Skills
WORKSHOP HVAC hygiene System inspection and assessment
Cracking the code Everything you need to know about NCC 2019
Dirty Deeds
Coming clean about HVAC hygiene
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May 2019 / ISSUE 121
Coming clean 20
HVAC&R Nation is published by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (Inc). AIRAH – National Office James Harrison Centre 3/1 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Tel: 03 8623 3000
Fax: 03 9614 8949
www.airah.org.au/nation
Magazine team 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
It’s time to talk grime – Sean McGowan looks at the importance of HVAC hygiene and how our industry handles this vital task.
Sean McGowan
Advertising sales
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HVAC&R Nation regulars
Glenn Douglas glenn.douglas@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3018
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HVAC Hygiene – system inspection and assessment
See what’s new in the ‘Shed
John McGrath john.mcgrath@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3007
The Toolshed
Skills Workshop
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Global Update Industry news from around the world
ISSN 1834-9522
HVAC&R Nation is printed on paper sourced from well manned forests and other controlled sources.
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No responsibility is accepted by AIRAH, the Editor
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any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the Publisher.
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Around the Nation Who’s in the news?
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Cool Tech Spin your discs in style
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Cracking the code
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The new National Construction Code has landed. Find out what it means for you.
Smoko with . . . Q&A with Jamie Poetschka
September 2018
PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KEEP IT.
AIRAH News Four leading refrigeration contractors share their views on the big challenges ahead
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
Legal Speak What can sub-contractors do when a builder goes bust?
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.
Exclusive to this issue
Green Wedge This invention could help reverse climate change
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Lighter Side The shonkier side of the nation May 2019
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Ed’s letter
CAREER HIGHLIGHT OK, I might be exaggerating. Maybe not a career highlight, but definitely a good day on the job. I’d been down at Docklands in the morning for AIRAH’s Refrigeration conference. The room was packed with 170 attendees and speakers, including a few visitors from overseas. For some reason our refrigeration events always seems to attract a very outspoken and passionate crowd, and that added to the buzz. We had people charging onto the stage to make impromptu speeches, attendees asking awkward questions of the presenters, and a fair dose of refrigeration humour. (Prof. Dr Michael Kauffeld’s answer to whether he had any experience with ammonia pool-heating systems: “Only as a kid, when I used to pee in the water.”)
Normal people get excited when they are in close proximity to sports stars, famous musos or celebrities. Journos get excited when they meet a reader. I watched him for a while, to see which section he was reading (it was the Skills Workshop, or maybe the Green Wedge). Finally I introduced myself, admitted I was the editor and asked how he came across the mag and what he did in the industry.
Midway through the morning it was time to return to the office. I shuffled in to a tram and found a spot next to a young bloke reading a magazine. Yeah, I know, weird – a young person reading a piece of paper!
He was a third-year apprentice working mainly in refrigeration, who had picked up a copy of the magazine in the West Melbourne branch of Heatcraft. We spoke for a couple more stops before it was time for me to get off.
Even weirder, there was a big and familiar photo of a barramundi on the cover. It was the March issue of HVAC&R Nation.
I thought back to the Refrigeration conference and the refrain about the lack of good and keen young workers these days (see page 24 for our report).
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They are obviously out there. Maybe the question is how to find them. I often say the same thing about HVAC&R Nation readers: we know they are out there, but we can’t always find them! If you are someone who picks up the magazine, we’d love to hear your comments and ideas. Feel free to email me at the address below. Otherwise, I’ll look out for you on the tram. @AIRAHnews
Mark Vender Editor mark.vender@airah.org.au
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Toolshed 1
The silent treatment
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Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new split system boasting quiet operation and dual barrier coating. “This is Mitsubishi Electric’s quietest ever model,” says Mitsubishi Electric’s national product manager Atesh Mani. “Consumers may need to check whether the device has even been turned on. Operating at a noise level as low as 18 dB(A) for the 25-size model in heating mode, this series will let consumers sleep peacefully again. To put that in perspective, it’s quieter than the rustling of leaves.”
“Designed for cooling large open-air spaces from 7–12m high, it’s ideal for large sports halls, warehouses, manufacturing, entertainment centres, railway stations, aircraft hangars or outdoor stadiums,” says Airius.
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Users can also engage a “Night Mode” to reduce the brightness of the operational panel, disable beep noises, and limit the noise of the outdoor unit.
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Go to www.mitsubishielectric.com.au ■
Daikin’s cool controller 3
“In residential applications, Madoka makes scheduling simple and enables homeowners to activate extra energy‑saving functions.
The new voice control feature is available in Mitsubishi Electric split systems, ducted and the commercial City Multi air conditioning units installed with a wi-fi adapter. Go to www.mitsubishielectric.com.au ■
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Madoka is connectable to all new and existing Daikin Sky Air and VRV systems, with the potential for multiple unit control. It’s available in gloss white or matte black finish.
G-force gem
“The smooth inner surface of the PE100 pipe provides a minimum pressure loss while the low thermal conductivity of the insulation ensures reduced energy loss and operational costs for a lifetime. The three-in-one construction keeps installation time to a minimum.”
The Airius G400EC Sapphire Plus is a multi-directional fan designed for cooling large open spaces. “The bigger the space the more a breeze feels like a slice of heaven when you are overheated,” says the company. “Airius has exceeded market and airflow expectations with the new G400EC Sapphire Plus fan. You can say goodbye to uncomfortable large open spaces – the reinvention of the fan just got serious!”
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Corrosion-free piping
“Cool-Fit 2.0 is the corrosion- and condensation-free solution for the transport of chilled water inside residential and commercial buildings as well as data centres and for process cooling,” says Simon Naef, cooling expert at GF Piping Systems.
Go to daikin.com.au ■
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GF Piping Systems has released Cool-Fit 2.0, a new preinsulated piping system for chilled water applications in commercial HVAC&R, building and process industries. The Cool-Fit 2.0 PE100 pipes and fittings are insulated with 22mm of high-density polyurethane (PUR) foam and protected with a jacket.
The Madoka app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and allows users to configure advanced functions via Bluetooth. The app can control up to 10 Madoka controllers.
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“We listened to our customers who wanted to integrate heating and cooling into their smart home,” says Atesh Mani, Mitsubishi Electric Australia’s national product manager. “The addition of Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility to Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control provides our customers with a smart air conditioning solution. “Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control already provides great convenience. The ability to use a device to turn your air conditioner off remotely that is left on accidentally, or the ability to precool or preheat your home before you get there, can save energy by preventing excessive use. Now your air conditioner can be controlled along with other smart devices such as lights and power outlets.”
“Designed with a focus on enhancing the user experience, the Madoka controller can be installed in any modern interior space including offices, hotel rooms, retail stores, healthcare environments and residential homes,” says Daikin.
“For commercial use, the Madoka controller can respond to changing conditions by enabling fast and easy system configuration through the field settings mode. Additionally, outdoor unit model names, error history, unit status and operational hours can easily be read off the accompanying app to suit the service technicians working in the field.”
You’re the voice
Mitsubishi Electric Australia has announced voice control capability for its air conditioning units installed with Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control. The system is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, letting consumers control their unit via their smart home hub.
The MSZ-AP models use R32 refrigerant and range from 2.5–7.8kW, making them suitable for cooling and heating most homes.
Daikin has released its latest wired remote controller, Madoka.
“Released in the last quarter of 2018, it immediately took the large open spaces market by storm, with over 150 sold and currently installed in Brisbane Boys College (Qld), Kings School (NSW), PLC Perth (WA), Cedar College (SA), YMCA (Qld), Urban Extreme (Qld), Daly River Sports Centre (NT) and some big retail brands we can’t talk about.” Go to airiusfans.com/en-au/home/ ■
A dual barrier coating has been designed to reduce dust and greasy dirt from entering the air conditioner. All units can be controlled online via smartphone or an online account and are compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The series has also won a Red Dot Award for its sleek design.
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The G400EC has a patented airflow system that captures and propels large volumes of air. It is claimed to have a centreline velocity of 2.79m/s @ 10m and a thrust of 14.89 Newtons.
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According to GF Piping Systems, Cool-Fit 2.0 has a 50 per cent faster installation time, 30 per cent better energy efficiency and is 100 per cent corrosion-free. Go to www.gfps.com/au ■
Toolshed 6
Hidden heating and cooling
Sydney-based Polaris Technologies has launched a new series of ducted packaged units that do not require an outdoor unit.
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Good CRAC!
Schneider Electric has announced a new generation of shoebox-sized variable speed drives (VSDs) and computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units that offer impressive energy savings for colocation data centres – also known as “colos”.
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“This opens new possibilities for designers and architects who can now dispense with unsightly exterior units,” says Polaris. “The Polaris Hide-Away is hidden away in the roof space. This is ideal for retro-fitting healthcare facilities, apartments, aged care, hotels and heritage buildings where external units (and noise) need to be avoided.
