HVAC&R Nation November 2021 by AIRAH

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Sub-zero sauna The craze for getting healthy at -115°C

A is for air quality Putting IAQ first in Australia’s classrooms November 2021 / ISSUE 142

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November 2021 / ISSUE 142

A is for air quality 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 3001 Contributing writers Sean McGowan Willow Aliento

COVID-19 has made air quality in Australia’s classrooms a front-page story. But as Willow Aliento reports, it has been an issue for much longer.

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

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Refrigeration took Steve Orlando to the other side of the world

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Smoko with …

Q&A with Stephen Lloyd

Cool Tech

Sub-zero sauna

A cryotherapy centre in Germany offers clients the chance to enjoy (!) exposure to temperatures around -115°C. Willow Aliento looks at why it is so popular, and how air-based refrigeration makes it possible.

A light that runs on salt water

Lighter Side

The shonkier side of the nation

11,510 September 2020

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

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Ed’s letter

PROBING FOR THE TRUTH In my neighbourhood, over the past month or so, there has been a strange man hanging around the shops.

While he orders sausages at the butcher, or ham at the deli, or a lotto ticket from the newsagent, he keeps checking his phone. Nothing strange about that, I hear you say. But if you look closer, you’ll see that it’s bigger than a phone, and more rugged, and has orange bits on the side. If you move closer still – being sure to maintain that 1.5m physical distancing limit – you’ll see that the screen is very simple, with just a few readings. And up the top it says: testo 440. If you have seen this strange man, please say g’day. It is me! As a little experiment, I got my hands on a testo air quality monitor that allowed me to measure CO2, temperature and humidity. Why? Well, since the start of the pandemic – and especially since we found out that the virus is airborne – air quality has been on everyone’s minds. Although there is no simple way to confirm whether air is “safe”, you can easily check CO2 – a good proxy for air quality. I thought it would

be interesting to test some public spaces. I estimated that up to 800ppm was OK, 800–1,000ppm was cause for concern, and over 1,000ppm was somewhere to avoid. Unfortunately, the start of this experiment coincided with Victoria’s sixth lockdown, and a lot of public spaces were suddenly empty. I did what I could, and the results were both reassuring and concerning. On the positive side, my local shops all showed levels of around 400–500ppm. That includes the small butcher’s where they can only legally fit two customers at a time. A click-and-collect at the local shopping centre also showed readings below 500ppm. One of the worst spaces I found, believe it or not, was my own house! On days when we had the heater on and the door to my home office was closed, I was getting readings of up to 1,000ppm. Combine that with a morning temperature of 13°C and it’s not a great place to be. Not unusual for homes in Australia though. The worst place for CO2 was the car. Again, these

readings were taken in winter, so the windows were closed, but it got up to 1,200ppm. Maybe they need new driver reviver signs – have you checked your CO2 levels lately? At the end of the experiment, my main takeaway was that a good HVAC system – like those you find in modern retail premises – makes a big difference to air quality. And your home office is not as comfortable as you might think! Thanks again to testo for helping to satisfy this editor’s curiosity. Hope you enjoy the November issue of HVAC&R Nation, which takes a closer look at – you guessed it – air quality. ■ @AIRAHnews

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

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Toolshed 1

AirSmart launches UVHealth

“Many years in the making, UVHealth is the highlight of our passion for indoor air quality,” AirSmart says. “Our mission is to improve indoor environments in the built environment – be those homes, workplaces, or public buildings.”

According to Condair, the unit minimises energy consumption by transferring heat from exhaust flue gases into the incoming water supply, thereby reducing the need to heat the water tank. This feature also improves humidity control, as the water being introduced to the water tank is pre-heated and therefore doesn’t reduce the internal temperature so greatly, or the steam output.

AirSmart says that the BIO1000 and BIO2000 are in-duct air-cleaning and purifying solutions that “offer a new way to provide safer, cleaner and healthier” indoor air.

The three stages are UV-C, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) and large carbon filtration. Go to www.uvhealth.com.au ■

Condair gives it the gas

Humidity control and evaporative cooling specialist Condair is launching the Condair GS, a new condensing gas-fired humidifier that is BSI-certified for Type A gas installation in Australia.

AirSmart has launched its UVHealth product line developed to deal with indoor air quality. The BIO2000 and BIO1000 in‑duct air purifiers are the first products to be released.

The company says a feature of the BIO2000 is “advanced three‑stage” filtration to combat airborne virus, bacteria, mould, and odours commonly found in ventilation systems.

“Similar to the technology employed in domestic gas boilers, the introduction of condensing technology in gas-fired humidifiers results in lower temperature flue gases and allows the use of PVC flues,” says Condair. “This greatly simplifies and reduces the installation cost of the humidification system, as expensive insulated stainless steels flues are not necessary. The Condair GS is available in outputs from 21–246kg/h from a single unit, with the 21 and 41kg/h models being smaller, wall-mountable units.

Stay compliant with Kilargo

Kilargo has released a new range of intumescent fire dampers for the AS 1530.4:2014 Section 11 and Section 10 updated test standard. According to the company, the IFD44-LL range features an industry-leading highperformance design that minimises pressure loss.

Go to www.condair.com.au ■

“Kilargo is ready to support you too with an increased catalogue of compliant systems now ready for use,” says the company.

Carel’s vision

In a strategic partnership with Vision IoT, Carel has launched the new iJM solution for the beverage cooler market iJ is the Carel proprietary controller platform for refrigeration. iJM is designed for merchandisers. Carel says this market has seen increasing demand for solutions that reduce environmental impact by cutting energy consumption and emissions, and that feature connectivity options. The aim is to give beverage companies better intelligence on the sales performance and user habits of their merchandisers in the field.

“The new IFD44-LL achieves integrity and insulation up to 120 minutes in non-ducted air transfer systems with either grilles, louvres or flat vermin-proof mesh on each side of the wall or slab in sizes up to 1.2m x 1.2m.” Wall and slab installations include masonry/concrete, Dincel, Hebel, fire-rated plasterboard and fire boards, with a wider range of retrofit systems. “Our intumescent fire dampers are precision crafted in Brisbane to strict in-house standards and following all building codes and regulations, even greatly exceeding many,” says Kilargo.

iJM includes options for energy efficiency, such as direct control of variable speed compressors, and a new flat and frameless display, with various cosmetic customisation options available according to the customer’s brand.

“We deliver integrated and cost-effective systems that are ideal for any commercial building, high-rise complex, health or education facility.”

The iJM solution provides key insights to bottlers, allowing them to better understand the performance of their different assets in a retail environment. ■

Go to www.kilargo.com.au ■

Go to www.carel.com ■

Top of the class

Stiebel Eltron is promoting the use of its VRL-C heat-recovery ventilation systems as a measure to improve air exchange in heavily frequented rooms, including classrooms.

“A ventilation device not only brings fresh, virus-free air into the room and recovers valuable energy from the exhaust air,” says the company. “It also lowers the CO2 concentration and the moisture content and removes other air pollutants from the room.”

Focusing on fire

AIRAH has released two Design Application (DA) manuals that focus on fire, smoke, and smoke-exhaust air dampers within the HVAC industry. The DA manuals are titled DA05 Guide to Fire and Smoke Control in Buildings using AS 1668 Part 1; and DA06 Guide to Fire, Smoke and Air Dampers using AS 1682 Parts 1 & 2. DA05 promotes the correct design, installation, and commissioning of smoke control systems within the HVAC industry. Smoke control systems are a vital to minimise the hazard from smoke, and the manual is a guide to using and applying AS 1668.1-2015 The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings Part 1: Fire and smoke control in buildings.

The VRL-C ventilation unit is a flexible solution that discharges used and polluted air, while filtering and feeding fresh air into the room from outside. “The devices are easy to maintain and designed for quick and easy service,” says the company. “An additional sensor accessory measures the CO2 concentration of the room air and regulates the air output of the device fully automatically until the CO2 value falls below the set value again.

“The device can be switched to basic ventilation or a higher air level via a motion sensor accessory.”

DA06 covers the correct selection, installation, and commissioning of fire, smoke, and smoke-exhaust air dampers within the HVAC industry and associated trades. It aims to assist and improve the legal compliance of damper applications by providing technical guidance, and steps through the entire damper life-cycle.

www.stiebel-eltron.com.au ■

Go to www.airah.org.au/DA_Manuals ■

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November 2021

Toolshed 7 RapidRidge’s roofing revolution

Mammoth Fans has developed new high-volume, low‑speed (HVLS) ceiling fans for large residential, commercial and industrial applications. The company says that, unlike other HVLS fans on the market, the Mammoth range features world-class permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technology.

