No part of this journal may be printed in other publications without prior written permission of the Managing Editor. Disclaimer: Statements expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the associations, and members of IRHACE or CCCANZ. The IRHACE Journal publishes both local and international articles. Standards and or practices may differ from current New Zealand standards and or practices used. No responsibility is accepted by the associations and editor for the accuracy of information or for errors or omissions. The IRHACE Journal is distributed to all the IRHACE and CCCANZ financial members.
ISSN 01148257 9
14 12
9 12 14 18 22
An award-winning coolstore in Hamilton
The new Maersk coldstore is a masterclass in sustainable design
A makeover for a 1970s state house
Sponsors help students transform a former Kāinga Ora state house into a healthy energy-efficient home
Case study: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Take a look behind the scenes at this luxurious spa
AI in HVAC&R - What are the ethics?
Explore ethical AI practices, transparency, and more
How to optimise data centre energy efficiency with sensor selection
The decision can impact energy efficiency and power usage effectiveness
ASSOCIATIONS 26 28 30
“Supporting apprentices during the Wallie Askew regional challenges is a great way to encourage their growth and development.”
In this issue, we highlight a state-of-the-art award-winning coldstore in Hamilton, a major partnership with Counties Manukau Rugby and the latest initiative to curb the number of refrigerant cylinders being incorrectly disposed of.
The Wallie Askew regional challenges kicked off on Saturday July 6th in Auckland, followed by Palmerston North on July 13th and finished with Christchurch on July 20th. From the regional challenges, the top two finishers in each of the regionals will then compete in the final held at Steelfort in Palmerston North on October 18-19, 2024. This year new equipment has been purchased and updated especially to cater for the record number of apprentices entering the competition.
Today, air conditioning plays a significant role in modern society and from July 3rd to August 15th we acknowledge Air Conditioning Appreciation Days. Apart from cooling homes, air conditioners regulate temperatures in medical settings and filter the air for allergens. These days also serve as a reminder to owners to properly clean and maintain their air conditioning units.
CCCANZ member MHI has provided a compelling case study on implementing an efficient climate solution for a new tourist attraction. This case study highlights innovative approaches and the benefits of adopting advanced climate control systems.
The CCCANZ and IRHACE Annual General Meetings were held at the end of June, and we welcome Nik Foster, Realcold, to the CCCANZ Board and Jock McVicar, Big Fridge, to the IRHACE Council.
The RLNZ trailer’s journey, first featured at the HVAC&R Hub, is actively promoting the HVAC&R industry across New Zealand!
Support our apprentices!
LR DAMPERS
Fully compliant with the latest testing standards AS 1530.4 - 2014 and AS 1530.7 - 2007, LR Fire, Fire-Smoke, Smoke (Exhaust) and Balancing Dampers are easy to install, with a swift turnaround time to meet market demand.
Available in seven diameters: 100 | 125 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 mm
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HOLYOAKE BRANCH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LR DAMPER SERIES
AUCKLAND
auckland@holyoake.com + 64 9 274-4144
WELLINGTON
wellington@holyoake.com + 64 4 232-2722
CHRISTCHURCH
christchurch@holyoake.com + 64 3 366-6545
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Trade Notice
I Tim Leaf wish to acknowledge that through my company I had access to Smooth-Air Products Limited information and that this was used and modified. It was an error on my behalf to allow this to happen and I wish to apologise to Smooth Air products Limited for any damage that this may have caused.
Celebrating World Refrigeration
Day 2024
Temperature control is crucial not only for comfort and health but also for preserving food, medicines, and industrial processes. Temperature can mean the difference between life and death – temperature matters.
President’s Meritorious Award
This year’s worthy recipient is Peter Hutson
The President’s Meritorious Award is presented by the IRHACE President to a person or member who has served the Institute during the year in the manner exemplary and deserving of recognition. First presented in 1991, this award has been setup up to recognise the effort and time put in by members and non-members to the Institute and allows the President to recognise these efforts.