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“Commercial buildings can now be zoned using independent multiple small systems. This can negate the need for single air‑handling unit complex zoning or VRF installations. Condenser air is ducted from outside the building and simply requires two grilles on the building’s façade.”
According to the company, the VSDs can deliver energy savings of up to 30 per cent by managing the operating speed of fans, compressors and water pumps, according to demand. Taking advantage of this VSD compressor technology, Schneider Electric has developed a complete portfolio of cooling units. “The variable speed compressors within the precision cooling units are linked to brushless motors and specially designed high-efficiency composite fans,” says the company. “For colos, the high efficiency means lower energy bills. These systems are particularly efficient when the load over time is not constant and always changing.”
There are two types of units: 10kW (410mm high) and 3.5kW (300mm high). Both have been designed to fit into small spaces. The condenser air path utilises acoustic flexible duct for low break-out noise.
A comparison of CRACs in different colos around the world showed energy savings of 30 per cent using the new Gen2 units. Other benefits include the ability to reduce cooling infrastructure costs, and “trim” cooling. ■
The Hide-Away uses M60 refrigerant and has an operating temperature range of -15 to 48°C. Go to www.polaristechnologies.com.au ■
DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED?
Email mark.vender@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.
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Global Update
GERMANY
UK
PUTTING THE MUSCLE IN TO COOLING
ILLEGAL HFC TRADE RIFE IN EUROPE
A research team at Saarland University has developed a prototype device that can transfer heat using “muscles” made from nickel-titanium.
A new report from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has revealed the startling extent of Europe’s illegal HFC activity.
Nickel-titanium is a shape-memory material that releases heat to its surroundings when it is mechanically loaded in its superelastic state. It then absorbs heat from its surroundings when it is unloaded.
“Large-scale illegal HFC trade and use is occurring in an absence of effective enforcement by member states,” says the EIA. “More than 80 per cent of companies surveyed were aware of or suspected illegal HFC trade and 72 per cent had seen or been offered refrigerants in illegal disposable cylinders.
The team, led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Andreas Schütze, believe the prototype system is up to three times more efficient than conventional heating and cooling devices. It requires no refrigerant. “Our system does without the conventional refrigerants that are so damaging to the environment,” explains Schütze.
“EIA’s analysis of European customs data indicates that bulk HFC imports in 2018 were too high for compliance with the 2018 quota. If EU-based HFC production and equipment authorisations are assumed to be at 2017 levels, the amount of HFCs placed on the market in 2018 would be 117.5Mt CO₂e, some 16.3Mt CO₂e above the available quota of 101.2Mt CO₂e.”
The team is currently working on further optimising heat transfer within the system in order to boost the efficiency of the new technology even more.
JAPAN
INDIA
SUB ZERO AT GROUND ZERO
MEGA MANUFACTURING PLANT
Artificial ground freezing is being used to maintain a protective subterranean ice wall around the damaged reactors at the disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The wall – about 30m deep and 1.6km long – stops fresh groundwater from entering the damaged plant and mixing with contaminated water leaking out of the reactors. Since the plant was disabled by a tsunami in 2011, a constant supply of water has been required to keep the fuel rods cool. This water must then be stored to avoid contaminating the area. According to a CNET report, calcium chloride solution is pumped down through pipes spaced about a metre apart. The coolant brings down the temperature of each pipe to -30°, freezing the surrounding earth. The reactors will take 30–40 years to be decomissioned.
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Indian air conditioning giant Voltas will invest over Au$100 million to set up a new manufacturing facility. “This facility will initially manufacture and assemble air conditioners and related cooling products with a total capacity of more than one million units to start with,” the company says. It aims to start rolling units out in the second half of 2020. The production will go largely towards supplying the Indian domestic market, which is set to experience massive growth. According to the International Energy Agency, AC ownership rates in India are still only at around 10 per cent, compared to around 75 per cent in Australia. Currently, India has about 30 million household AC units installed; over the next 30 years, it is predicted that India and China combined will reach 2 billion units.
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Feature
CRACKING THE CODE On May 1 a new edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) was adopted. We ask the experts what it means for Australia’s built environment, and how it will impact those working in HVAC&R. and we’ve been working on them full-time since then.”
The National Construction Code (NCC) is the bible for building in Australia.
The changes to Volume One of the NCC – which applies to commercial, industrial and multi-residential buildings – aim to reduce energy consumption by a massive 30 per cent. This would have big impacts not just on Australia’s energy use, but also our greenhouse gas emissions.
In the words of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), it provides “the minimum necessary requirements for safety and health, amenity and accessibility, and sustainability in the design, construction, performance and liveability of new buildings”.
The reworking of the energy efficiency provisions for HVAC systems in NCC 2019 targets two specific areas: enhancing energy efficiency where cost-effective; and improving flexibility for designers. These are both covered in Section J.
As such, it’s a powerful tool for lifting the standard of our buildings and improving their energy efficiency. The latest version of the Code, NCC 2019, sets out to do exactly that. Work began on NCC 2019 three years ago, after it was foreshadowed in the National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP). From early on, the major goal was clear. “Improving energy efficiency has been a long-standing priority of Australian governments at all levels,” says Michael Dodd, senior project officer at ABCB, which is responsible for developing the NCC. “The ABCB was requested in mid-2016 to review the energy efficiency provisions of commercial buildings 10
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The changes to Volume One of the NCC aim to reduce energy consumption by a massive 30 per cent
May 2019
ALL THE WAY WITH SECTION J
The work of reviewing Section J was led by Dr Paul Bannister, F.AIRAH, and his colleagues at Energy Action. “Their work was essentially a cost-benefit analysis on all the features that Section J covers like fans, pumps, windows and so on,” says Dodd. “The basis was determining how far the stringency could be increased, so that the cost savings due to energy savings outweighed the costs to implement the changes. It was a massive undertaking.” As well as this cost-benefit analysis, the reviewers tried to consolidate and simplify the provisions. They also had to make sure that any changes didn’t lead to unintended consequences or conflicts for other parts of the Code, such as fire safety or amenity. “As Dr Bannister worked, his ideas were tested and scrutinised by a working group of industry professionals,” says Dodd. This group included members of AIRAH, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA), the Fan Manufacturers Association of Australia and New Zealand (FMA-ANZ) and many others. “These groups gave targeted feedback in their areas of expertise, which improved the provisions,” says Dodd.
Feature
The requirements have a bit more bite in them. Earlier editions of the Code were very soft on HVAC A draft set of provisions was made available for public comment in February 2018, with all three volumes of the Code sent out for comment at that time. Dodd says the energy efficiency provisions attracted almost 1,000 comments, leading to more refining before a new draft was created. This was then reviewed by the ABCB Building Codes Committee, which includes representatives from the building industry, including AIRAH, and the state and territory building administrations. “In parallel with this review, the provisions were also subject to a regulation impact analysis carried out by the Centre for International Economics (CEI),” Dodd says. “This showed that the changes will have a positive impact on the Australian economy.”
VIEW FROM THE PLANT ROOM Bannister notes that there will be increased stringencies for key plant items such as chillers, boilers and split systems. “But I expect the HVAC industry will take these mostly in its stride,” he says. “In all cases, the new efficiency levels are in line with what’s already become accepted as good practice.”
WHAT ABOUT HOUSES? Many of the big changes in NCC 2019 have been in Volume One, which covers commercial, industrial and multi-residential buildings. But what about houses and other residential buildings? “We don’t predict this to have a major impact on members working in residential,” says Mike Dodd. “There is no overall increase in stringency that the introduction of a heating and cooling limit requires. NatHERS 6 Stars remains the minimum for houses using that pathway and there have not been any changes to the deemed-to-satisfy compliance pathway in terms of introducing new or increased minimum standards for HVAC equipment in residential buildings.” Dodd says the impact will be more at the design stage, to ensure that homes don’t perform too badly in either winter or summer. “But it only knocks off the worst performing 5 per cent of designs,” he says. “The impact here will be on the building’s envelope only and we expect that the vast majority of homes will proceed with similar HVAC equipment as they do currently.”
The big changes in NCC 2019 affect energy efficiency for commercial, industrial and multi-residential buildings.
Nevertheless, Bannister believes NCC 2019 will bring HVAC design under significantly more scrutiny. “The requirements have a bit more bite in them,” he says. “Earlier editions of the Code were very soft on HVAC. In many cases it would have been harder to fail than pass! The new Code is much more aligned with good practice rather than minimum practice.”