Evo Building Products is offering an innovative dry fixed roofing system that it says provides the benefits of a dry fixed roof with the added bonus of ventilation and passive cooling. RapidRidge provides a natural cooling passive system across the whole roof to reduce heat transfer through the roof and ceiling into the living space. It is designed to reduce energy costs, simplify installation and maintenance, and prolong the life of the roof. The product has been awarded the HIA’s Australian GreenSmart Award, and has been shown in independently verified tests to save up to 5 per cent on annual electricity bills by providing ventilation in hot weather. “RapidRidge gives strong energy savings, reduced moisture build-up and less ongoing maintenance for homeowners,” says Evo Building Products Managing Director Peter Byrne. “No more reliance on mixing mortar and applying pointing for tradies. And for Australia, RapidRidge means lower energy demands, fewer carbon dioxide emissions, and more sustainable building standards.”

A Mammoth offer

The motors in the Mammoth Fan range do not have a gearbox, reducing maintenance. “Maintaining cooling systems with traditional gear drives can be costly and time consuming,” says Mammoth Fans. “But thanks to the technology of the PMSM, electromagnetic interaction and bearing transmission, plus the advanced air-cooled design of the Mammoth motor, simple maintenance of cleaning the blades, checking all support wires, and tightening blade bolts is all the maintenance required. The Mammoth Fan is virtually maintenance free.”

The fans range from 2.5–7.3m in size and are backed by a five-year warranty. Mammoth Fans are available exclusively through Beacon Commercial.

Go to www.rapidridge.com.au ■

Go to www.mammothfans.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

SCOTLAND

USA

DISCO INFERNO

SEEING THE LIGHT

A Glasgow dance club and arts venue, SWG3, is implementing a geothermal heat pump system designed to store and reuse body heat from its patrons.

New research from the University of Colorado Boulder highlights the effectiveness of UV-C light in limiting the spread of COVID-19 without harming humans.

The system will suck up the heat generated by thousands of visitors, store it at depth via a dozen 150m bore holes, and pump it back into the venue when required. The club estimates the system will save it 70 tonnes of CO2 per year, using off-the-shelf components.

Senior author Karl Linden and his team compared different UV wavelengths side by side, using standardised methods developed across the UV light industry.

Usually, geothermal heat pumps work by connecting HVAC systems with rocks 150m below the surface, which radiate at a temperature of 50°C. The connections are long, fluid-filled pipes. SWG3’s system will remove heat from the dancefloor when the venue is used as a dance club. No air conditioning will be required. But on other days when the building is used as an arts space and often requires warming, the heat pump system can be used to pump heat from the rocks below back up into the space. ■

“We wanted to make sure that if UV light is being used to control disease,” Linden says, “you’re delivering the right dose that’s protective of human health and human skin, but also going to be killing off these pathogens.” The researchers found that while the virus was quite susceptible to UV light in general, a specific wavelength of Far ultraviolet-C, at 222nm, was particularly effective. “This can be a game-changer for the public use of UV light in indoor spaces,” says Linden. “Not only is it safe, it’s also the most effective. There is an opportunity here to save money and energy while protecting public health in the same way.” ■

USA

SAUDI ARABIA

GREEN LIGHT FOR HFC PHASE-DOWN

SALTY SOLUTION

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will cut the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85 per cent over the next 15 years. A task force and other enforcement efforts will prevent the illegal production or importation of these refrigerants. White House climate change adviser Gina McCarthy says reducing HFCs was “needed to meet the moment” on global warming. The White House says the new policies will cut the equivalent of three years’ worth of climate pollution from the electricity sector. President Joe Biden has pledged to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 per cent below 2005 levels by the end of the decade. Biden was slated to send the Kigali accord to the US Senate for ratification. “It’s about reputation and credibility,” says Stephen R Yurek, CEO of trade association AHRI. He adds that the US formally joining the broader global effort is, “good for the environment, good for the economy and good for trade”. ■

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November 2021

A simple cooling system driven by passive solar energy could provide low‑cost food refrigeration and living-space cooling for impoverished communities without access to an electricity grid. Using no electrical components, the system exploits the powerful cooling effect that occurs when certain salts are dissolved in water. After each cooling cycle, the system uses solar energy to evaporate the water and regenerate the salt, ready for reuse. “Hot regions have high levels of solar energy,” says postdoctoral student Wenbin Wang. “So, it would be very attractive to use that solar energy for cooling.” In many parts of the world there is a greater need for cooling because of climate change, but not every community can access electricity for air conditioning and refrigeration. “We conceptualised an off-grid solar-energy conversion and storage design for green and inexpensive cooling,” Wang says. After comparing a range of salts, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) proved to be the standout performer, with a cooling power more than four times greater than its closest competitor, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). ■

November 2021

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Feature

Sub-zero sauna

Image: COOLINN

The people of Karlsruhe, Germany are enjoying access to a very cool kind of therapy, thanks to an innovative ultra‑low refrigeration system that runs on air. Willow Aliento reports. The COOLINN uses Mirai Intex air-based refrigeration technology that has been adapted for the cryo‑sauna application by Refolution CEO Thomas Frank, who already had an impressive track record of engineering innovation in the refrigeration sector.

In movies, the ice age is generally depicted as a horrible time to be alive. But research is increasingly showing human bodies can actually benefit from exposure to ultra-low temperatures. The technical challenge is how to achieve the effect without resorting to dangerous chemical refrigerants or hazardous substances like liquid nitrogen.

He explains that other cryo-saunas on the market use more traditional approaches such as liquid nitrogen, or refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) to achieve the cold sauna effect.

In Germany, refrigeration engineering firm Refolution and cold sauna COOLINN are showing the world how it can be done, with ground-breaking airbased cooling technology. Yes, you read that right – air is the refrigerant. And the technology can provide a cold sauna experience down to -130°C.

These technologies have proven to be extremely tough on system compressors, he says, with the average lifespan between three and seven years. They require continual maintenance, they run with oil, they can be noisy, they need fans that add heat to the cold chamber, and they provide cooling from floor level, so the user’s feet feel the effect the most.

COOLINN CEO and founder Tatjana Utz-Erhardt partnered with her sister, Rebecca Frank, to launch the first COOLINN at Karlsruhe, Germany in 2019. “We offer the world’s first sustainable whole-body cryo‑chamber,” Utz-Erhardt says. “We only cool with ambient air. This is the next generation of cryotherapy, “We offer flexible temperatures from ‑40 to ‑130°C, which no other chamber is able to do. Our technology is future-proof, highly reliable, safe for people and the environment. We have a significantly higher efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and we operate a durable solution.” 10

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The technology used for COOLINN requires no oil, is likely to have a much longer compressor life, uses no fans, and delivers a constant low temperature to the whole room, with the room itself acting as the thermal storage and the heat exchanger. Condensation in the cryochamber room turns to ice and is removed mechanically as part of the air outtake, via two filters that scrape off the ice crystals.

November 2021

AN ICY OPPORTUNITY Frank first experienced a cold sauna in Mannheim and was impressed with the health effects of reduced inflammation and easing of joint and muscle pain. He was not as impressed by the technology used to create the ultra-cold environment. He decided he could build a better one, and looked at all the possible technologies available around the world before finding the air-based technology. His criteria included safety, potential for long compressor life, mechanical efficiency of between 20 and 30 years, and an effective cold-sauna effect. One of the technical challenges he needed to resolve was also how to deliver ambient chill – not a cold that starts at the feet. Another was how to manage air movement in the chamber, and the ice crystals that form in the air when moisture on the occupant’s breath hits dew-point at well below freezing. The design he developed also makes effective use of the warm air generated by the heatexchanger, ducting it to the COOLINN lobby, where people can use it to dry themselves before they enter the cryo‑sauna. It is also used to heat the adjacent office on cold days.

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Feature

AIR-BASED COOLING: FAST FACTS ■ Most planes already use air-based refrigeration systems for cooling, because air is lighter and safer than other refrigerant options ■ Some trains in Germany are now adopting air-based refrigeration technology ■ Refolution is completing a major ultra‑cold storage facility for an mRNA vaccine manufacturer ■ The technology is also being used for rapid freeze-drying of food products and removing toxic solvents from manufacturing plant waste gases.

The “turbomodule” at the heart of the refrigeration system.

An airlock between the entry room and the cryochamber improves energy efficiency and retains the cold. The design also allows the chamber to be efficient with a part load of occupants. Frank project managed the entire construction and commissioning process. The cryochamber is a “room within a room” comprising the inner chamber with PU insulation, then a gap, an air shield, followed by PYU insulation with a vacuum core, then an outer chamber.

The use of air itself also eliminates the severe burn risks associated with the liquid nitrogen used by many other operators. “Liquid nitrogen is very dangerous,” says Frank, “but I don’t have to explain to people how to safely work with air, or how to work without oil.” The cooling technology is an open-cycle machine that is almost completely silent in operation. Frank explains that the noise associated with most refrigeration plant is “structure noise” and gave AIRAH a virtual, up-close listen to the plant. It was incredibly quiet.

He says the next design will have even higher insulation of 200mm vacuum core PU. Frank consulted with other operators to find out their pain points, so he could design out the difficulties. For example, the cryochamber has a system of in‑ground ducts invented by Frank for draining water when the chamber is cleaned.

Frank has also developed a patented design for a scalable version – the COOLINN STAR. It has the capacity to provide cold sauna experiences for up to 1,000 people a day.