The award in 2024 goes to Peter Hutson.
Pete’s commitment to education is evident in his role as the Regional Training Manager at Black Diamond Technologies (BDT) where he imparts knowledge through various courses across New Zealand. His reputation in the industry is a testament to his extensive technical knowledge and unwavering commitment to fostering a well-trained, competent, and compliance workforce in New Zealand.
He currently serves on the Standards Committee EL056 Room Air Conditioners and is involved in the review of the NZ/AS Code of Practice. A member of IRHACE for 31 years, he was awarded a Fellow achievement in 2014 for outstanding service in the advancement of the Society.
“A well-deserved recipient of this year’s President’s Meritorious Service Award. Pete’s willingness to assist others with his technical knowledge and he is highly committed to his field within our professional community,” says Phil Mohan, IRHACE president.
More information on IRHACE awards
Pete Hudson
An award-winning coldstore in Hamilton
Taking home the 2024 CBRE Industrial Property Award, the Maersk Hamilton Coldstore is a masterclass in sustainable HVAC&R design
Built to help deliver on Maersk’s ambition of being net zero by 2040, its facility in the Ruakura Superhub provides 18,000sqm of coldstore which can house over 21,000 pallets of cold chain products. A fully convertible temperature-controlled space, it can accommodate temperatures ranging from -25º to 15ºC.
Many sustainable practices have been incorporated into the design, with the use and reuse of water onsite as one such example. Condensation is recovered from the defrosting of the evaporators and used to cool the hybrid cooling towers producing enough water to run the whole refrigeration system. Similarly, rainwater is harvested and used for irrigation and the cisterns in the offices. The site is also fully solar-powered by a massive solar array producing over 1.4MW and the refrigeration system is CO2 (the largest in the world) – using the waste heat for office heating and equipment such as forklifts can be charged in situ allowing for longer operation times and less charging time.
Involved in bringing the coldstore to life, TMX Transform
is an end-to-end supply chain consultant, partnering with clients worldwide to transform businesses and optimise supply chains. Charlotte Arnold, Senior Project Manager at TMX Transform, shares more about the Hamilton project.
What were the must-haves for this coldstore?
Charlotte: From the start, Maersk was adamant that their new coldstore be built in line with their global policy of decarbonising warehouses and coldstores. Maersk also wanted to target a 6-star Green Star design rating, which is the highest rating a building can achieve in the assessment of its design and construction sustainability outcomes.
From the outset, Maersk requested the facility use natural refrigerant CO2, rather than the more harmful, but also more common, ammonia. They requested the installation of solar over the entire warehouse, producing more than 1.4MW of electricity at peak production. Electric car chargers and bike facilities are also on site.
It was also crucial to secure an optimum site for the facility. It is located next to the new SH1 dual carriageway, which is the key transport corridor in the Waikato region and is on a 4.5-hectare site adjacent to the Ruakura Inland Port. This site is ideal for the efficient movement of freight between the ports of Auckland and Tauranga.
Has this project set a precedent for future Maersk warehouses?
Charlotte: The Hamilton coldstore represents a global achievement for Maersk, of which they should feel proud. Not only does the facility exemplify its global policy on decarbonising global warehouses and coldstores, but the facility also exceeds the Ruakura Superhub’s high environmental standards.
The site has various environmental features and sustainable operations (for example, the building is partly heated from the byproduct of the refrigerant).
Maersk’s ambition is to achieve net zero by 2040 across all their business, and this was top of mind during this project, which is a highly energy-efficient facility.
What was the process of developing this facility with a CO2 cooling system, without any other refrigerants?
Charlotte: Maersk knew from the start they wanted a transcritical CO2 as the refrigerant. CO2 has a low critical temperature (31°C), and it is a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to ammonia.