The changes that will likely have the greatest impact on industry practices are
The changes that will likely have the greatest impact on industry practices are those associated with fans and pumps. The new methodologies for this equipment represent a significant change from NCC 2016. A fan and its associated duct are now able to be considered as a single system, while pumps and their pipes are treated similarly. “This allows practitioners to trade off performance within one aspect of a system with another,” says the ABCB’s NCC innovation and analysis project officer Michael Sipols. “For instance, a more efficient fan allows an increase in pressure losses within the straight duct it serves.”
those associated with fans and pumps According to Kerry Dumicich, M.AIRAH, Fantech group engineering manager, the new fan efficiency targets and maximum pressure drops of a duct system may change the mix of ventilation products. “As a manufacturer, we will need to monitor the potential shift in product mix to ensure that we can continue to manufacture cost-effectively,” he says, “and we may need to relook at what product ranges we offer.” Dumicich says that as the allowable pressure drop of duct systems will reduce in NCC 2019, installers may need to deal with larger pieces of duct and equipment.
Bannister says these changes have significantly altered the structure of the measure to break out requirements at component level, which can either be applied individually or aggregated to calculate a system-level efficiency requirement.
“The new efficiency targets could also result in more EC (electronically commutated) fans being selected, which differ from the traditional AC fans. If installers and maintenance personnel are unfamiliar with this newer technology, they may need to familiarise themselves with these products.”
“This is a significant departure from the previous W/m² allowances that were, at best, a very blunt tool and did not drive appropriate economic or technical outcomes,” Bannister says.
UNLEASHING CREATIVITY
“Where this impacts on practice is that designers will need to spend more time working on the pressure drops in circulation/distribution systems, and thereby improve matching of pump/fan characteristics to the system it serves.”
Within the NCC there are two ways of meeting performance requirements.
Bannister says that although this change will drive better solutions, it will require some change to common practices that have routinely delivered poor selections. As a member of the FMA-ANZ, fan manufacturer and supplier Fantech has had some visibility into the plans and subsequent revisions in the lead-up to the release of NCC 2019’s Section J.
One is through a “performance solution”, which allows a flexible approach as long as it produces the required outcome. The other way is by following a “deemed‑to‑satisfy solution”, which follows a set recipe of what, when and how to do something. One of the goals in NCC 2019 has been to promote the use of performance solutions to foster innovation and more tailored solutions.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? To assist industry members in the transition to NCC 2019, Ken Thomson, M.AIRAH, and AIRAH will be conducting a seminar series throughout May and June, covering key topics of interest and importance. “It will be aimed at everyone in the industry to allow them to gain an understanding of the changes without going into detail of how to achieve the compliance requirements,” Thomson says. The seminars will explain the reasons and processes behind the stringency increases. They will also cover the major focus areas in the NCC 2019 Section J where stringency has increased and changes have occurred.
Dealing with ductwork? Make sure you are across the changes to maximum pressure drops.
“Some key points will be covered to allow participants to understand where they will need to go to gain further knowledge, and who should attend more in-depth training and development,” says Thomson.
Bannister says this move to performance-based verification will also create increased demand for a higher level of building simulation expertise (including detailed HVAC plant modelling) relative to current JV3 modelling, which he says is generally façade focussed.
Additionally, the ABCB will be releasing webcasts of its NCC 2019 Seminar Series that were held throughout February and March. Other resources are also available on its website.
GET ON IT One man who has been taking a particularly close look at NCC 2019 is Ken Thomson, M.AIRAH, BSA’s senior engineer for mechanical, energy and ESD. He says the HVAC industry is going to need to upskill to meet the new requirements in Section J.
For more information, visit www.airah.org.au and www.abcb.gov.au
“As in 2006 when the first BCA (Building Code of Australia) Section J was introduced, this 2019 update is a step change in the way to achieve energy efficiency,” says Thomson.
“By increasing flexibility at the same time as stringency, we can achieve more efficient buildings in a cost-effective manner by unleashing the skills of our industry,” says Sipols. The key to doing this is quantification. “The ABCB has been working since 2013 to quantify all the performance requirements of the NCC,” Dodd says. “This facilitates an increased use of performance solutions, as opposed to following what is in the deemed-to-satisfy provisions.” An estimated 40 per cent of the Code’s performance requirements will now be quantified either directly or by an NCC verification method (VM). One of the key areas of quantification is in Section J, which now features a quantified performance requirement in JP1. This provides an absolute performance target for the energy use of air conditioning in buildings. When designers have a pure performance target they are free to innovate across all aspects of design, unconstrained by prescriptive requirements.
“Energy efficiency is reliant on these measures,” says Thomson, “and occupant comfort is part of these measures as well.”
“I would hope – possibly naively – that this leads to a greater level of design integration between HVAC and architecture,” says Bannister, “which in turn would increase the standing of HVAC professionals in the design process.” HVAC&R Nation
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“Heat rejection equipment, pump and fan energy efficiency calculations have changed. Window and wall assessment methods are completely different. And lifts, escalators and moving walkways are now included in Section J. This affects the entire HVAC industry, as well as other professionals outside it.”
You should also become familiar with Parts F4 Light and ventilation, F5 Sound transmission and insulation, and F6 Condensation management.
On top of this, there are now more methods that can be used to meet the performance requirement: JV1 NABERS Energy for Offices, JV2 Green Star, JV3 Verification using a reference building, and JV4 Building envelope sealing.
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Thomson says all parts of the industry will be affected, including designers, suppliers, contractors and installers.
Among the parts of NCC 2019 that HVAC professionals should get to know are Section A Governing Requirements and Section F Health and Amenity.
“They don’t need to follow this pathway,” says Dodd. “But it is there now, if needed.”
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“The intent and basic premise is the same, however, all the assessment methods have changed and there is increased stringency to achieve the longer-term goals of greenhouse gas emission reductions.”
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WSP associate for sustainability, Selwyn Saman, M.AIRAH, agrees that the changes will have widespread impacts. “Suppliers involved in HVAC will need to be aware of the new efficiency requirements that impact fans, chillers and pumps to ensure their range will comply when the new Code comes into effect. May 2019
“Consultants and contractors will need to be aware of the new efficiency requirements but also should be aware of the new requirements for the sizing of ductwork and pipework systems, which fundamentally changes how compliance is achieved and demonstrated.” Although they are major changes, Saman points out that they also bring major benefits. “Importantly, the improved performance of HVAC systems will mean that our industry will have a significant contribution in helping to resolve issues like climate change and energy security.” ■
NCC 2019: KEY CHANGES ■■Removal of J2 for inclusion into J1 for the window/wall ration methodology
■■Updates to the verification methods and introduction of new methods
■■JV1 – NABERS Energy for offices ■■JV2 – Green Star Energy ■■JV3 – Verification using a reference building ■■JV4 – Building envelope sealing ■■Introduction of the occupant comfort requirements
■■Updates to J5 and J6 Areas covered that affect HVAC systems, and that will have some impact in energy efficiency, include:
■■Part F4 Light and ventilation ■■Part F5.7 Sound and isolation of pumps ■■Part F6 Condensation management ■■Part G2 Boilers, pressure vessels, heating appliances, fireplaces, chimneys and flues
■■Specification G2.2: Installation of boilers and pressure vessels
■■Part G3 Atrium construction ■■Specification G3.8 Fire and smoke control systems in buildings containing atriums
■■GP1.3 Coolrooms
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May 2019
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Green Wedge
ARBORING AMBITION Reducing greenhouse gas in the atmosphere may have just become easier. Let’s face it: It’s easy to get climate change fatigue when all you hear is bad news. Last summer was the hottest on record – Adelaide set a record temperature of 46.6°C, and huge swathes of Queensland and Tassie burnt down. Well, we may just have some good news. In a possible breakthrough for dealing with climate change, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia has unveiled technology known as “Arbortech”, which it claims can rapidly and cheaply reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. “The Arbortech device continuously extracts carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” Arbortech says. “A sophisticated chemical process then separates the pollutants into their component parts; carbon is stored in solid form above and below ground, while oxygen is released back into the atmosphere.” TNC Australia says the smallest devices will be available for purchase from hardware stores and can be installed at any home or business for as little as $5 each. Larger devices can be several metres
wide and can be installed individually or in new Arbortech “forests” on public and private land. Arbortech runs silently and is powered by carbon dioxide, solar energy and water. “If deployed widely across just 3 per cent of the Australian landmass, we’ve calculated the devices could contribute up to 30 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed for Australia to meets its Paris Agreement targets,” says TNC Australia director Rich Gilmore. “Up to a third of these emissions reductions could be delivered for less than $15 per tonne, which is around 95 per cent cheaper than mechanical CO2 extraction devices currently being trialled in Europe.” Could the technology be a gamechanger? TNC Australia certainly thinks so.
The devices could contribute up to 30 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed for Australia to meets its Paris Agreement targets
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HVAC&R
MODULE
121
HVAC HYGIENE
Skills SYSTEM INSPECTION Workshop AND ASSESSMENT PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
This Skills Workshop is taken from the AIRAH Best Practice Guideline for HVAC Hygiene.
Skills summary ■ What? A guide to inspecting different types of HVAC systems and assessing their level of hygiene.