Utz-Erhardt is extremely satisfied with the technology. “As I am no engineer it is really easy to operate the system,” she says. “It is like an iPhone in the field of cryochambers. It is very easy to use.” Maintenance is minimal. The chamber is warmed up once or twice a year for cleaning. And as there is no oil in the cycle, maintenance mainly consists of cleaning the filters – which Utz-Erhardt says is the “work of a few minutes” once a year – or changing of the door‑rubbers when needed. “We also don’t need a separate room for the machine because we are not using any chemicals or have high pressures needed like others do.” At the moment there is only one COOLINN at the company head office in Karlsruhe, Germany. |

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“We also had a lot of promising prospects in the hotel and wellness sector, as also in the sports business,” she says.

A major challenge with the project was finding suitable LED lighting, Frank says. Halogens were out of the question because they generate heat, so he spent two years looking for a suitable LED luminaire that was completely sealed and would operate in ultra-low temperatures.

NEGATIVE TEMPS – POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

“As we only started in October 2019, Corona hit us very hard,” says Utz Erhardt. “It was a success story until March 20, 2020. We were nearly cost-covering in this little time in our first store, and we were nominated for the FIBO Award.” (Ed’s note – FIBO is an international trade fair for wellness, fitness and healthcare.)

COVID-19 put a halt to those plans for some time. However, Utz Erhardt says leads are now starting to return, and the company expects to start selling the chambers to other potential operators.

“I was in there with a flow meter every day,” he says. “Because there are things you simply cannot calculate [before installation] as very cold air is very dense.”

Image: COOLINN.

The plan is to grow significantly in locations and in scale.

The mechanical defrosting system uses two filters that scrape ice crystals off the air intake. A chain drive then carries them out of the system, where they melt in the ambient air.

Construction of the COOLINN required a team of 10 workers and Frank as project manager. Several attempts had to be made to successfully crane the prefabricated cryochamber and refrigeration unit into position. Then came commissioning, and Frank made further adjustments to the airflow mechanics.

The cold sauna in Karlsruhe is popular with athletes.

Image: Mirai Intex.

November 2021

Frank says there is potentially a massive market for this, not only for sporting teams and others who have specific wellbeing needs, but also as a fun and unique experience for the general public. The COOLINN STAR is a walk-through design that incorporates fully automated thermal imaging technology and diagnostics that show where and how the body is responding to the ultra-cold. “At the moment we are searching for an investor who believes in our cryochamber,” Utz-Erhardt says. “Who knows, perhaps you will see a lot of COOLINN cold saunas in Australia in a couple of years.” Frank says that the project also taught him one important lesson. “If you can dream it, you can build it,” he says. “I had a lot of people in the refrigeration industry tell me it would not work, but I bought the first machine myself, and proved it is working. Now many manufacturers are using air refrigeration and recommending it.” ■

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Thomas Frank presented aircycle refrigeration technology at AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2021 Conference earlier this year. Watch his presentation by scanning the QR code.

Feature A sluice was specially developed to prevent chilled air from rushing out when the door of the sauna is opened.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS

Image: COOLINN.

COOLINN is being used by people of all ages, including athletes, those with chronic pain, and people looking for stress relief. “We measure the temperature on the skin with a thermal imaging camera and everybody has their individual time to stay in the chamber,” says Utz-Erhardt says. The cold is a full-body experience. “My sister always says it feels like a peppermint from the inside. And this is true. I myself love the ‘being with me’ – the silence and calm that I feel in the chamber, the tingling on my skin after the sauna, and the feeling of absolute focus and being awake and this mental strength afterwards. It’s an indescribable feeling.” Refolution CEO Thomas Frank has looked into the medical evidence too. The sub-zero cold encourages blood flow to muscles, to the part of the neck where stress accumulates, and to the area of the throat where our hormonal system is activated. It is claimed that the extreme cold can help reduce stress and burnout, as well as physical pain. Frank believes wider availability of therapy could have benefits for the whole health system by reducing the amount of pain medication taken by many people with chronic health conditions. The company is currently partnered with a university research team to understand the potential benefits for people with sleep disorders and stress conditions. Frank describes the cryo-sauna as “controlled survival” – similar to the ice age conditions humans survived and adapted to, but for a much, much shorter duration. ■

A CHEMICAL ENGINEER WHO WANTS TO ABANDON CHEMICALS!?

A thermal camera can reveal joints and areas where users are experiencing pain. Image: COOLINN.

Refolution CEO Thomas Frank has a background in chemical engineering and refrigeration plant design. He is also a passionate advocate for moving away from all chemical refrigerants.

“We need to change the refrigeration industry,” he says. “There is no need for fluoro compounds. I have done a lot of education work, and I founded my company to make an impact. I don’t see any need for chemical refrigerants.”

According to Frank, the lower-GWP HFO refrigerants that are replacing high GWP HFC refrigerants are causing their own pollution issue. He points to studies that show fluorine compounds leaching into waterways and having an impact on aquatic and amphibian fauna. Studies also note that there are no methods for removing the contaminants from the environment.

Last year, Refolution published a report comparing the energy efficiency of air-cycle systems, vapour compression cascade systems, and liquid nitrogen systems for applications between ‑40°C and ‑110°C. It found that when it comes to full-load efficiency, air-cycle systems are competitive below ‑40°C in storage applications, and below ‑60°C in process cooling. Below ‑80°C, air-cycle systems were considered “hard to beat”.

Frank’s career has included working with Johnson Controls in the US and also ENGIE in Germany. His most recent role before founding Refolution involved undertaking environmental simulations for industrial plant designs. He became focused on the technical challenge of environmentally sustainable solutions for refrigeration that could avoid products with any GWP, any ozone-depleting potential, and no ATEX (explosive potential).

Frank notes that what air systems lack in efficiency at less extreme temperatures can be balanced against the eradication of the need for oil, boiling refrigerant (or any liquid refrigerants at all), zero explosion risks, and reduced stress on compressors. “There is no body noise, no vibration, no bearings, or noise from piston compressions,” Frank says. ■ November 2021

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DA04 DA24

ESSENTIAL TOOLS IN HVAC COMMISSIONING

AIR SYSTEM BALANCING

HYDRONIC SYSTEM BALANCING

THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF REFRIGERATION, AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

DA04

DA24

AIR SYSTEM BALANCING – IN HVAC

HYDRONIC SYSTEM BALANCING – IN HVAC

DESIGN APPLICATION MANUAL

This new DA manual discusses the testing, adjusting and balancing of air distribution systems in HVAC&R applications. DA04 promotes best practice for the balancing of air distribution systems in the industry. It has been prepared to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge.

DA24 is a complete revision of the previous version, titled DA24 Water Systems Balancing. This manual promotes best practice for the balancing of hydronic systems in HVAC&R, recognising acceptable industry-standard techniques. It also highlights the importance and complexity of hydronic balancing.

Designed for engineers, architects, contractors, equipment owners, operators, and specifiers. Anyone involved in air/water balancing or in HVAC&R system commissioning or recommissioning should keep copies of these manuals handy.

Access the electronic versions or order hard copies at

airah.org.au/DA_Manuals 14

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MODULE

142

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Skills summary ■ What?

This Skills Workshop provides an introduction to different types of air cleaners and how they are used.

■ Who?

Aimed at practitioners who design, construct, operate or maintain buildings and HVAC systems.

What are air cleaners? Air cleaners are designed to purify localised air by extracting the air through a filtration system, then re-supplying the filtered clean air back into the room or zoned space. Depending on the application and requirements, this filtration system may include the following: • Multi-staged particulate filtration (pre‑filter and HEPA filter) • Multi-staged particulate filtration (pre-filter and HEPA filter) and single-stage gaseous/molecular filtration (activated carbon filter) • Multi-staged particulate filtration (pre-filter and HEPA filter) and single-stage custom gaseous/molecular filtration (custom blend of activated carbon and/or chemical media filtration designed to capture specific toxic, hazardous or corrosive gases). Depending on the application, unit size, airflow capacity and manufacturer, filtration options may include:

AIR CLEANERS This Skills Workshop provides an introduction to different types of air cleaners, their operation, components, benefits and applications, as well as how they should be placed. The workshop also looks at using air cleaners for HEPA retrofit applications, creating positive and negative pressure rooms, and after decontamination. designed to capture specific toxic, hazardous or corrosive gases such as formaldehyde, hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, ozone) • Flat panel filter • V-pleat style filter • Multi-pocket bag filter • Cartridge-style filter • Housing or cannister filled with pelletised media. Generally, the greater the mass of the molecular filter, the better, and longer it will work. Additional system components typically include fans, air inlet and outlet louvres, system controls (including airflow volume/speed modes, timers, child lock, LED brightness, filter replacement indicators), status indicators, air quality sensors and indicators.

Example of free-standing largescale air cleaner configuration

Optional accessories may include atmospheric sensor monitors, silencers, extractor arms and wi‑fi connectivity.

showing options for all particulate filters, combined particulate and molecular filters, or all molecular filters with fan

Particulate pre-filter (typically rated G4 - F9 to EN779) • • • •

system and final safety filter.

