficiency Air Cooled Packaged and Split Ducted Units on R410A 012 to 230kW

For years, apac air conditioning has saved Australians from the melting heat of summer, not to mention all our other climate extremes.

developments, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also the perfect replacement for old apac units that are approaching the end of their operating life.

Now apac is back, bigger and better than ever. And with backing from Rinnai, Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global leader in Hot Water, Heating and Cooling, you can rest assured apac will measure up when the heat is on.

So contact apac - before you start melting. Visit apacair.com.au.

Featuring next generation efficiency and super reliability, the latest Australian designed and built apac units are not only ready for new

February 2019 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 31

AVAILABLE NOW!

THE ALL NEW

ZENA

DESIGNER SERIES MODELS

Engineered with the latest technology, its stylish and elegant design integrates seamlessly into the modern home. Now available in 6.0kW capacity.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE Zena delivers 5.5 Star Rating energy performance in cooling and 5.0 Star Rating in heating (25 Class).

CAPACITY RANGE

8 2.5kW 6.0kW - TO -

LARGE FAN ROTOR Ø200mm rotor delivers large airflows quietly

FLASH STREAMER TECHNOLOGY Decomposes bacteria and mould absorbed on the filter by ionisation

ULTRA COMPACT DESIGN With a discrete indoor unit casing size of only 295mm high, 798mm wide and 185mm deep.

BUILT-IN WI-FI New includes Wi-Fi adapter as standard for smart phone control, anywhere, anytime. Available in White Hair Line or Black Wood finish.

NATIONAL ASTHMA COUNCIL AUSTRALIA

For more information, visit daikin.com.au or call us on 1300 368 300

ADVANCED FILTER Titanium apatite deodorising filter traps microscopic particles and decomposes odours

GRID EYE SENSOR Provides draught free comfort and monitors floor temperature to ensure even temperature in the space