■ Who? Building owners and managers, maintenance specifiers and providers, regulatory authorities, system designers, installers and commissioners, consumers, tenants, occupants and HVAC hygiene and indoor air quality industry professionals.
System inspection and assessment Hygiene levels defined The descriptions listed in Table 1 provide the HVAC system hygiene inspector with four hygiene levels to determine if cleaning is required when assessed against the minimum acceptable hygiene standards as listed in Table 3.
Access for inspection Access is required in order to inspect the internal surfaces of all components and a representative portion of the internal surfaces of the HVAC systems. AS/NZS 3666 parts 1 and 2 both require adequate provision of access for maintenance. Inspections and assessments are visual and are generally carried out directly but can also be
The Guideline establishes the criteria for evaluating the internal cleanliness of HVAC system components and clearly determines when cleaning is required, according to the building use. It describes the components of HVAC systems to be evaluated, the types of contamination likely to be encountered and includes for post-fire and flood-damage assessments. Minimum inspection frequencies for various HVAC systems and components are specified for scheduled maintenance programs. The Guideline also provides test methods that can be used to verify that a clean system hygiene level has been achieved following a system cleaning or restoration project. The section presented here looks specifically at system inspection and assessment.
carried out remotely using robotic or manually operated camera systems. Where possible, access to HVAC system interiors should be made through existing openings such as supply diffusers, return grilles and existing duct access openings. The most common locations for access openings in air ducts include adjacent to: • Dampers (balancing, fire and smoke, air control, back draft, splitter, etc.). • Duct mounted electric heaters. • Heating, reheat and cooling coils.
• Turning vanes. • Duct transitions, offsets, and changes of direction. If new access openings are required to be installed to facilitate inspection or cleaning, they should be located near these system components. Each of these locations may require one or more access openings to properly access the ducts for inspection or cleaning. General recommendations for the installation of new access openings in ductwork systems are provided in Appendix A of AIRAH’s Best Practice Guideline on HVAC Hygiene. If new access openings are installed in the HVAC system their locations should be indicated on the updated “as installed” system drawings if available. System operating and maintenance information should also be updated.
• Mixing and VAV boxes. • Other in-duct mechanical components and sensors.
Table 1. Definition of Hygiene Levels Hygiene Level
Description
1. Clean
No visible dust, debris or other contamination.
2. Light
Only slightly visible layer of fine general dust consistent over the component surface with little to no variations in density. Component surface remains visible beneath the fine layer of dust.
3. Moderate
Visible levels of general dust with varying density and limited areas of accumulated fine debris. Component surface is still visible in some areas beneath the fine dust but in isolated sections may not be.
4. Heavy
High levels of visible dust, debris, fibres or any other contamination that cover the component. Component surface is barely if not at all visible beneath the contamination. May 2019
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HVAC&R Skills Workshop Inspection frequency
Contaminant disruption The hygiene inspection should be conducted without negatively impacting the indoor environment through excessive disruption of settled dust and debris or through microbial amplification. In cases where biological or fungal contamination is suspected, or in sensitive environments served by special use systems where even small amounts of contaminant may be of concern, environmental engineering control measures should be implemented.
Table 2 specifies the routine hygiene inspection frequency for HVAC systems and components. Inspection frequencies are the same for both general use and special use HVAC system classifications. The inspection intervals specified in Table 2 are minimum recommendations. The need for more frequent inspections may be subject to numerous environmental, regulatory, mechanical and operational factors.
Filters System filters should be assessed for:
Geographic regions with climates having high humidity, for example, could warrant HVAC system inspections on a more frequent basis during particular times of the year, due to the increased potential for microbial amplification. Similarly HVAC systems that serve enclosures subject to a high rate of contaminant generation typically require more frequent inspection. Where system contamination rates are consistently high, consideration should be given to installing or upgrading system filtration.
• Filter classification – Confirm that the type and classification of the installed filter is consistent with the operating and maintenance documentation. • Filter air bypass – Assess the filter frame, seals and housing for evidence of system air bypassing the filter. • Filter loading – Assess the contaminant loading of the filter, either visually or by pressure drop assessment and any sign of filter microbiological contamination.
HVAC system inspections can be instigated as a result of complaints received from the building occupants or as a result of the findings of any occupant survey, indoor air quality assessment or indoor environment quality assessment carried out in the building.
• Filter maintenance – Assess for evidence of a scheduled filter maintenance program.
If the inspection of a HVAC system component reveals contamination, then an inspection of the complete HVAC system including all related components should be undertaken during that same inspection time, rather than in accordance with the intervals specified in Table 2.
HVAC system damage HVAC components requiring repair due to pre-existing damage or degradation should be documented and brought to the attention of the building owner or representative and included in the HVAC hygiene inspection report.
The HVAC systems in all newly constructed or renovated buildings should be inspected and verified as clean prior to system commissioning.
Damage may include worn bearings, broken belts, lubricant leakage, rust and corrosion, damaged dampers, leaking coils or valves, leaking ductwork or access panels, damaged insulation, excessive noise or vibration and the like.
Other HVAC components including electric duct mounted heaters and fire and smoke control dampers are required to be regularly inspected and maintained. Refer to AIRAH DA19 for a comprehensive specification of HVAC maintenance.
HVAC system performance If the performance of a HVAC system is compromised due to contamination build-up, the affected system and or system components should be cleaned. If contamination within a HVAC system is found to be increasing energy consumption, reducing airflow, causing occupant ill health or discomfort, the affected system or components should be cleaned.
Inspection protocols Systems and components The HVAC hygiene inspection should include all air handling units and representative areas of the related HVAC system components and ductwork.
Table 2. HVAC Systems hygiene inspection frequency HVAC System Components
Minimum Inspection Intervals
Air handling units
Monthly
Supply system – moisture producing equipment
Monthly
Air intakes and exhaust outlets
Monthly
Supply air systems
Annually
Return air systems
Annually
Outdoor air systems
Annually
Exhaust air systems
Annually
Evaporative Coolers
Quarterly
Non Ducted Air-Conditioning
Monthly
Note: I nspection frequencies are the same for both general use and special use HVAC system classifications and are aligned with the requirements of AS/NZS 3666.2. 16
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System assessment During inspections, systems should be assessed against the following minimum HVAC hygiene criteria. General dust and particulates Any system or components found to have accumulated general dust and particulate debris greater than the minimum acceptable hygiene standards as specified in Table 3 should be cleaned. When the HVAC system or component is itself the source of contaminants that are being introduced into occupied spaces, system cleaning should be carried out to stop the contaminant introduction. The source of the contamination should be identified and rectified. Biological contamination The HVAC system and components should be visually assessed for biological contamination and any surfaces subject to biological contamination should be cleaned. Particular attention should be given to outdoor air intakes, exhaust discharges and the methods of ingress of these contaminants. Air intake and discharge points should be screened to prevent the entry of pests, contaminants and moisture. Sources of biological contamination should be investigated and mitigated. Coils, pans, sumps, drains and any wet surface in the HVAC system should be visually assessed for biological contamination. Components should be cleaned if any evidence of bacterial contamination or surface biofilm formation is present. Fungal contamination The HVAC system and components should be visually assessed for fungal colonisation or fungal contamination on surfaces. If fungal contamination in or on a system component is suspected, but not readily identifiable through visual assessment, then surface samples should be taken for laboratory analysis. Recommended procedures for taking surface samples for fungal contamination assessment are detailed in Appendix D of AIRAH’s Best Practice Guideline on HVAC Hygiene.. If a system or component has been confirmed, by visual observation or analytical assessment, to be mould contaminated then the affected system or system components should be decontaminated. Decontamination or remediation of a mould affected system should only be undertaken if a thorough assessment of the system has been undertaken and not an assessment based on limited samples. Note: D econtamination of a HVAC system due to mould or microbial contamination is a specialised activity that is outside the scope of this Guideline. State and Territory governments may have specific requirements for the reporting and control of microbial contamination within HVAC systems. System owners and operators should ensure that they are familiar with the regulatory requirements of the jurisdiction in which they operate. Samples for fungal analysis need to be sent to a mycological laboratory for testing and assessment, and identification as a fungal growth site. Details of sample removal, transport, assessment and analysis should be coordinated with the testing laboratory.
HVAC&R Skills Workshop Table 3. Minimum acceptable system hygiene standards HVAC System Classification
HVAC System or Component
Minimum hygiene level (See Table 1)
AHU
Clean
Supply system – moisture producing equipment
Clean
Air intakes and exhausts
Clean
Supply air system, or Return air system, or Outside air system
Pre Filtration – Moderate Post Filtration – Light No Filtration – Light
Exhaust air system
Moderate
Non-ducted refrigerated a/c
Light
Evaporative coolers
Light
AHU
Clean
Supply system – moisture producing equipment
Clean
Air intakes and exhausts
Clean
Supply air system, or Return air system, or Outside air system
Pre Filtration – Moderate Post Filtration – Light No Filtration – Light
Exhaust air system
Moderate
Non-ducted refrigerated a/c
Light
Evaporative coolers
Light
General Use Systems
Special Use Systems
Note: I t should be noted that certain HVAC special use applications such as clean rooms, operating theatres and the like may have specific requirements for higher levels of HVAC hygiene determined by other governing bodies, manufacturing/processing activities, regulations and the like.