The process for developing cooling systems was integrated into the project’s principles and requirements and was led by FGN Consulting in partnership with Apollo Projects, Maersk personnel, Coologic, and TMX staff.
Inputs and guidance from Maersk’s own technical cold chain and logistics experts, and the project’s cooling consultant Future Green Now, was critical – a true team effort.
For example, during the design process, the layout was modified to transfer the CO2 refrigeration plant from its original remote location to within the facility itself on an upper access way. This design change reduced the 88,000m of piping to just under 7,900m. This change greatly reduced the pipe runs to the evaporators, leading to greater efficiency of the refrigeration plant and massively reducing the carbon footprint of the build.
What challenges do you feel are currently involved with constructing and maintaining facilities such as this with HVAC&R?
Charlotte: This project was unique because to mitigate the challenge of additional lead times required for the production and delivery of bespoke equipment, Maersk simply shipped the equipment themselves – improving the efficiency of the overall project.
As well as lead times for custom builds of this scale, a major challenge for any HVAC&R builds is the integration of RMS and BMS systems with client systems. Facilities of this size and scope involve an immense amount of data. Integrating that data with different systems, including offsite networks which do not necessarily talk to each other, should factor in early in any project of this scale, rather than treated as a later phase.
tmxtransform.com
Charlotte Arnold - Senior Project Manager - TMX Transform
A makeover for a 1970s state house
Students are transforming a former Kāinga Ora state house into a healthy, energy-efficient home with a HomeStar level 7 accreditation
IRHACE will be following the project in the lead-up to its intended completion in December when the home will be auctioned.
Built in the 1970s and once found along Lavinia Crescent in Māngere East, a former state house is being retrofitted by students at One Tree Hill College.
Acquired as part of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities’ major redevelopment in the area, the One Tree Hill College Trade Academy, in partnership with Kāinga Ora, has taken on the task of transforming the house into a dwelling with a HomeStar level 7 accreditation – a first for any 1970s state house in New Zealand.
As one of the project’s sponsors, Simx is providing a continuous extraction home ventilation system for the students to install.
“Our plan is to go down and interact with the students when they’re installing the system, provide some advice and explain the basics of ventilation, why it’s important and the role that it has in creating healthy homes,” says Josiah Richardson from Simx.
A continuous ventilation system with automated humidity sensing and boost fan speeds, the Vent-Axia MultiVent from Simx is a new technology ideal for apartments, multi-unit dwellings and freestanding homes to ensure refreshed indoor air quality by extracting pollutants.
“The plan is to extract from the kitchen, the bathroom and the toilet,” says Josiah. “The MultiVent is clever in how it works in that it’s continuously on, but it also has
automation so that when it detects high humidity events it boosts the fan. Another benefit is that all three wet rooms exhaust through a single fan in the MultiVent which means there is only an exhaust outlet and fewer penetrations through the building envelope. The plan is to further augment it with some of our passive air inlets. This system of continuous extraction with passive air satisfies the HomeStar 7 rating because fresh air gets drawn in through the air inlets and then extracted through the extraction system.”
As well as being upgraded with a continuous ventilation system, double-glazing will be installed in the home along with the insulation in the roof and under floors replaced to help maintain a stable temperature year-round, minimise running costs and prevent issues like mould.
“This is such a cool project. It’s a win-win for the housing industry because we’re encouraging more young people to keep the industry going, and it’s also a win because not only are we encouraging them to get into the industry but we’re giving them really practical tips on how to build houses better,” says Josiah.
“We hope that this is the way that we can teach the next generation to build better homes and to really improve the living standards of all New Zealanders.”
simx.co.nz
Case study: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Located in the stunning surrounds of Methven on the Southern Island of New Zealand Aotearoa, is Ōpuke pools –a brand new, opulent thermal pool and spa resort offering an unrivalled relaxing experience in the beautiful landscape of the Southern Alps
Built on the values of hospitality, family, appropriate action and stewardship, Ōpuke Thermal Pools’ vision is to provide a world-class experience with sustainability at the heart of its operations. It sources water from the Rangitata River that is fed by the glacial meltwater emerging from the spectacular Southern Alps and will source power from its large array of solar thermal collectors. These occupy approximately a quarter of the site and will serve as the primary pool water heating
system – even on the shortest day in winter, 100% of the pool heating load will be met by the solar array.