Flat panel filter V-pleat style filter Multi-pocket bag filter Cartridge-style filter.

High efficiency filter (typically rated E11-E12, H13, H14 to EN1822) • Mini-pleat panel filter • Mini-pleat cartridge style filter. Typically, the better the filter rating, the tighter the filter should fit and seal inside the housing to ensure no contaminant bypass. Gaseous/molecular filter (typically activated carbon only or a custom blend of activated carbon and/or chemical media filtration

Example of large-scale modular air cleaner configuration showing particulate bag-style pre‑filter, Example of small in-room air cleaner

molecular cannister-style

configuration showing particulate

housing filled with pelletised

pre-filter, molecular VOC filter

media, final safety particulate

and particulate final filter.

panel filters, and fan system.

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HVAC&R Skills Workshop Why use air cleaners? The direct link between air quality and health is well documented by the World Health Organization. The Australian government has noted: “Air quality affects our health, the liveability of our cities and towns, and our environment. Air pollution, particularly from human activity, can cause health problems that affect the heart and lungs, and can cause cancer. “Even short-term exposure to air pollution can cause health problems. Children, the elderly and people with existing heart and lung conditions are especially affected by air pollution.” Source: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/air-quality

When building/facility HVAC filtration systems are absent or insufficient for the air quality requirements of a designated indoor space, air cleaners may be used to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the localised air.

and reduced energy costs. Significant energy savings are offered in rooms with high ceilings during colder months, since heat rises and the temperature is higher at the ceiling than the floor. Air cleaners remix the air to equalise the difference in temperature, resulting in warmer air by the floor and reduced fan operation for the heating system. • More efficient production through zone cleaning within larger premises. Extremely pure air is delivered to areas that are particularly sensitive, while other areas of the room can maintain a lower requirement level. This minimises the number of operational disturbances caused by dirt and dust and saves money. • Flexibility to move units around to suit occupancy and cleanliness requirements. Similarly, general benefits for air cleaners equipped with HEPA air filters and custom gaseous/molecular filtration designed to capture specific toxic, hazardous or corrosive gases include:

Similarly, when it is not deemed viable to upgrade existing HVAC filtration due to existing infrastructure or cost (upgrades often include changes to the fan and power consumption and duct or frame modifications), the use of air cleaners to supplement existing HVAC systems may be a cost-effective solution to reduce airborne particle loads.

• Removal of nuisance odours, harmful vapours or chemical problems within a specified area • Removal of corrosive gases to protect electronic and production equipment • Reduced maintenance and repair time on plant and machinery • Helping facilities comply with industry guidelines and regulations.

Benefits The general benefits of using air cleaners equipped with HEPA air filters include:

Air cleaners can be used to improve localised room conditions such as:

• Reduced particle loads through the removal of dust, allergens, viruses, and airborne contaminants from the localised airstream • Cleaner indoor air quality for a healthier indoor environment • Improved health for people due to the removal of fine particulates from the localised airstream • Cleaner indoor air quality for a cleaner indoor environment • Extend the product life of foods for consumption, stocked products in storage areas, and equipment • Reduced need for surface cleaning through the efficient removal of dust and airborne contaminants • Reduced energy costs through efficient air purification • Recirculated indoor air reduces the need to draw in and heat as much cold air from outside, resulting in more efficient heating

• Positioned in an airlock to reduce the residual particle load • Positioned near workstations to reduce the particle load from staff • Positioned near equipment or processes that generate large number of particles (such as process lines and conveyors).

Applications Air cleaners may be used for a wide range of applications, including: • Residential – bedroom, study, living areas • Commercial – offices, meeting rooms, hotel rooms, classrooms, communal shared spaces and waiting areas, canteens and food prep areas, indoor recreation facilities, gymnasiums, sporting facilities, locker rooms • Building and construction – offices, meeting rooms, communal shared spaces

Common types of air cleaners Common air cleaner styles include:

• Healthcare – communal shared spaces and waiting areas, canteens and food prep areas, offices, hospital suites and consulting rooms, dental surgeries, cleanrooms and research laboratories, negative pressure or positive pressure applications, IVF clinics, patient immune suppressed areas (chemotherapy treatment and waiting areas) • Food and beverage – cleanrooms and test laboratories, production line clean air zones, raw material or finished production storage areas, bakeries, internal eating areas • Life science – communal shared spaces and waiting areas, canteens and food prep areas, offices, cleanrooms and research laboratories, cannabis grow houses, negative pressure or positive pressure applications • Warehousing and logistics – product storage areas, localised pollution control near workstations (meat works/coolrooms) • Microelectronics, data centres and switch rooms • Industrial – control rooms of petrochemical facilities, metal refining and pulp and paper mills, timber facilities, welding/ oil mist applications, printing facilities, packaging production • Mining and oil rigs – staff accommodation areas. Similarly, air cleaners may be useful for specific applications, including: • Reducing indoor pollen counts • Reducing vehicle exhaust emissions within indoor spaces near heavy traffic zones • Reducing bushfire smoke emissions within indoor spaces • Reducing mould spores and odour within indoor spaces in the aftermath of flooding.

Air change rates/air changes per hour Air change rates or air changes per hour (ACH) is a measure of how many times the air within a defined space is replaced each hour, and minimum recommendations are often specified within ventilation design standards. With regards to air cleaners, ACH determines how many times the air cleaner can clean a room or designated clean space in one hour. For example, four air changes per hour means that four times the air volume of the room is filtered through the air cleaner per hour (a full room volume every 15 minutes). Generally, the recommended ACH per hour depends on the level of contaminant generation with a space. Contaminants refer to levels of fine particulates and of odorous, toxic, hazardous or corrosive gases. * Refer to the relevant ventilation design standards and industry guidelines for specific applications.

Ceiling-mounted (via hanging nuts/wire, suspension arms)

Small portable in-room style on wheels

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Freestanding in-room style on wheels

Floor or wall‑mounted (via mounting stand/bracket)

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In-duct concealed.

ACH

Contaminant generation level

2–6

Light (residential rooms, minimal shared spaces)

8–10

Average (communal shared spaces, healthcare)

12–14

Heavy (cleanrooms general and after decontamination, negative or positive pressure applications, industrial)

HVAC&R Skills Workshop Air cleaner unit placement Placement of a single, or multiple units is important to ensure adequate and optimal airflow around these systems and throughout the room, and to deliver filtered clean air throughout the designated space to meet the desired air quality requirements for that space. Common configurations include: • Central floor freestanding unit in rooms with displacement ventilation

and redistributed around the room (creating a positive pressure). Alternatively, two separate air cleaners with single-direction air intakes could be used to recreate this same scenario.

Air cleaners for HEPA retrofit applications For applications where a HVAC system upgrade to HEPA filtration is required to create clean spaces, the supplemental use of air cleaners equipped with HEPA air filters may be a cost-effective way to help reduce the particle load. Typically, high-efficiency HEPA filters require large amounts of air to pass through the ventilation system. An increase in efficiency and thus pressure drop in a HVAC system can mean possible changes in the fan, power consumption, and a requirement for duct or framework modifications. Accommodating these changes without an upgrade to an existing HVAC system is not always possible.

• The inflow of supply air travels along the floor and maintains a lower temperature than the air in the room. Therefore, you should aim the purifier’s outlet in the same direction as the flow so that it works with the airflows and not against them. • Combined ceiling suspended and floor standing units in rooms with high ceilings

Because larger particles fall to the ground considerably faster than nanoparticles, this configuration captures particles at the point where they are most commonly found. • Ceiling-mounted cross-bay airflow configuration for large areas • Ceiling-mounted circular airflow configuration for large areas

An effective and swift alternative to a HEPA filter upgrade in the HVAC system is the use of portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA air filters to help reduce the particle load.

Air cleaners for positive pressure rooms The concept of creating positively pressurised rooms is to ensure that the air introduced to the room is clean and any air that escapes will not affect other patients or staff. Typically, positive pressurised rooms are created by introducing ultra-clean fresh air from outside sources into a room to create positive pressure within the room. Ensuring that both the external air introduced to the room and the air within the room are cleaned to the highest standard, is key to creating optimal positively pressurised environments. Within healthcare, positive pressure rooms can assist with improved patient room conditions, as an HVAC upgrade in low immune patient environments, or during mould/fungus prevention works.

Air cleaners for negative pressure rooms The concept of creating negatively pressurised rooms is to utilise the exhaust air system to contain any infectious contamination within the isolated room and prevent transmission to corridors and attached rooms. Because the air in negatively pressurised rooms is often hazardous to other patients, the idea is to take the contaminated air from the room, clean it, and distribute the cleaned air externally. Within healthcare, negative pressure rooms can assist with waiting rooms, triage, isolation/quarantine rooms, nuclear medicine, serialisation rooms, laboratories, autopsy rooms, soiled workrooms, holding rooms, or decontamination rooms. To generate negative pressurised rooms using air cleaners:

Option 1 With the air cleaner positioned outside the area and with slip‑collar‑mounted ducts on both intake and exhaust, excess air can be drawn through the exhaust duct to outside, generating negative pressure.