Fungal species identification may be helpful to determine whether there is a shift from the indoor to the outdoor concentration. This is needed in order to perform a proper risk assessment. Clear communication between the building owner and the HVAC cleaner should be established in order to determine an acceptable fungal level following cleaning and remediation of the HVAC system. Once the system has been decontaminated and cleaned the system hygiene level should be verified. In particular the presence and source of moisture supporting any mould growth in the system should be identified and prevented. Mould in buildings more generally is covered in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, Dampness and Mould. Asbestos If HVAC system contamination by asbestos dust or fibres is suspected then samples should be taken and analysed. If the presence of asbestos contamination is confirmed the entire system should be decontaminated by competent persons. Note: D econtamination of a HVAC system due to asbestos contamination is a specialised activity that is outside the scope of this Guideline. If potentially friable asbestos containing materials are found within a HVAC system, the system
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should be shut down, the asbestos containing material should be removed by licensed asbestos removalists and alternative insulation products installed in its place. This includes the insulation board surrounding duct mounted electric heaters if it is verified to contain asbestos. Note: A ll asbestos removal work should be carried out in accordance with NOHSC:2002 – National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos and all other applicable state and local government regulations and requirements. Once all asbestos materials and contamination has been removed the entire HVAC system should be cleaned and the system hygiene level should be verified. The components should be labelled as asbestos-free and the hazardous materials/ asbestos register updated. Deterioration of non-porous surfaces When the surface of non-porous components are deteriorated and contributing particulates or odours to the air stream, or otherwise adversely affect the quality of the air moving through the system, restoration should be performed and inspection/cleaning of all downstream components carried out as required.
system components, the deteriorated surfaces should be restored and the affected components of the system should be cleaned and the entire system inspected for contaminants and cleaned as required. Water damage All HVAC system surfaces and components subjected to water damage should be evaluated to determine salvage ability and likely success of any restoration activity. In particular any internal insulation should be investigated for evidence of water logging or fungal growth. Any system components or ducts deemed salvageable should be thoroughly cleaned and free from microbial growth. Any water affected or water logged insulation products should be replaced. Any water damage due to condensation within the system also needs to be assessed and the cause of the condensation identified and mitigated. Any water leaks (pipes, building structure) need to be identified and repaired prior to undertaking any HVAC cleaning or restoration work. ■
This month’s Skills Workshop has been taken from the AIRAH Best Practice Guideline on HVAC Hygiene.
Deterioration of porous surfaces and linings When internal HVAC insulation or lining materials are found to be deteriorated and traces of the insulation or lining product found within the
Next month: Humidifying and dehumidifying air May 2019
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May 2019
Legal Speak
WHEN BUILDERS GO BUST
Will you get paid if a builder goes into administration? HVAC&R Nation’s resident lawyer Frank Gambera explains how to protect your pocket. Too often in the construction industry I see contractors who have worked hard on building projects, supplied their own equipment and/or parts in good faith, and then not been paid. Sometimes the builder has simply fallen behind in making progress payments, other times they have been placed into external administration arising from insolvency. The good news is that you can put legal protections in place that can ensure you have preferred payment of your unpaid tax invoices and retain ownership of any equipment or parts you have supplied if a building company is placed in external administration. I recommend three key steps.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS The contractual terms of the sub-contractor’s agreement should include a retention of title clause that states: “no title in the goods provided will pass to the builder until the debt is paid in full.” This means that legal and beneficial ownership in the goods is retained by the sub-contractor, even though the builder has physical possession of the goods. This clause provides sub‑contractors with a security interest in goods supplied.
In addition, the SOP Act has an efficient adjudication option to resolve any disputes over payment. Sub‑contractors can therefore receive timely and regular progress payments when work is undertaken in stages.
PERSONAL PROPERTIES SECURITY REGISTER (PPSR) If a builder has gone into external administration arising from insolvency, it becomes far more difficult to recover unpaid tax invoices and any material and/or machinery left onsite. However, you can minimise your exposure and position yourself as a secured creditor ahead of other creditors through the PPSR. The contractual terms in the sub-contractor’s agreement, or terms and conditions of sale/trade, create a security agreement that forms the basis for a security interest that can be registered on the PPSR. Registration of the security interest will prioritise your claim relative to other unsecured creditors and provide considerably greater chance of recovering your debts and parts from an administrator or liquidator.
BE A SECURE SUBBIE In summary, sub-contractors should diligently pursue progress payments while builders are still trading under the SOP Act. They should also register a security interest to prioritise their rights to equipment and fittings installed on projects ahead of other unsecured creditors. If a builder is placed into external administration, then sub-contractors should make themselves known to the liquidators as soon as possible emphasising that they are a secured creditor. Next, sub-contractors should immediately provide the liquidators with a list of all unpaid tax invoices, equipment and/or parts that have not been paid for in full and seek the assistance of an experienced commercial lawyer. ■
PROGRESS PAYMENTS The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (known as the SOP Act) complements these contractual rights by providing mechanisms that minimise any outstanding accounts and improve cash flow.
Frank Gambera is a director for McMahon Fearnley Lawyers Pty Ltd. Contact him on 03 9670 0966 or through www.mcmahonfearnley.com.au
Under the SOP Act, sub-contractors have a statutory right to receive progress payments once they make a payment claim. If the contract does not specify when a contractor is to be paid, the SOP Act sets out the payment date. May 2019
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Cover Feature
COMING
CLEAN Regular correspondent Sean McGowan shines a light into Australia’s dirty ductwork to reveal the importance of cleaning HVAC&R systems – and how our industry can ensure it is done properly. It seems like a rule for our industry that the things we should know most about are often out of sight and mind.
Having started out as an apprentice in 1985, Jones recalls a time when he was required to clean plant room floors until they were almost “fit enough to eat off”.
Take for example the issue of HVAC hygiene. The dirt in our systems may be hidden, but it has a huge impact on the air we breathe in buildings and the quality of our food being refrigerated.
“It was the expectation of the day, but now we rarely paint the floors, let alone clean them,” he says. “Cleaning and hygiene are not given the attention and seriousness they deserve.”
Despite hygiene being covered by Australian Standard AS/NZS 3666 Parts 1, 2 and 4, and AIRAH’s HVAC Hygiene Best Practice Guidelines, there are endless examples of dirty systems that are not only inefficient but are exposing the public to health risks.
This lack of attention can, in most part, be blamed on a lack of general understanding about the issues of HVAC hygiene in the industry.
From mould build-up in ductwork to dirty cooling coils that impact both energy efficiency and performance, a lack of hygiene and maintenance can be a recipe for sick buildings and even sicker people. One person who has seen his fair share of the filthy side of the industry is David Jones, M.AIRAH, managing director of Airconstruct IEQ – specialists in service delivery of targeted maintenance strategies. 20
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WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? According to AS/NZS 3666, the building owner and/or facility manager must ensure that HVAC systems are inspected as per the standard. But all HVAC professionals can play an active role in helping to lift the hygiene standards of the plant and equipment we install and maintain. This includes ensuring that system designs and installations consider appropriate access for maintenance and cleaning.
May 2019
Image: Airconstruct.
Cleaning and hygiene are not given the attention and seriousness they deserve “At least half of the buildings we look at on a daily basis have no duct access panels installed,” says Chris Bowd, business development manager for Queensland-based air conditioning cleaning specialist, Clean-Air Australia. “Therefore, it’s likely they have never had the ductwork inspected.”
KEEPING IT CLEAN HVAC technicians should regularly inspect the HVAC system as part of the site’s maintenance and service regime. Where contamination is found, a qualified air conditioning cleaning specialist should be called to provide a further inspection and report back to the building owner or facility manager. “This often involves sending samples to the laboratories for testing, so we know what we are dealing with, and consulting with science professionals for guidance,” says Jones. “There are a lot of dedicated people in this space and you can learn a lot by engaging with them.”
Cover Feature WHAT TO LOOK FOR Dirty cooling coils are often the source of microbial contamination of a HVAC system.
BEFORE Unqualified personnel
“The problems of poor hygiene all start at the coil,” says Jones. “Then, courtesy of the fan, it goes all the way through the ductwork to the outlets and can often lead to unfavourable organisms adhering to the interior surfaces of the building.”
carrying out the cleaning of air conditioning systems is potentially very dangerous
Not only does a dirty coil present serious health risks to building occupants, but a dirty or blocked coil also reduces airflow and leads to temperature complaints as the system can’t perform as designed.