The resort offers a variety of experiences and facilities including a mix of indoor and outdoor tranquillity pools, solar tubs and discovery pools – all with varying temperatures and health benefits, as well as a day spa where guests can get pampered with facials and a variety of massages.
Project requirements and challenges
The new resort needed a quiet, flexible and highly efficient heating and cooling solution for the various spaces within the building, including the massage rooms and reception/common areas.
With Methven regularly reaching sub-zero temperatures during winter, and the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows of both the common area and the other rooms, the proposed solution would need to be reliable and robust and be able to handle the cold ambient temperatures the area would experience. The quality of installation and overall product is key and reflects the clean and modern design of the newly constructed space.
MHI’s solution
After careful consideration of all aspects and requirements of the project and working closely with experienced and trusted contractors, a mixture of ducted indoor units, compact ceiling cassettes and high wall systems, combined with MHI’s highly efficient KX series of VRF systems were ultimately chosen for the project. Boasting an EER of 3.47 and COP of 4.12, the KXZR
series of high COP heat recovery VRF systems offer a quiet, flexible, and high-efficiency solution for the project. These are connected in multi-format to a number of FDUM series of indoor units as well as several FDK high wall systems and FDTC series compact ceiling cassette. This particular system services the numerous smaller spaces such as private massage and treatment rooms.
The medium-static, slim profile fan coils of the FDUM series were perfect to heat due to their super quiet operation and their hidden design, with the only visible portions being small grilles which blended perfectly with the modern and sleek design of the interior spaces.
Two KXZ VRF systems were paired with two large-capacity FDU series ducted indoor units each to service the larger common areas within the facility. These slim profile units offer a reliable, and highly efficient solution for these spaces while also being quiet during operation to match to tranquil atmosphere within the resort.
The result is a high-performance yet efficient climate solution for this stunning new tourist attraction.
COST EFFECTIVE REFRIGERATION (CER)
FIVE DAY TEACHING WORKSHOP
Join us from 2 to 6 September 2024, for our Cost Effective Refrigeration teaching workshop and upgrade your refrigeration and heat pump knowledge.
WORKSHOP PROGRAMME
View the full Cost Effective Refrigeration programme and workshop themes
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
View the full Cost Effective Refrigeration programme and workshop themes
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION
Location and accomodation information for the Cost Effective Refrigeration workshop
Supporting organisations:
Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (IRHACE)
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
NZ Cold Storage Association
Engineering
NZ | Te Ao Rangahau
AI in HVAC&RPart 1: Ethics
How can AI be successfully used in HVAC&R? Arsen explores the integration of AI into the building services sector and takes a look at the importance of ethical AI practices, transparency, data privacy and mitigating biases to ensure fairness
Words by Arsen Ilhan
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various industries, including the building services sector, which encompasses heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, acoustic, security, hydraulic and other integral systems within buildings. The digitalisation of these services through AI promises enhanced efficiency and sustainability. Not only limited to energy efficiency and sustainability, the integration of AI into the HVAC&R industry presents numerous opportunities for reducing costs, enabling predictive maintenance and improving user satisfaction.
According to Review of HVAC Systems History and Future Applications by DeQuante Rashon Mckoy, “With the proper data, development of AI models can, in theory, improve the overall optimisation and reduce energy consumption”. The digitalisation of buildings, driven by advancements in AI, will take the building services industry to another dimension in near future.
However, the adoption of AI in this domain brings forth a multitude of ethical considerations.