Option 2 With the air cleaner positioned inside the room, the outlet should be ducted to a new environment to help create a negative pressure room.

To recirculate HEPA-filtered air: 1. Positioned where needed and draws in air through the bottom, exhausting filtered air through a vented top. Note: some models draw in air through the top, exhausting filtered air through a vented bottom.

To generate positive pressurised rooms using air cleaners:

2. Positioned outside the area and with slip‑collar-mounted ducts on both intake and exhaust, air is drawn through the duct, filtered, and exhausted through a duct back into the originating area.

Option 1 Ducting the air intake from the external environment can allow for clean air to be introduced into the target room. This can be wall- or ceiling-mounted. The air cleaners use HEPA filtration to ensure no unwanted contaminants can enter the room, and dual-air intakes allow additional room-side air cleaning.

Single or dual direction air intakes Not all air cleaners are designed in the same way. Some include single-direction air intakes, others include dual or two-way air intakes, allowing the air cleaner to filter air from two separate directions. Please check system specification data with your air cleaner manufacturer or supplier. Air cleaners with inbuilt two-way air intakes can be cost effective in some situations. For example, in a hospital room, a wall-mounted air cleaner with inbuilt two-way air intakes could have one side ducted to the outside so that 50 per cent fresh air is taken from the outside, filtered, then supplied to the room. The remaining 50 per cent of air would be taken from inside the room, filtered,

Option 2 Ducting the clean air outlet into the target area from an external room can ensure that the target area becomes positively pressurised with HEPA‑filtered clean air.

Air cleaners following decontamination For life science and healthcare applications where cleanroom processes have been compromised and have been exposed to contamination, it becomes necessary to decontaminate the cleanroom and equipment before restarting work. This involves sanitisation of the cleanroom and equipment with a cleaning agent in gaseous form such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Due to the toxicity, gaseous concentration levels need to be reduced before the room can be used safely again by personnel. This process can take several hours. Portable air cleaners equipped with custom gaseous/molecular filtration can fast-track the process of removing the hydrogen peroxide in gaseous form to reduce downtime. ■

This month’s Skills Workshop has been provided by Camfil Australia Pty Ltd.

Next issue: Measuring water flow November 2021

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CC 410 Concealed up to 490m³/hr effective for rooms up to 140 m2

CC 6000 CamCleaner up to 6,000m³/hr effective for larger spaces up to 1500m2

Portable City Touch up to 500m³/hr effective for rooms up to 60 m2

AIR CLEANERS Camfil offer a complete range of in-room air cleaners designed to improve indoor air quality through the removal of ultrafine airborne particles, odours and hazardous gases. Our air cleaner configurations include particulate filtration using E11 or H13 filters rated to EN1822 and molecular filtration options to suit various indoor spaces and applications. For more information, please contact the Camfil Australia team: Phone 1300 886 353 or email info.au@camfil.com

www.camfil.com.au CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS 18

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Industry news

BOSS ATTITUDE TO MENTAL HEALTH Apprenticeships help guide young people on their career journey. Yet what is also apparent is how vulnerable they can be during this time. A free online course aimed at business owners, senior managers and others could provide vital support. Managing mental health in the workplace is challenging for all types of businesses, but particularly those that employ apprentices. Data suggests Australia’s young workers are at greater risk of experiencing poor mental health than the general population. This can have a direct impact on the workplace in the form of absenteeism, poor performance and turnover. Studies also highlight that the building and construction industry experiences much higher rates of suicide when compared to the general population. “All employers and host organisations want to get the best out of their apprentices and trainees, and in order to work to the best of their abilities an apprentice needs to be at their best, in body and mind,” according to youthfocused not‑for‑profit SESAT (Smart Employment Solutions Apprentices & Trainees). “By creating a ‘mentally healthy’ workplace and looking after apprentice wellbeing, you are not only looking after them, you are acting in the best interests of your business.”

But how best to look after apprentices’ mental health, and be aware of signs that things aren’t as they should be?

FREE, REMOTE LEARNING The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EML Group and Apprenticeship Support Australia are offering free remote half-day training sessions to support the mental health of apprentices. The courses are aimed at business owners, senior managers, HR and OHS professionals, return to work coordinators, and people managers in businesses of any size that employ apprentices.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry says. “You will learn how to effectively support and manage apprentices with mental health conditions, as well as how to build a mentally healthy workplace that is both safe and productive.”

COURSE OUTCOMES 1. Why apprentices are at higher risk 2. Mental health and COVID-19 3. What mentally healthy workplaces are, and why they are important 4. How to talk about mental health: • Recognising early warning signs • How to have a mental health conversation • Self-harm and suicide prevention 5. Communicating with doctors 6. Managing the impact on your team 7. Mental health and the law: • Workplace relations • Occupational health and safety • Workers’ compensation • Disability discrimination • Privacy. “By promoting open communication and showing your apprentice you value them and the work they do, you will boost their confidence, and this also contributes to looking after their mental welfare,” SESAT says. “This ensures apprentices and trainees are happy to come to work and enjoy the time they spend there, an important factor in them performing at their best so you can make the most of their talent.” ■

DATE AND TIME

The training will cover workplace obligations under privacy, disability discrimination, workplace relations and safety laws; and how to forge a mentally healthy workplace.

Tuesday, November 9, 1pm–4.30pm (AEDT) Thursday, December 9, 9am–12.30pm (AEDT)

“During this half-day training, we will look at mental health from a number of different perspectives, providing a clear understanding of workplace obligations under privacy, disability discrimination, workplace relations and safety laws,” the Victorian November 2021

For more information and to register, go to tinyurl.com/2ryz4rj6 or www.victorianchamber.com.au

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Cover Feature

A IS FOR AIR QUALITY Willow Aliento talks to indoor air quality (IAQ) experts about Australia’s stuffy, smelly classrooms – and why COVID-19 is not the only airborne issue. School classrooms are notorious for being spaces where students often feel tired, irritable and generally out of sorts. No wonder teachers can find it hard to get kids to engage and pay attention. One of the main reasons this is so common is the indoor air quality in many classrooms is making them unhealthy places to be.

higher risk for dry cough and rhinitis. Low fresh air ventilation rates have also been linked to higher rates of absenteeism, poorer performance on academic tests, and teacher dissatisfaction. “Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and high indoor air temperatures in classrooms are critical problems worldwide,” says Dr Shaddad. “This is worsened when ventilation rates are insufficient to remove excessive heat or pollutants, particularly when windows are kept closed to avoid discomfort caused by external noise, weather, or to prevent drafts.”

It is an issue indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC researchers and experts have been aware of for some time. Now, with COVID-19 still present in our communities and pupils returning to classrooms, education departments and schools are finally sitting up and taking notice.

Low ventilation rates also increase the concentration of other problematic pollutants in the classroom. Haddad says this is a major risk factor for asthma in children.

HOW IAQ AFFECTS STUDENTS UNSW School of Built Environment Associate Lecturer Dr Shamila Haddad led recent research into how IAQ affects student health and productivity. One of the major findings is that CO2 levels in Australian classrooms frequently exceed the recommended levels for indoor air quality. High CO2 levels have a direct impact on learning performance, Haddad explains. Students are less able to concentrate and may also experience headaches, drowsiness, tiredness and changes in respiratory patterns. Schoolchildren exposed to CO2 levels above 1,000ppm face a significantly 20

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“Previous research has also demonstrated that the risks for upper and lower airways and systemic disorders in school children is signiﬁcantly increased with the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) score.”

Poor IAQ and high indoor air temperatures in classrooms are critical problems worldwide |

November 2021

WHERE OTHER INDOOR POLLUTANTS COME FROM Gaseous pollutants can include: • Bioeffluents emitted by occupants (burping and flatulence, for example) • Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furnishings and classroom equipment • Pollution from outdoors, such as vehicle emissions that enter the indoor environment. RMIT Associate Professor Priya Rajagopalan says the amount of time kids – and teachers – spend in the classrooms exacerbates the risks. According to a report RMIT produced on Victorian classrooms, students spend up to 12,900 hours of their lives in school buildings from pre-school to Year 12 – or 25 per cent of their waking lives. “Poor IAQ in schools impacts the cognitive performance of students and the health and wellbeing of teachers,” says Rajagopalan. “It is important to note that primary school students may be spending a whole year in a single classroom as they don’t change classrooms every period like in secondary schools.

Cover Feature “Sometimes the teachers may be spending their whole life in a single classroom, and if that room happens to be of poor air quality, it will have a long-term impact on their health. Some teachers are better aware of IAQ and sensitive to poor air quality and will be taking actions like opening doors/windows when they feel stuffy, but the majority of teachers keep working in the environment without realising the impacts.”