AFTER
A lack of regular cleaning can also dramatically reduce equipment lifespan. “As well as sickness caused by microbial contamination, issues of fibreglass inhalation, increased fire risks and reduced system performance – as well as higher operating costs – are all results of not cleaning the system,” says Bowd.
WHO YA GONNA CALL? Where once the HVAC professionals had the time to conduct regular and thorough cleaning of the systems they work on, today this is usually carried out by a third-party specialist HVAC cleaner. “More often than not, there is just no time in the technician’s day to be allocated to cleaning,” says Jones. “That’s why it has to be delivered as a separate service.” But what qualifications are required to be a specialist HVAC cleaner? This has been a contentious issue
and at heights, and have completed some level of training both in house and in the field. Bowd says the hazards involved in cleaning HVAC systems are significant. They include the risk of electrocution, cuts, falls from heights, entrapment, contamination inhalation, improper use of chemicals and industrial equipment and more. “And these risks are compounded by the fact that the work is often carried out after hours with no other personnel in the building,” he says.
NADCA CERTIFICATION
for some time, with many members of the industry demanding the completion of a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. “Unqualified personnel carrying out the cleaning of air conditioning systems is potentially very dangerous,” says Bowd, “and can result in injury or damage to the HVAC system.”
There are no competencies specific to HVAC hygiene in the current vocational education and training (VET) framework and many HVAC tradespeople are unwilling to perform cleaning work. As a result, some practitioners have sought training from overseas organisations.
He says all technicians working in this field should, at the very least, hold a Construction White Card, be trained and comfortable working in confined spaces
While some in the industry question the relevancy of the training and certification offered by the US-based National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA),
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HVAC Cleaning Hygiene Services • Indoor Air Quality Testing AS/NZS 3666 • Mould remediation • HVAC UVC Hygiene • HVAC Infection control • HVAC Fan resurfacing
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www.cleanairaust.com.au www.aerosealductsealing.com.au Mobile: 0448 883 966 Office: 1300 883 634 info@cleanairaust.com.au May 2019
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Cover Feature BEFORE
AFTER
AIRAH’S HVAC BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES The AIRAH HVAC Hygiene Best Practice Guidelines establish criteria for evaluating the internal cleanliness of HVAC system components and determining when cleaning is required, according to building use.
Drain pan and coil cleaning. Images: Airconstruct.
Bowd says the lack of specialist training currently available in Australia means that NADCA training and certification should be pursued.
vacuum with spinning brushes, or with compressed air and an extraction system. Registers and grilles should be removed and washed.
“The qualifications of Air Systems Cleaning Specialist and Ventilation System Mould Remediator have been designed to ensure that the personnel doing the cleaning understand the fundamentals of contamination control, correct cleaning procedures and the correct equipment to be used,” he says.
Bowd says plastic sheeting should be used to protect surround porous surfaces. Chemicals designed for coil cleaning should be diluted according to safety data sheet (SDS) documentation and applied with an industrial sprayer to ensure no damage is done to the aluminium.
CLEANING BASICS
Coils should be cleaned by vacuuming the surface with a soft brush attachment to remove loose surface contamination. They are then washed with pressure cleaners on a wide fan from the air-off side to push the contamination out of the coil in the same direction it entered.
From staff defrosting cooling coils with boiling water, to the use of high-pressure water blasting around electrical equipment, we’ve heard plenty of horror stories that make the case for engaging specialist HVAC cleaners. The correct cleaning processes and methods are typically determined by the type of contamination in the system. And according to Bowd, HVAC systems should be thoroughly cleaned in the direction of the airflow. For example, dirt and dust in the HVAC system can generally be cleaned effectively by washing the coils and fans. Ductwork can be cleaned using a HEPA
Where the air conditioning system is found to have microbial contamination, he recommends that the person responsible for the remediation project has also completed the intensive Applied Microbial Remediation Certification offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
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You can find a sample of the guidelines in this month’s Skills Workshop, starting on page 15.
The coils are then washed from the air-on side to complete the cleaning.
In the case of refrigerated coolrooms storing food and fresh produce, floors should be cleaned at least weekly and checks performed to ensure food hasn’t fallen or rolled under shelving.
According to Jones, the AIRAH HVAC Hygiene Best Practice Guidelines is one of the best publications available and should act as a yardstick for the industry until Australia has a formal training package.
“NADCA training and certification is preferred to ensure the person conducting the client has a good understanding of contamination control methods,” Bowd says.
Copies of the AIRAH HVAC Hygiene Best Practice Guidelines are available for purchase at www.airah.org.au
“This process may need to be repeated a number of times to ensure all of the contamination is removed from the coil. And of course, it requires good installation practices to ensure access to the coil on both sides.”
THE CASE AGAINST NADCA
According to Chris Bowd from Clean-Air Australia, the training offered by the US‑based National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) is worth seeking out in the absence of appropriate training in Australia.
Test methods are provided to verify that a clean system hygiene level has been achieved following a system cleaning or restoration project.
“Attempting to push the contamination through the coil into the condensate tray often results in packing the contamination into the centre of the coil and creating a larger pressure drop than before you started,” he says.
TO SEEK OVERSEAS-BASED TRAINING OR NOT? THE CASE FOR NADCA
The guidelines describe the components of HVAC systems to be evaluated, the types of contamination likely to be encountered and include post-fire and flood damage assessments. They also specify minimum inspection frequencies for various HVAC systems and components.
“I don’t know why everyone looks to NADCA,” he says. “They are an American duct-cleaning association formed for entirely different reasons and for an entirely different market.” Jones says there is enough knowledge locally to overcome the issues facing the Australian industry. “The best way to get this issue right is to upskill specialist cleaners and bring them under our industry’s wing.”
May 2019
Coolroom walls and ceilings should be cleaned with a suitable detergent, and shelving should be inspected for food spills and the presence of mould. Best practice would include a weekly rotation and cleaning of shelving, while high-touch surfaces such as doors and PVC strip curtains should also be cleaned and sanitised weekly.
MANAGING CONTAMINATION When microbial contamination is found in an HVAC system, cleaning and remediation becomes significantly more complex. “The system must be kept under negative pressure at all times,” Bowd says. “All areas must be HEPA vacuumed followed by a wet wipe with an approved sanitiser. Where porous materials are present, they should be replaced.” Bowd says that the NADCA surface comparison is the most commonly used test for checking if the HVAC system has been cleaned effectively on both porous and non-porous surface.
Cover Feature
FOUR BIG REASONS TO CLEAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Even the best designed plant will not operate efficiently if it is dirty or damaged. A system ready to undergo the Hydro-Flush treatment.
SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS
Images: Airconstruct.
“The person performing the test will then compare the vacuumed surface with the surrounding surfaces. If the HVAC surface tested is visibly the same as the surrounding areas, then the area is considered clean.”
(AHUs), Jones has been part of a group developing a Certificate III training package in HVAC hygiene.
Dirty systems have less capacity to move and conditioned air.
The training package has been lodged with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the group hopes it will soon be approved.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
“The development of this training package recognises that HVAC technicians don’t have the time to perform all the cleaning work required,” says Jones.
Identifying microscopic dangers helps to reduce potential risks.
A CERT III IN HVAC HYGIENE?
“As a profession, we are already in high demand, and we are facing skills shortages that don’t seem to be getting any better. It made sense to create a qualification to upskill people who already hold core cleaning skills, so they can do some of the heavy lifting.”
Recognising the need for specific training in cleaning and sanitising split systems and air handling units
Jones hopes that the training package will be in full swing by mid-year. ■
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“The test consists of using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner achieving a minimum 80 inches of static lift with a 1.5-inch vacuum hose being passed over the internal surface four times, with the brush depressed on the surface,” he explains.
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AIRAH News
THE REFRIGERATION
CONVERSATION Four of Australia’s leading refrigeration contractors sat down at AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2019 conference for a candid discussion about the state of the industry and where we go from here.
HOW CAN FRIDGIES LEARN NEW SKILLS? DAVID REYNOLDS: “The majority of our staff work in regional areas and we can’t send 20 blokes to the city to one of the training courses. So we set up modules and train them ourselves, whether it be refrigerants or controls or new products. It’s a constant investment and it pays for itself. “Generally, staff want to be upskilled. They don’t want to do the same thing day in, day out – they want a challenge. They know the technology’s out there, so the opportunities really need to be offered.”
PIETER BOON: The refrigeration industry has earnt a reputation as the home to our sector’s most passionate practitioners. And that was confirmed at AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2019 conference held over March 25–26 in Melbourne. It was the biggest running of the event yet, with 170 attendees, more than 30 expert speakers including four international keynotes, and two streams of presentations across two days. As always, there was a big focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation, as well as future trends for the Australian industry. But there were also practical sessions that looked at current real-world issues. And one that generated particular interest was the contractors panel session.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? LEIGH CUMMIN: “What we’ve noticed in the last 12 months is that power prices are driving change, which backlinks to the man in the van through having to save power and offer power alternatives. We’re really tying in with solar guys. Our refrigeration plant design is coming off the back of solar because they’re investing in covering their roofs in solar panels and they want to understand how they can maximise that. So we get to talk about the new technology around and getting that return.”