Ethical AI practices
The importance of ethical AI extends far beyond compliance; it embodies a commitment to fostering a responsible technological ecosystem. When businesses prioritise ethical use of AI, they not only mitigate risks of legal ramifications but also nurture trust, promote inclusivity and pave the way for a more ethically conscious technological landscape. This approach not only safeguards businesses from potential backlash but also nurtures enduring relationships with stakeholders based on trust, integrity and societal values.
Using AI ethically is crucial for responsible business. It goes beyond just following rules; it’s a commitment to societal values and principles. Ensuring transparency in AI decision-making processes are crucial for building trust between businesses and their stakeholders. When
companies clearly communicate how their AI systems function, including the data and algorithms used, it helps establish confidence and reliability in the technology.
Mitigating biases
This openness not only mitigates concerns about potential biases or errors but also fosters a sense of accountability and ethical responsibility, which is essential for maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders. It’s also about helping people understand why AI reaches specific conclusions. Mitigating biases within AI systems is pivotal to uphold fairness and equity. Biases, often inadvertently embedded in AI algorithms, can perpetuate discrimination. Training data can cause significant issues for AI systems in various ways. Bias in data may lead to biassed AI outputs, as seen when facial recognition systems perform poorly on individuals with darker skin tones due to biassed training images.
Data privacy and transparency
Data privacy issues arise when personal data (e.g. location of the user) is used without consent, potentially violating privacy regulations. Outdated information can result in AI producing inaccurate or irrelevant results, such as using weather data from the 1990s. The quality of data is crucial, as poor quality or mislabeled data can degrade AI performance. Lack of diversity in training data can cause AI to underperform for certain groups or scenarios.
AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. In the building services industry, this can translate to biassed decision-making processes, affecting everything from energy distribution to security protocols. For example, an AI system trained on biassed data might disproportionately allocate heating resources or the AI might set temperatures that are uncomfortable for people in more extreme climates or those with different cultural comfort standards, resulting in occupant discomfort and
dissatisfaction. It is essential to ensure that the datasets used for training AI models are diverse and representative.
Here are some examples of what constitutes diverse data:
• Geographical diversity
• Building types
• Occupant demographics
• Equipment types and ages
• Energy consumption patterns
• Maintenance record
• Indoor air quality data
• User feedback and preferences
This data diversity can be extended whether it involves design, maintenance or something else. For design applications, ensuring data diversity might include architectural styles, building materials and local climate considerations to optimise HVAC&R systems for various structures. Algorithmic bias occurs when an AI system produces results that are systematically prejudiced due to flawed assumptions in the machine learning process.
This often stems from biassed training data, which can lack diversity or represent certain groups or scenarios disproportionately. Addressing algorithmic bias involves ensuring that training datasets are diverse and representative of all relevant variables and scenarios, continuous monitoring and testing, and incorporating feedback from a wide range of users and settings. This approach helps create AI systems that are fair, accurate and effective across diverse conditions and use cases in the HVAC&R industry.
Mitigating the risks of algorithmic bias
To mitigate the risks of algorithmic bias in AI systems several comprehensive strategies are essential. First, diverse and representative data collection is crucial, involving data from various climate zones, building types and occupant demographics to ensure the model captures a wide range of scenarios and preferences. Data preprocessing and cleaning play a significant role, focusing on bias detection, normalisation and anonymisation to maintain data consistency and privacy.
During algorithm design and training, incorporating fairness constraints, ensemble methods and adversarial training can help reduce biassed outcomes. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are necessary to regularly assess the AI system’s performance and incorporate feedback loops for ongoing improvement. Transparency and explainability are also vital, ensuring that models are interpretable and decisions are clear to stakeholders. Inclusive development practices, involving diverse teams and broad stakeholder engagement, can further reduce unconscious biases.
Finally, employing data augmentation and synthetic data techniques can enhance the diversity of the training dataset, filling gaps and representing underrepresented
scenarios and demographics. By integrating these strategies, AI systems in the HVAC&R industry can be developed to be more robust, fair and effective.