TAKING UP THE IAQ CHALLENGE The first step in improving indoor air quality is measuring CO2 levels, according to Preshit Fadnis, M.AIRAH, Sales Engineer at Panasonic Australia and a member of AIRAH’s recently formed Indoor Air Quality Special Technical Group.

THE BENEFITS OF GOOD IAQ

In most schools IAQ is not measured at all, he says. CO2 levels are a good place to start as it is the easiest element of IAQ to monitor, and it is good general indicator for air quality.

Dr Haddad says increased ventilation rates are associated with satisfaction with the thermal environment and IAQ, and have a protective effect on eye and skin-related disorders.

Fadnis notes that in some systems, CO2 sensors are being retrofitted to air conditioning units in conjunction with technology that can control the amount of outside air brought in by the system. These systems can measure and monitor VOC levels and respond to elevated VOCs indoors. Such system also have wireless sensors, with a battery life of 5–10 years.

“Lowering CO2 levels and improving IAQ enhances comfort and reduces the feeling of tiredness, which increases students’ productivity and learning performance,” says Dr Haddad. But isn’t there a standard? Although there is a national regulation in Australia about the minimum supply of ventilation and the required levels of indoor air quality, Dr Haddad says the standard is rarely respected. Australian school design complies with the National Construction Code and notes the need for naturally or mechanically ventilated classrooms with outdoor air to maintain adequate air quality. However, there is no requirement on how much and how often windows should be opened in naturally classrooms, HVAC Hygiene ad - ventilated October 2019.pdf 1 and no strategy is provided for different spaces.

19/9/19

Air purification systems are available to remove mould spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses and odours from the air. Fadnis says this is now a standard inclusion in most of Panasonic’s air conditioning systems, including wall-mounted split systems, single split systems, VR systems, VRF cassette units and some ducted systems. In the near future it will be standard on all units. According to Fadnis, the technology requires 2:44 pm

no maintenance and has an operational life longer than the design life of most AC units. “COVID-19 has created awareness of all of these indoor air quality topics,” he says. “In Australia there used to be very minimal data about IAQ in schools. Now we are looking at mitigating the risks associated not only with COVID-19 but with everything.” Fadnis says that while Panasonic and others in the HVAC&R industry were promoting the need to address IAQ in schools long before COVID-19 emerged as a risk, the wider awareness is only just starting in Australia. This is in contrast to other nations, including the USA and Germany, where IAQ has been a priority for some time. He welcomes the new focus in Australia. NSW, for example, has been installing CO2 monitors with some of the split systems being procured as part of the Cooler Classrooms program. In Queensland, Catholic schools are also taking up the challenge of improving IAQ with CO2 sensors. “We don’t know what the long-term effects are for students of being in classrooms with 4,000ppm CO2 levels,” says Fadnis. “We are talking about our next generation – the future generation. We need to take care of IAQ right now.” ■

CMY

November 2021

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Cover Feature The National Construction Code sets out design requirements for mechanically ventilated buildings to control odours, particulates, and gases, aiming to achieve adequate IAQ. It requires a minimum ventilation rate of 10 and 12L/s per person for classrooms serving persons over and below 16 years old, respectively. It also specifies a minimum floor area required per occupant (2m²) in classrooms. “So, the number of air changes per hour … is important in all learning spaces to achieve proper indoor air quality,” says Dr Haddad. “Ventilation is one component of maintaining healthy indoor environments and is an important COVID-19 prevention strategy for schools, learning spaces, and childcares.”

FROM THE HEALTH SECTOR TO CLASSROOM Director of Viscon Systems, John Penny, M.AIRAH, specialises in building commissioning and indoor environmental control, predominantly in complex health buildings and scientific research facilities. He says that lessons learned in these facilities can be applied to IAQ issues being seen in many schools.

Viscon Systems director John Penny, M.AIRAH, showing off an air quality monitor – and a very reasonable level of CO2!

Penny has recently been looking at the issues with schools and IAQ and observes that COVID-19 is exacerbating an issue that has been around for many years. “There was never enough ventilation in most schools,” he says. The majority of classrooms in Australia have relied on

A WORKFLOW FOR FIXING IAQ

Penny notes, however, that most of the HVAC systems simply recycle the air already inside the classroom – and outdoor ventilation is regarded as a “poor cousin” to HVAC. “You can have around 30 kids within a metre of each other,” he says. “The CO2 levels can be acceptable if it is a windy day and the windows are open, but if it is a hot, still day, it is not so good.”

As a first step to short-term remediation, Viscon Systems Director John Penny, M.AIRAH, recommends testing with wireless CO2 monitors to check ventilation in the space. They can cost from $200 and can be moved around. Often no additional wiring or IT connections are required, and some IoT models can be integrated with a cloud-based monitoring and reporting platform.

Penny says there has been a lack of recognition of IAQ in classrooms as a health issue. At the start of the pandemic, there was also reluctance on the part of authorities to recognise that COVID-19 was airborne, and AIRAH was one of the lone voices in Australia calling for an effective IAQ strategy to reduce risks.

Penny says facility managers or school maintenance and management staff can use the CO2 monitors to establish which classrooms are especially poor in terms of ventilation and CO2 levels to inform mitigation measures. These could include having fewer pupils in those classrooms, rescheduling the time of day those spaces are used to earlier in the day before CO2 builds up, seeing if windows require fixing, installing exhaust fans, or using portable air cleaning and purification units.

A key part of addressing IAQ is ensuring there is someone at the school whose focus is on the health and wellbeing of students and the degree to which classrooms and other spaces support this. “Fixing ventilation has other benefits,” Penny says. “Fresh air is good for people, and in classrooms, supports better learning outcomes.” Once the pandemic has abated, solutions that improve ventilation and minimise energy should be considered.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

In well-ventilated spaces, CO2 levels should normally stay below a concentration of 800ppm. Best practice indoors is around 600ppm or below.

The Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) at University of Wollongong (UOW) holds Living Building Challenge Certification, an award that is given to buildings of significantly positive environmental impact and good indoor environmental quality. Its researchers also contribute to AIRAH’s own research, including the Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling (i-Hub).

Portable air purifiers are part of the Victorian government strategy for COVID-safe classrooms and can also be valuable for managing the health risks of bushfire smoke and other pollutants. But Penny says they are not the ideal long-term fix for every school. ■

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windows and doors for natural ventilation, perhaps with ceiling fans added for cooling in hot weather. But windows and doors are not always left open. In some classrooms the windows no longer work properly, or are considered a security risk when left open. In many schools, split systems have been added as a quick and cheap solution to uncomfortable spaces.

November 2021

SBRC researcher Dr Daniel Daly, Affil.AIRAH, says schools generally have some unique features that make IAQ a challenge, notably a high and varying occupant density that can cause CO2 to peak during certain periods. “A lot of classrooms were designed for use with open windows and ceiling fans,” he says, “and not necessarily with split systems that do not have dedicated outdoor air supply.” Schools are faced with a need to balance the desire for comfortable classrooms with the need to manage future costs, not to mention a desire to do the right thing for the environment. As air conditioning becomes more common in school classrooms, the importance of building envelope efficiency, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and solar PV increases. There is now a fresh focus on how the system may affect IAQ. Daly describes the current focus on IAQ as potentially signalling a change in thinking, not only in reaction to COVID-19 but also in terms of the growing impacts of climate change. The bushfire summer of 2019/20 was a sign of things to come – highlighting another air quality issue that will require mitigation. Adding more split systems to deal with high temperatures will not work, nor will simply opening the windows to let fresh air in if the air is full of smoke or pollen. There is a need to appreciate HVAC as being about more than just thermal comfort – it is also important to ensure adequate ventilation, Daly says. Daly says decisions around appropriate HVAC systems should consider both monetary and non‑monetary factors, for example improvements in the learning environment, or reductions in air pollution. They should also factor in broader governmental ambitions, such as electrification and net-zero strategies. “There is an opportunity to break down siloed thinking,” Daly says. “We could see a real perception change, from thinking about HVAC as simply equipment to regarding it as a service that ensures the spaces we occupy are healthy.”

Cover Feature According to UOW Associate Research Fellow Clayton McDowell, Stud.AIRAH, public awareness of IAQ has been building. “During the bushfires people wanted to understand about parts per million of pollutants,” he says, “and there was a massive rise in education around air pollution.” But McDowell believes it will take a “paradigm shift” to address existing buildings, as it may not be as simple as bringing in the regular maintenance technician. Many schools have old equipment, and capital budgets for replacement or upgrade are planned many years in advance. Remedial work may be required on some buildings too. Having air filtration installed as part of the air handling system as an add-on can help. Dr Daly notes, however, that schools can take other measures before installing a split system. These include assessing air tightness of classrooms, installing ceiling fans and ensuring insulation is effective to reduce the need for mechanical, split system-type cooling.