MIKE BAKER:
The panel was made up of Mike Baker, M.AIRAH, from AJ Baker & Sons in Western Australia, Pieter Boon, Stud.AIRAH, from Degree C in Tasmania, Leigh Cummin from I Do Group in Victoria, and David Reynolds, AM.AIRAH from Faircloth & Reynolds in NSW. The spirited discussion addressed the big questions for Australia’s refrigeration industry – and some possible answers.
“We had one customer who had 25 condensing units on their roof on R22, R404, whatever they wanted to put in. We spoke to them for five years to put a rack in place. The only reason they moved is because they wanted to put solar panels on their roof. And they’ve now got the benefit of having solar panels and a third of the energy consumption they had before, plus fewer gas leaks and new plant.”
“I find it a bit hard to train the men that we’ve got. We just installed the first CO2 transcritical rack in Tasmania. We have about 43 technicians but there’s only a maximum of five that can be involved in the commissioning. The others miss out. They might understand it after a two-hour training session, but if they don’t work on it they’re just going to forget. It’s a slow process and I don’t see a straight solution either. They’re just going to have to learn it as they go.”
MIKE BAKER: “For the bigger companies it’s easier to get access to training, but the small man in van, unless he has the impetus to want to go and upskill himself, there’s no reward for him to put something new in, let alone learn it first so he can sell that to his clients. That’s going to be a real struggle for not only us but also for the smaller guys, and then obviously for the industry bodies to try and improve that level of knowledge.”
HOW CAN WE ATTRACT NEW TALENT TO THE TRADE? DAVID REYNOLDS: “We’ve got to start with the careers advisers in the schools. Most of them have never left school, so the best way is to invite them into a workplace and let them see what happens in our industry. They can then pass the information on to the kids. “The next one is to get it on the school websites. Send your HR people out when they’re having careers nights so you can assist the careers people to talk to the kids or give them some information. We also run a bit of an open day and let the kids come through to have a bit of a preview. “They can also come and do a week’s work experience. We give the tradesmen a little sheet so the kids are marked on what they do – are they suited, what’s their aptitude? And you give them the feedback at the end of the day. So there’s a lot we can do to get them in to start with.”
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE REGULATIONS FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS? DAVID REYNOLDS:
The panel (left to right): Mike Baker, M.AIRAH, Pieter Boon, Stud.AIRAH, Leigh Cummin and David Reynolds, AM.AIRAH 24
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“You build a domestic house and you’ve got to achieve a star rating for the house and that’s got to be signed off by an accredited assessor. We go and install a refrigeration system and we sign a certificate ourselves to say it complies with the National Construction Code and the associated Australian standards. No one checks it. The cowboy signs it himself, whether he’s got a
AIRAH News AIRAH THANKS THE SPONSORS OF REFRIGERATION 2019 MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
components have certification and they all get checked I think randomly one in 10. On a large coolroom installation we did, all the builder chased me for was the compliance certificate for the condensate drain, and it was a 600–700kW system. There was no interest at all in that part of it. But he needed that tick for the building certifier.” Heatcraft’s Brett Hedge, M.AIRAH, chaired the panel.
licence or not, no one would know. The certifier’s got a piece of paper and that’s all he runs with. “The authorities will only take notice of numbers, so really the only way we can do it is through platforms like AIRAH where they can get some decent numbers and strength. They’re not going to change legislation unless they’ve got a reason to do so.”
LEIGH CUMMIN: “There’s two other parts of my business, which is electrical contracting and plumbing. Those two
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE LICENSING FOR FRIDGIES?
DAVID REYNOLDS: “A national licence is what the industry needs. Every state’s got its own rules and different regulations. We’re in the same industry, working on the same equipment. My opinion – and I don’t know if I’ll see it in my life – is that we should have one licence that covers us right across the country. We’re all working to Australian standards so to me it’s fairly simple.” ■
MIKE BAKER:
SAVE THE DATE!
“Every person in the industry should have some sort of recognition that they have been trained properly. An accountant has to have accreditation, so the people that are building and maintaining the systems should have some sort of recognition that they are properly trained, for sure. Otherwise you start getting the dilution from the electrical and plumbing sides of the businesses. A fridge is a fridge and it should be maintained by a fridgie.”
Refrigeration 2020 promises to be another massive event. It will be held from March 23–24 in Melbourne.
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May 2019
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Around the Nation 1
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1 SUPER SEELEY SCHOLARSHIP
MHIAA worked with Powerhouse Group for the design and build of the new office space and Marshall Air for all air conditioning installations. The new premises also feature a state-of-the-art showroom and training facility.
At last month’s Playford Trust Awards, up-andcoming female fridgie Monica Elgindi won the Seeley International/Playford Trust scholarship.
Ito says MHIAA wanted to showcase its proud Japanese heritage and looked to Japanese and industrial influences in the design.
Elgindi is in the final year of her apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning with Butterfields Servicing. Her supervisors at TAFE SA say Monica stood out from the crowd for her strong problemsolving skills, her passion for customer service and her positive attitude in challenging situations.
“Japan represents innovation and a customercentric approach and what better way to impress customers than by making use of some of their design principles and philosophies?” he said. “We believe that the new head office location in Regents Park will enable us to perform at an even higher capacity and provide our customers with the same standard of quality.”
Before moving into HVAC&R, Elgindi worked as a gymnastics coach and retail manager, giving her early exposure to leadership. She later participated in the Ignite Leadership for Women program, which she says boosted her confidence and allowed her to take risks and make good decisions.
The relocation coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary in Australia.
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The scholarship provides Elgindi with financial support while she finishes her studies.
Go to mhiaa.com.au
Although female HVAC&R workers are the exception in the industry, Elgindi says she hopes to be recognised on her merits and not her gender, and incorporate her passion for customer relations and client satisfaction into the job.
3 ICE FOUND IN IMPORTED FRIDGES Refrigeration made the headlines for unusual reasons last month when more than half a tonne of the drug ice was discovered in a shipment of imported fridges.
The Playford Memorial Trust supports highachieving South Australian students working in areas of strategic importance to the state.
Australian Border Force officers at the Sydney Container Examination Facility examined the container shipped from Singapore.
Each year, the Trust and its partners provide close to $500,000 in scholarships, internships and awards to university and TAFE students. Go to playfordtrust.com.au
It was declared to contain electronic ovens but was found to have 11 commercial refrigerators instead. X-rays revealed inconsistencies within their construction.
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2 NEW DIGS FOR MHIAA
When the refrigerators were unpacked, seven were found to contain bags of a white crystalline substance. Testing returning a positive indicator for methylamphetamine, otherwise known as ice.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) recently relocated its head office from Kingsgrove in New South Wales to Regents Park. MHIAA’s managing director Yuji Ito says the new space offers improved facilities more suited to the expanding company’s changing needs. 26
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Two search warrants were executed at a commercial premises at Wetherill Park and a home at Edensor Park. During the searches, officers seized documents relevant to the investigation and electronic storage devices. Joint investigations under Strike Force Collarene continue. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Go to: www.afp.gov.au/contact-us/crime-stoppers
4 TALENT TIME IN MELBOURNE As this issue of HVAC&R Nation was going to print, the WorldSkills 2019 Global Skills Challenge was taking place in Melbourne. The competition brought together 500 competitors and officials from 16 different countries to take part in 24 different skill competitions. For Aussie Refrigeration and Air Conditioning champion Patrick Brennan, it was crucial preparation before the WorldSkills International Championships in Russia in August. He was up against a very high calibre of competition, including the current gold and silver-medal holding countries. We’ll have a full report next issue.
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5 SPARKING INNOVATION Fire expert Trafalgar has appointed Chris Todd (above right) to the newly created role of Director of Innovation. He will drive Trafalgar’s innovation agenda, leading R&D and new product development initiatives.
The packages contained a total of 585kg of ice, with an estimated potential street value of $438 million.
“Trafalgar has already invested millions of dollars in research and development,” says the company, “and this appointment will ensure we continue to deliver innovative, well-engineered solutions into the Australian and New Zealand market.”
The drugs were seized and a joint investigation established by the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force’s Organised Crime Squad, and the Australian Border Force.
Last year, Trafalgar won the AIRAH Award for Best Product with its Firebox system, which allows multiple and mixed services to pass through it without the need for 200mm separation.
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Todd’s previous role of National Technical Manager has been taken over by John Henry (left), who has been with the Trafalgar technical team since 2015.