Ensuring fairness
One of the pivotal ethical concerns in the integration of AI into building services is the presence of bias and the imperative of ensuring fairness. AI algorithms in HVAC&R systems rely heavily on data inputs from sensors, weather forecasts and historical usage patterns to make decisions about temperature control and energy management. However, these algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the data that has been mentioned earlier, leading to unequal treatment or outcomes across different building areas or occupant demographics. Identifying bias in HVAC&R AI involves scrutinising the data sources used for training. Providing clear information to building occupants about how the system works, what data it uses and how it ensures fairness, as well as establishing accountability mechanisms to address any biases or unfair outcomes that are identified, is essential.
Arsen is a mechanical engineer and currently holds the position of marketing coordinator at the Women in Engineering committee. She actively advocates for increased representation of women in the industry, inspiring and encouraging them to pursue rewarding careers in engineering through Women in Engineering and Women of AIRAH. She has also been a mentor at the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK). As an AI enthusiast, she explores machine learning and its practical applications. She was recognised as a finalist for Young Engineer of the Year by CIBSE in 2023.
All eyes on ACSL Group
Proud supporters of their local community, ACSL Group will adorn the front of all Counties Manukau Rugby representative playing jerseys, thanks to a new major partnership
Headed by IRHACE President Phil Mohan, ACSL Group has been a steadfast supporter of rugby and other sports within the community for 15 years, eagerly embracing the opportunity to back their local Union.
Established in 2009 as a family business, ACSL Group has expanded to establish branches in every major city across the country. Despite their national reach, their passion for the local community remains a driving force, making their partnership with Counties Manukau Rugby a natural fit.
“We are locals that care about our community and the people within it,” said managing director Phil Mohan. “We love what Counties Manukau Rugby is doing and their ‘Pride in the Hoops’ philosophy, so we were keen to be a part of it and support the great work the Union is doing.”
Phil emphasised that they needed to provide support across all representative teams, not just the Steelers and Heat. As a result, ACSL Group will appear on the front of all Counties Manukau representative team jerseys this season.
Counties Manukau Rugby’s Head of Commercial, Andrew Philips, highlighted ACSL Group as the perfect major partner: “They understand what we are about because they are so focused on being from our area. Phil and his team have a long track record of supporting the local community, and we know how much pride they take in seeing our local players come through the pathways to represent the Steelers or Heat. It is fantastic to have their support so that many more young locals will get that chance.”
Chad Shepherd, CEO of Counties Manukau Rugby adds, “We are excited to partner with ACSL Group. Through conversations with Phil, it’s apparent our organisational philosophies align, and we look forward to working together to inspire our community through sustained success.”
By aligning with Counties Manukau Rugby, ACSL Group Ltd continues to reinforce its commitment to the community, ensuring that their support contributes significantly to the growth and success of local sports.
acslgroup.nz
ASHRAE celebrates creation of centre of excellence for building decarbonisation
Expanded efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings
ASHRAE has strengthened its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the built environment by establishing its first ever centre of excellence.
The ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD) will drive the adoption of climate change mitigation policies and reinforce ASHRAE’s goal to achieving net zero GHG emissions in operation for all new buildings by 2030.
The CEBD’s primary activities are as follows:
• Strategy – Guide ASHRAE’s building decarbonisation efforts and integrate relevant goals into the Society’s strategic plan. Develop, lead, and collaborate on strategic initiatives with partner organisations to accelerate and advance global building decarbonisation.
• Thought leadership – Track emerging issues and trends to showcase ASHRAE’s leadership position.
• Collaboration – Coordinate joint initiatives, events and projects with US and international organisations that complement ASHRAE’s building decarbonisation efforts.
• Public advocacy – Provide reliable technical information on decarbonisation to policymakers, media and the public.