TESTING THE THEORY Dr Shamila Haddad and the research team from UNSW School of Built Environment tested the application of a dynamic demandcontrolled ventilation (DCV) system with air extraction in classrooms where IAQ sensing technology was employed. DCV systems utilise both natural and mechanical ventilation systems and control IAQ in school buildings by adjusting airflow rates based on CO2, Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) and/or a thermal comfort parameter. The DCV supplied fresh air, based

on the measured IAQ in the classroom to reduce exposure to air pollutants in the indoor environment. The results showed CO2 concentrations may reach up to approximately 3,000ppm in the absence of proper ventilation in the classrooms. “We found significant improvement in indoor CO2 and VOCs in classrooms after installation of the hybrid/DCV ventilation system,” says Dr Haddad. ■

UOW SBRC Associate Professor Dr Georgios Kokogiannakis, M.AIRAH, says this current situation is a “moment to shine” for the HVAC&R industry. “We see everywhere people are now having discussions about air quality,” he says. “We need to embrace this with an open mind and innovative solutions. We should also remember the other aspects of the building design such as energy use and acoustics.” ■

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Success stories

REFRIGERATION A TICKET TO THE WORLD Steve Orlando has come a long way from his 1980s studies at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Carlisle campus to where he sits now, managing a UK-based refrigeration and air conditioning business. Steve Orlando started his career in Geraldton and Perth, working on domestic fridges, freezers, evaporative coolers, small commercial display cabinets, packaged air conditioners and supermarket equipment. Today he is running a thriving business with major contracts across Great Britain, having trained in the United States on frequency controlled centrifugal chillers and controls, in Germany on lithium bromide absorbers, and Italy on ammonia absorption heat pumps. As Managing Director of Orlando Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, he has become a highly

regarded industry professional, advocate for the value of high‑quality training in the industry, and an international promoter of the career paths that industry training can present. Orlando says the industry has matured into a complex and challenging field of engineering and offers today’s students exciting, varied, challenging and rewarding career options. “The training at South Metropolitan TAFE is truly world-class and is also interchangeable with the industry requirements of other countries, including the United Kingdom,” he says.

The one-time WA State Apprentice of the Year category winner believes the industry offers the potential for unlimited professional development and training. “From fairly humble beginnings in my apprenticeship days, three decades on I’m still learning and honing my skills,” he says. “Whether it’s data logging and oscilloscope diagnostics, or repairing CNC oil-cooling plants, three- and four-stage cascade freezers that chill down to ‑200°C, centrifugal chillers, pumped glycol systems, or split systems and coldrooms, there is no end to the skills a young technician today can acquire or the career goals they can pursue.” When asked if he has any advice for prospective tradies considering a HVAC-related career, Orlando stresses the need to strive for the best and carve your own path. “Find something niche in your chosen field that not too many people do, study and learn every aspect of it, and become the best at it,” he says. “With big companies having offices all over the world, internal transfers could present great career opportunities. “I never get bored; there’s always something to learn or something new to tackle.” ■

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information about South Metropolitan TAFE Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, go to www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/ refrigeration-and-air-conditioning

Steve Orlando has taken his refrigeration and air conditioning qualifications around the world. Image: South Metropolitan TAFE.

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Around the Nation 1

1 SPLIT SUPPLIERS SOUGHT IN VICTORIA

Going into 2022, Teom advises professionals in the HVAC&R industry to review their insurance cover regularly.

4 SEELEY RAISES THE STEAKS

Victoria’s Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades program is expanding to include landlords and renters, and will be looking for suppliers to join the program.

“In these challenging times, it is imperative to maintain adequate insurance cover on assets, whether it be personal or business,” he says.

The program offers rebates to replace gas, electric and wood heaters with reverse-cycle split systems in low-income and vulnerable households. It plans to reach 250,000 households over the next three years, improving thermal comfort for occupants, reducing their energy consumption, and helping the state transition away from gas.

Teom also recommends staying up to date with the current state rules and regulations, especially around COVID-19. And if cash flow or income have been reduced – immediately or in the coming months – it is worth contacting your insurance company to discuss payment options for premium to reduce the financial burden and stress.

Australian air conditioning manufacturer Seeley International will commission the building HVAC system for what has been described as a “global showcase of advanced food manufacturing”.

The program was initially open only to owner/ occupiers, but is now being expanded to landlords and renters. This includes rental properties that are unoccupied. And as the number of approvals ramps up, there will be greater demand for suppliers to instal the equipment.

Go to www.fitzpatrick.com.au ■

3 PRESSURE ON PRICES

Approved suppliers will provide an end-to-end service and ensure appropriate licensing of retailers and installers, consumer protections and work quality. Service will entail the installation of new split systems in accordance with program requirements, the decommissioning of old systems, and undertaking of switchboard upgrades (if applicable).

A perfect storm of international forces may cause significant rises in the price of refrigerants in Australia. With the US HFC phase-down set to begin on January 1, 2022, importers and users are stocking up before restrictions begin. Because of the sheer scale of the US market, this is having an impact on the global availability of not just refrigerants, but also cylinders and other ancillary equipment.

Although, at time of going to print, one intake of suppliers was just finishing, another was expected to open soon.

At the same time, the global shipping crisis has seen long delays in deliveries and soaring transport costs. The delays are of a particular concern to bulk HFC importers in Australia, who must fill their quotas – or risk losing them.

Go to www.heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au ■

2 INSURANCE IN COVID TIMES One sector of our economy that has been heavily affected by the pandemic is insurance. Unlike other industries, however, some of the impacts are only coming to the fore now.

The shipping crisis is also putting upward pressure on refrigerant prices because of increased transport costs. According to one industry expert, importers of bulk refrigerant and air conditioning equipment have seen an increase in shipping costs as high as tenfold in some cases.

“We are all in unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Tom Teom from Fitzpatrick & Co Insurance Brokers.

Finally, refrigerant prices in China are increasing due to rising prices of raw materials and electricity restrictions.

“Restrictions are still in place, coupled with the hardening of the insurance market, which has impacted insurance premiums and decimated risk capacity.”

This “trifecta” of market forces has the potential to cause significant refrigerant price rises in Australia. ■

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Thomas Foods International’s meat-processing facility in Murray Bridge, South Australia, will have a significant cooling and ventilation demand, with an initial beef processing capacity of up to 600 head per day and a range of associated packaging, storage, and administrative facilities. Seeley’s Group Managing Director Jon Seeley, Affil.AIRAH, says the project would be a strong case study for Seeley’s growing credentials in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. “We are exceptionally proud to be partnering with Thomas Foods, which has very strong sustainability and health mandates,” says Seeley. “These are really what our technology espouses. The project will use Seeley’s Climate Wizard (IEC) indirect evaporative cooling technology, which the company says has been a global disruptor of conventional cooling, with thousands of units deployed across the food and wine, manufacturing, retail, health, and education sectors. It also says that the Thomas Foods International contract is an important milestone, demonstrating the capacity of Seeley’s technology to meet the stringent efficiency, health and airflow requirements needed to deliver premium food produce. Go to www.seeleyinternational.com ■

5 KICKING GOALS Western Sydney Wanderers FC has announced a three-year extension to its partnership with Mitsubishi Electric. The agreement takes the partnership into its 12th year from the end of 2021/22. Mitsubishi Electric will continue its placement on the A-League side’s back-of-shirt and will now be extending its support to the W-League team, where it will feature on the front-of-shorts from this season.

Around the Nation 5

The company has been an advocate of the Western Sydney community for many years, hosting free soccer clinics across the region as well as supporting local clubs. More recently, Mitsubishi Electric donated to the grassroots club Lowlands Wanderers FC, which was ravaged by the floods in the Hawkesbury region. “We are very pleased to extend our ongoing sponsorship of the Western Sydney Wanderers and for the first time to include the W-League team as part of this support,” says Mitsubishi Electric Managing Director Jeremy Needham. “Our company and employees are part of the Western Sydney community and the Wanderers have invested a tremendous amount to build up and lift the spirits of this region. We are proud to be a part of the Wanderers family.” Go to www.mitsubishielectric.com.au ■

6 AWARDS GALORE FOR MHIAA Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) may need a bigger trophy cabinet after being awarded Australia’s Best Brand of Air Conditioners in 2021 by Choice for the fourth year in a row, and being recognised by consumer comparison group Canstar Blue as the 2021 Most Satisfied Customer award winner in the air conditioners category for the third time consecutively. The Choice Best Brand award is based on a combination of product testing and consumer reliability and satisfaction surveys that are completed by more than 3,489 Choice members. According to MHIAA, the company once again scored exceptionally well to outperform all other brands with a reliability score of 90 per cent and a satisfaction score of 94 per cent for an overall Best Brand Score of 74 per cent.

7 ELECTRIC DREAMS

9 SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE PEOPLE

A report released by Rewiring Australia, a new energy think tank, shows that Australian households could vastly reduce their energy bills through electrification, and cut domestic emissions by around one-third by 2030.

A new home makeover show called Renovate or Rebuild on 9Life aims to crack open sustainable building options and encourage Aussies to choose healthier and more energy‑efficient homes.