7 COOLCHAIN TOASTS AWARD WINNERS
ARBS has also put its weight behind the sessions, joining industry associations AREMA and AMCA in support of the industry-run education initiative.
“With an in-depth understanding of passive fire challenges faced by the construction industry, and the solutions available, John will lead the growing technical team to maintain the exceptional level of service that Trafalgar is known for,” says the company.
CoolChain National HVAC&R wholesalers enjoyed their AGM recently in McLaren Vale, South Australia.
The events take place between 7.30am and 9.30am with full plated breakfast provided.
Members were treated to a wine tour and luncheon before the presentation dinner in Adelaide.
Go to futureair.ac
Tim Kirkup and Tony Bartlett from Haier Airconditioning, the major sponsors of the event, presented awards to the wholesalers. Tony Jackson of CoolChain Clayton Melbourne accepted Haier Dealer of the Year and Jeff Macmillan of CoolChain Perth took home the CoolChain National Dealer of the Year gong.
9 SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN!
“The event was well supported by members and partners and further cemented CoolChain’s national commitment to the industry,” says the company.
Now in its fourth year, the scholarship provides students studying commercial refrigeration and air conditioning through TAFE the opportunity to train at one of the industry’s premier educational institutions – the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC) in Melbourne.
“While John will now be the lead on any technical support, Chris will continue collaborating with Trafalgar’s valued network of installers, builders and certifiers, as first-hand feedback is a critical part of the product development process. Go to tfire.com.au
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6 DAIKIN NOW DINKY‑DI Four Daikin products now officially bear the Australian Made certification. Australian Made is a registered certification trademark that uses a third-party accreditation system to ensure all products that carry the logo are certified as genuinely Australian. “Our wish has always been to have our brand welcomed by the people of Australia,” says Shaun Uehara, managing director of Daikin Australia. “This is a key reason why we began local production in Australia 37 years ago. These Australian Made certifications are the first we’ve attained at Daikin, and it’s a very proud moment for us.” Australian Made’s campaign chief executive, Ben Lazzaro, says they are thrilled to welcome Daikin Australia into the Australian Made family. “The Australian Made logo is the perfect addition to the Daikin Australia brand. It makes a powerful statement about the organisation’s commitment to the local manufacturing sector, job creation and the support of the local community.” Products that now display the Australian Made label include Daikin’s Ducted Indoor Units, High Static Pressure Indoor Ducted VRV Units, Low Static Pressure Indoor Ducted VRV Units and VRV Packaged Rooftop Air Conditioning Units. ■
“CoolChain are the only national distributor of Haier and we have seen the brand grow fourfold in the past 12 months. With exciting new technology and models on the horizon we are confident that Haier will continue its growth cementing its place as the biggest appliance supplier in the world.” Go to www.coolchain.com.au
Nominations are now open for the 2019 Industry Educational Trade Scholarship.
The program was created by the AMCA and AREMA. It is supported by the ARBS Education and Research Foundation.
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The scholarship covers tuition, travel, meals, accommodation and training resources for both the students and their accompanying teachers. It embodies eight key units of competency from the Master Refrigeration program developed by RCCC. Students will be enrolled by Box Hill Institute and issued a statement of attainment on completion.
8 FOURTH KEYNOTE FOR FUTURE:AIR Ingersoll Rand business leader for Australia & New Zealand Stuart Kirkwood has joined the program at the Future:Air breakfast seminars to be held across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne from May 20–24. As reported in Around the Nation last month, the sessions will focus on the big changes coming for chillers and large air conditioning equipment. AHRI president-CEO Stephen Yurek and EPEE director general Andrea Voigt will also be speaking at the events, as will AREMA executive director Greg Picker. “Australia has a long history of responding both practically and innovatively to change,” says Picker. “That said it seems likely that the changes coming may well be profound and offer fantastic opportunities for that segment of the industry that is prepared and looking at the future with eyes wide open. Future:Air helps make this happen.”
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The 2019 two-week course will be conducted from July 1–5 and September 30–October 4 October. Applicants must be in the third year of a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration apprenticeship at the time of being awarded the scholarship. ARBS chairman Ian Hopkins, said the scholarship has achieved great outcomes. “We are delighted that AMCA and AREMA continue to develop a program that is helping to unearth the future ambassadors of our industry,” he said. The deadline for submitting applications is May 31, so get writing! For more information and a nomination form email training@amca.com.au ■
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DO YOU DESERVE
RECOGNITION? NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN DON'T MISS OUT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NOMINATIONS CLOSE MAY 31 The AIRAH Awards recognise the leading people and projects in the Australian HVAC&R sector. They are voted for by industry and celebrated by industry at the AIRAH Awards gala dinner in November.
Do you deserve an AIRAH Award?
Get in touch with our awards team to discuss your nomination and find out more about the different award categories. Contact us on (03) 8623 3000 or at awards@airah.org.au
W W W. A I R AH .O R G .AU / AWAR DS 28
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Cool Tech
STYLUS SOLUTION
Among audiophiles it’s an old argument: the warmth of vinyl records versus the clarity and convenience of CDs and digital files.
Still got a stack of LPs but have nothing to play them on? A stylish possibility awaits.
Only a few years ago, the answer was a no-brainer. Clarity trumped warmth every time, and record sales went into sharp decline.
Real vinyl crackles coming from a Bluetooth speaker – weird!
Yet the past few years have witnessed a retrorevival. There is no doubt, vinyl is back (in black). In fact, while sales of CDs continue to slump, LP sales are on the rise around the globe. Having acquired a crate-load of classic Led Zep, ZZ‑Top and Black Sabbath, the question is what device will you use to play these platters that matter? You could go super high-end and lash out on some high-tech esoteric audio (belt-driven turntable and valve amps). Or you could opt for the nifty HYM DUO turntable. As well as a cool design with 1960s flavour, the DUO boasts a detachable Bluetooth speaker with 15m range, an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, 10 hours of battery life, and supports aptX lossless transmission (Ed’s note: whatever that means). DUO turntable is available in three variants: black, orange with beige, and yellow with grey. It will set you back about $520 (info@hym-originals.com)
Smoko with . . .
Name: Jamie Poetschka on and Air Conditioning
Company: Davies Refrigerati Occupation: Refrigeration
mechanic
industry do you work in? What part of the HVAC&R Commercial refrigeration. industry? ut working in the HVAC&R What is the best thing abo ly fault finding. New jobs all the time and dai rs.
d in the industry? Four yea
How long have you worke
nic gauges.
Favourite tool: Testo electro
Drink of choice? Carlton
HVAC&R industry, If you didn’t work in the be doing? Electrician. what do you think you’d ?
and good food. -world trip.
Dream holiday? Round-the
an Alley.
en to? “Confidence” by Oce
What song did you last list
t of HVAC&R Nation What’s your favourite par Stories on refrigeration! wagon decked out. Dream car? Dual-cab cruiser Dream date? Lots of beer
Dry.
: Niceeeeee Garryyy!!!
Favourite quote or saying
Favourite smoko snack? . cheese and a potato scallop Roast-beef sanga with gravy, Sporting hero? Cranmer. ybe (BMX champion) Scotty Don’t really have any, but ma fect little family! … Hanging out with my per When I’m not working I’m
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The Lighter Side This month’s Lighter Side brought to you by:
Ahead of the pack APAC Commercial HVAC AC
1 WINNER
Visit apacair.com.au for more information 2
3
4
1 SLICK INSTALL Given the cleaning feature in this issue, we couldn’t go past Weigui’s pic from Victoria Park in Perth. Bit of oil on that coil!
2 IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE Actually, it came from Scott’s ’70s-built house. “Not sure what it’s called but it’s like expander foam,” he says. “Different to the normal flexible duct – first time I’ve seen it in my 15 years in the industry.”
5
3 THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME The tie-down installs just keep on coming. Thanks to Beau in Brisbane for the latest in the series.
4 GAME OF TWISTER ANYONE? Thanks to Corey for sending in this shocker from Adelaide.
5 SURVIVING THE WINTER BLUES Who says householders don’t care for their systems? This was spotted by Vic fridgie Ian Morgan. “What a great idea for those low ambient conditions in Ballarat!”
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
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Ahead of the pack
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Visit apacair.com.au for more information
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CAPACITY RANGE
THE NEXT GENERATION VRV VRV H: RXYQ-AYM (HEAT PUMP) VRV R: REYQ-TAY1 (HEAT RECOVERY)
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VRT SMART (VRT + AIRSIDE CONTROL) HOW DOES VRT SMART WORK? - Individual FCU calculates required capacity based on T, temperature trends - FCU regulates airflow according to load (i.e. variable air volume control) - If load cannot be met through Airside Control, condenser will regulate Te to meet load requirements BENEFITS OF VRT SMART - Better comfort levels for occupants FCU does not turn thermo off Fast response to load change - Improved energy performance across the year
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16.0kW 168kW - TO -