“Our decision to establish the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization represents a strategic move towards amplifying our impact on climate change mitigation in the built environment,” says 2024-25 ASHRAE President Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member. “By making building decarbonisation a focal point of our technical resources and advocacy, we are broadening our capacity to drive systemic change. CEBD signifies ASHRAE’s dedication to empowering stakeholders with essential resources and educational opportunities and underscores our pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.”
The Perfect Commisioning System
testo 570s, the digital manifolds with 4-way valve block, Bluetooth and large data memory, are opening up the future of intelligent longterm measurement on refrigeration and HVAC Industries.
testo 570s Smart Digital Manifold
testo 560i Digital Refrigerant Scale and intelligent valve for automatic and precise refrigerant charging according to target superheat, subcooling, and refrigerant weight.
testo 770-3, the most powerful clamp meter, ideal for current measurement in switching cabinets. It is perfect for measuring tasks in tight application environments.
ashrae.org/decarb
testo 560i Digital Scale & Valve
testo 770-3 Clamp Meter
How to optimise data centre energy efficiency with sensor selection
Choosing the right HVAC sensors for your data centre can have a significant impact on energy efficiency and power usage effectiveness (PUE). While sensor investment costs are relatively small, the impact on your energy use can be disproportionately large. The right sensor solution may depend on your monitoring needs
Words by Anu Kätkä, Vaisala
Small investment, big impact
The number of data centres is growing, with over seven million worldwide in 2022 and a 10 per cent annual industry growth rate. Data centres are incredibly energy intensive, accounting for more than 1 per cent of global energy consumption – and, with increasing computing power needed, this figure is expected to increase. Therefore, the need to lower data centre power consumption and improve sustainability is increasingly urgent. HVAC sensors have a significant role to play in addressing this challenge.
Getting the balance right
Power usage effectiveness (PUE) is among the important figures to monitor if you’re looking to increase energy efficiency. It is defined as the ratio of the total energy used in a data centre and the energy used solely by IT. Ideally, PUE would be close to 1.0, which would mean that all energy is spent on IT and almost nothing on anything else. To do this you need to minimise the consumption of supporting infrastructure, like cooling or power distribution. Historically, the typical PUE in a conventional data centre has been around 2.0, whereas big hyperscale
data centres have achieved a PUE below 1.2 or even less. In 2020 the global average PUE was 1.6, which would mean that on average 40 per cent of energy was used for non-IT consumption.
As PUE is a ratio, it is a good idea to look at total consumption as well. It is also important to consider how the electricity is produced and whether renewable sources can be used, how the excess heat could be utilised, and how to reduce other environmental impacts like minimising the amount of water used for cooling. In any case, one of the key drivers is minimising energy consumption. The numbers are big: 1 per cent of global energy consumed by data centres is a significant share, and even up to 40 per cent of that energy is used for cooling and air conditioning. Fortunately, that figure can be improved with accurate measurements.
It all starts with a sensor
Sensors and transmitters have an essential role in building automation and building management systems (BMS). Sensors are crucially important, as everything the system does is based on measurements. The BMS monitors prevailing indoor and outdoor conditions through parameters such as temperature and humidity and performs controls. Precise indoor conditions can be accurately maintained only through accurate measurements, which you can fully trust throughout the life cycle of the building.
You might need additional sensors when you already have a BMS in place and you’d like to verify, monitor, and optimise your building systems – in this case, you will benefit from a separate environmental monitoring system to monitor, map, and show trends. You may also want to report to third parties who should not access your BMS, for example, to show that you have fulfilled service level requirements.
High-quality sensors allow you to optimise your indoor conditions and the energy efficiency of your site, thereby directly influencing your PUE. You will have more control of the conditions in your data centre, helping you to achieve better indoor air quality, and you will improve your data centre’s overall sustainability.