Rewiring Australia’s report, Castles and Cars: savings in the suburbs through electrifying everything presents modelling that shows electrification will save the average household $5,000 on power and the cost of owning cars and appliances by 2030. According to the report, this would be achieved by replacing conventional cars and appliances with electric vehicles, solar, batteries and efficient appliances such as heat pumps for hot water and heating and cooling. “The future looks like vastly cheaper energy, better homes and nicer cars,” says Doctor Saul Griffith, founder of Rewiring Australia. “No nation is better placed to seize this opportunity for cheaper energy, self-reliance and cleaner air than Australia.”

As the title suggests, the show challenges teams to decide whether to renovate or rebuild. Teams of two from each state – including some previous contestants from The Block – will tackle a house project. “The idea of the show is simple,” says Nine. “Two teams compete to convince a family that they have the best solution to providing more space, comfort and reduced energy bills in a 60-minute episode hosted by interior designer James Treble. “Team Renovate believe the family should renovate their existing home, while Team Rebuild think the family should knock down and rebuild.” Go to renovateorrebuild.com.au ■

www.rewiringaustralia.org ■

8 LICENCE DEADLINE APPROACHING The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is urging workers to submit their applications for occupational and site supervisor licences ahead of the January 1, 2022 deadline. According to the QBCC, assessment officers have seen an increase in applications over recent weeks, and all efforts are being made to approve eligible applicants in time for the January 1 deadline.

Canstar Blue is a comparison site that aims to help Australian consumers make better purchasing decision via price monitoring, consumer research, and ratings. In the 2021 review, MHIAA outperformed all brands in the six categories to be awarded the 2021 Most Satisfied Customer Award. MHIAA also received a 5-star rating for five out of the six categories.

Those who apply and have their licence granted before the January 1 deadline will also benefit from a greater period of time before their first renewal date. Occupational licences granted now will commence on January 1, 2022 rather than the date the licence is issued, meaning the first renewal date for these licences will be January 1, 2023.

Go to mhiaa.com.au ■

Go to www.qbcc.qld.gov.au ■

10 MASTER STROKE FROM MASTERFLOW Masterflow has recently secured the distributorship of Alfa Laval heat exchangers. Since its establishment more than 20 years ago, Masterflow has grown to become a leading supplier of capital equipment to the Australian HVAC market. “We’re excited to have the Alfa Laval range of heat exchangers in our portfolio,” says one of Masterflow’s leadership team. “It takes yet another procurement headache away from our customers, in being able to deal with a single supplier for multiple items.” Masterflow says Alfa Laval’s reputation for innovation was one of things that attracted it to the brand. “What makes Alfa Laval such a strong name is its leadership in innovation,” Masterflow says. “Consider the T series of plate heat exchangers, and the intricate details Alfa Laval have worked on to make them easier to maintain.” ■

November 2021

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HVAC&R Nation

Smoko with . . .

Name: Stephen Lloyd

nical Services

Best on-the-job advice you once (properly) ever received: Do the job again. and you won’t have to do it nt What’s the happiest a clie rk? wo r you h has been wit Reinstating a unit that was gnosis. condemned due to a poor dia

Company: Greenstar Mecha

Supervisor Occupation: Senior Service ut working What’s the best thing abo what we in HVAC&R? The variety of rk. work on, and where we wo d in the How long have you worke rs. industry? 16 yea

Dream car: OKA truck.

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Dream holiday: Camping with the family. Favourite smoko snack: Brioche cinnamon scroll with a coffee.

you If someone wanted to find look uld sho on a worksite, they … is for the person who on the Busy with my many tools, or viding pro ne pho the on laptop while . ers oth to nce ista ass technical rt probes. Favourite tool: Testo sma

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What did you listen to on the way to work today? Bryan Orr – HVAC Podcast. … When I’m not working I’m ily fam my h Spending time wit or gardening.

November 2021

Cool Tech

LIGHT FANTASTIC WaterLight is a portable device that converts half a litre of salt water

One potential use is for night fishing by remote communities near the Colombia-Venezuela border.

into 45 days of light. Imagine a lamp that is so versatile that, if necessary, can run on micturate (that’s urine to you and me, or if you will, piss). Only in emergencies, however, because the ingenious portable WaterLight can also turn 500ml of salt water into light capable of lasting up to 45 days. Developed by Colombian renewable energy start‑up E-Dina and Wunderman Thompson, WaterLight works through ionisation. When saltwater electrolytes react with magnesium inside the device, electrical energy is produced. WaterLight can also be used to charge small devices through a USB port.

“WaterLight demonstrates how the holy trinity of technology, creativity and humanity can produce a genuinely ground‑breaking idea,” says Wunderman Thompson global chief creative officer Bas Korsten, “one which holds the potential to transform life for millions of people.” Waterproof and made from recyclable material, the device has an expected life of about 5,600 hours, or two to three years of use. Set for a worldwide rollout, WaterLight is available for purchase by NGOs, governments and private organisations. ■

There’s a whole other world of HVAC&R to discover in Ecolibrium magazine.

Get a taste of AIRAH’s official journal at www.airah.org.au/ecolibrium To advertise in ECOLIBRIUM contact — Glenn Douglas 0411 839 667 or John McGrath 0419 556 108

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

1 WINNER

1 ALL HANDS ON DECK Alex was called out to this Warradale, SA, property, where the owners had done some renovations. “The chippy must have spent hours shaping all the planks to fit snuggly around the condenser,” says Alex. “They were gutted when I told them it has to sit on top of the deck.” Graham says: Strangely, what seems obvious to us is not obvious to other people – maybe fridgies have some form of “second sight”.

2 DRINK UP Someone has plumbed drinking water for the fridge into the cooling tower supply water line on a package AC unit. Thanks to Paul for the photo. Graham says: There was a case locally where a plumber installed a hot water boiler in a lunchroom and tapped into a chilled water line for the supply to the boiler. It was there for about 20 years before discovery. They always thought the tea tasted odd!

4 LYING DOWN ON THE JOB

3 SEALING THE DEAL After Brendon in Toowoomba de-iced the TXV, he found this. “Obviously the owner knew it was there well before me but never said a word,” says Brendon. “Silicone will not fix leaking flares.” Graham says: It is a sad indictment on our industry. It is possible with sufficient desire, good design and pride in workmanship to build and install leakproof systems. For a while, with the phasing out of CFCs, the plan was to move away from flares, but we gave up because it was too hard. Then we had the carbon tax, which increased the price of refrigerant, the idea being to reduce leakage. Our industry didn’t change its ways, just complained to parliamentarians about how the cost was affecting business. You were supposed to fix the leaks!

Bill was called out for a service in St Kilda. Amazingly, when he got onto the roof he found this unit was still working. Graham says: It really isn’t that difficult to mount a unit properly, so it won’t fall over.

5 SPRING INTO ACTION “This unit is not skipping a beat,” says regular contributor Mick from Albury. “Only thoughts are, maybe the check valve?” Graham says: Where did that come from? There have been cases where during installation, pipes have been left uncovered and rubbish has found its way into the system.

Additional comments and observations provided by Graham Boyle, F.AIRAH, portfolio manager, heavy automotive and refrigeration at South Metropolitan TAFE. Please note that the comments are provided on the basis of the photos only and should be read with this in mind – not all issues or solutions are apparent from a 2D image.

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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November 2021

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Daikin AirHub Ultimate air control for homes

WIRED SENSOR

Daikin’s new AirHub Touch Zone Controller with its contemporary design, intuitive controls and innovative features will give you the flexibility to deliver precise temperature control and ultimate comfort to where it is needed in your home.

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LINEAR ZONE CONTROL**

› Allows users to air-condition occupied zones and switch off unoccupied zones

› Enables users to switch zones on and off as well as set the zone temperature to within ±2°C

› Features Airside Control that automatically reduces the indoor unit fan speed when zones are off to meet the airflow requirements of the remaining open zones › Provides quieter operation and greater energy savings *Airside Control is not available on R410A (FDYQN) Inverter Ducted series

› Flush mounted 11mm off the wall for a clean, minimalistic look. › Optional wireless remote temperature sensors, ideal for homes with internal brick walls.

Zone 2 ON

› Features OptiZone Control that automatically regulates the individual zone dampers to deliver precise airflow to meet the temperature settings and heat load of each zone › Delivers superior comfort and greater energy savings **R32 (FDYA) Premium Inverter Ducted 71-160 Class and R32 (FDYAN) Inverter Ducted 50-160 Class

For Linear Control, a remote temperature sensor is required for each zone, wired or wireless options available.

24°C

Zone 3 ON

› Eco settings such as Setpoint Range Limit, Setpoint Auto Reset and Auto Off Timer for easy monitoring and optimisation of the ducted system’s energy consumption.

20°C

Zone 1 ON

22°C

21°C

22°C

Zone 4 OFF

Example: Temperature set point @ 22°C in all ON zones

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WIRELESS SENSOR

Example: Main temperature set point @ 22°C with a ±2°C range

23°C

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HVAC&R Nation November 2021

Articles inside

Lighter Side

Cool Tech

Success stories

The Toolshed

Around the Nation

HVAC&R Nation regulars

Smoko with

Industry news