Choosing a sensor solution
There are several important criteria to consider when choosing a sensor solution, including reliability, stability, accuracy and the needs of different spaces in your data centre. Stability is the most important criterion; it means your sensor is accurate and reliable even in demanding environments, both now and in the long term. When you are buying sensors, the data sheets may state similar accuracies. It is easy to compare these numbers, but harder to understand and verify how accurate a sensor will be after one year, or a few years. All sensors drift, but some drift a lot or quickly, while others have good stability with minimal drifting, maintaining measurement accuracy for years. Therefore, the stability of sensors should be the most important criterion because it influences performance over a long time and is reflected in calibration and maintenance requirements.
Despite good stability, high-quality instruments are also easy to maintain, calibrate, adjust and fine-tune. Having convenient tools available for verifying and maintaining the sensors and transmitters is about reliability and peace of mind throughout the life cycle. When you have a high-quality, reliable sensor that you can trust, you have assets to optimise both your indoor environment and your energy use.
A sophisticated transmitter is also capable of providing calculated humidity parameters straight from the transmitter, for reliability and ease of system commissioning. Other factors to consider include modularity, exchangeable probes and convenience –installation and commissioning should be flexible, while calibration and maintenance should be as easy as possible.
Optimised energy efficiency and lifetime value
HVAC measurements have a critical role in control and monitoring, and measurement quality matters when it comes to your PUE. Reliability and stability mean accuracy in the long term, which should be taken into consideration already upon instrument selection. In a nutshell, investing in high-quality measurement instruments just makes sense. It is a minor investment in the context of a data centre project, but the value that you get from high-quality measurements is so much bigger. You can trust the measurement, now and in the future, helping you to reach the best possible PUE and a sustainability boost.
For close to a century, Vaisala has measured the slightest shifts in environments, even in the harshest conditions. Our instruments and intelligence are used where it matters the most: from the world’s largest data centres to leading medical laboratories, from the frozen Arctic to the fierce hearts of hurricanes – and even on the barren surface of Mars. vaisala.com
A new disposable refrigerant cylinder recycling programme
Drop-A-JUG is the latest initiative from A-Gas to curb the number of refrigerant cylinders being incorrectly disposed of
A practical solution to New Zealand’s disposable cylinder problem, Drop-A-JUG is a free and easy recycling programme that provides HVAC&R professionals with a convenient and environmentally responsible way to recycle used disposable refrigerant cylinders.
Disposable refrigerant cylinders contain synthetic greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment when released into the atmosphere. It is illegal in New Zealand to purposely vent refrigerant into the atmosphere.
Under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, refrigerants have been declared a priority product by The Ministry for the Environment, which means all importers, distributors, resellers and owners of refrigerant are required to safely and responsibly dispose of refrigerant that is no longer required, including the small amount of refrigerant left in used disposable refrigerant cylinders.
“The responsible management of used disposable refrigerant cylinders is another way the industry can
transition towards a net-zero future,” says Mitch Williamson, Country Manager, A-Gas (New Zealand).
“As a global leader in lifecycle refrigerant management, A-Gas is dedicated to capturing refrigerant gases for future re-use or safe destruction, preventing harmful release into the atmosphere. Every gram counts, and as an industry, we all have a responsibility to do the right thing.”
The new Drop-a-JUG recycling programme will capture even the smallest amounts of refrigerant left in disposable refrigerant cylinders and ensure that it is responsibly managed. Empty gas cylinders and any disposable cylinder cardboard packaging will be sent for appropriate recycling.
Businesses can play an important role in helping the industry reduce its emissions by becoming a Drop-a-JUG drop-off point and can register here https://www.agas. com/nz/products-and-services/drop-a-jug/register/.
Subscribe to the RLNZ Newsletter
What training is available? What standards and legislation should you know about? Each month, the RLNZ Newsletter features various training updates and events from the HVAC&R industry in New Zealand. Subscribe on LinkedIn
The HVAC&R Hub saw the launch of the new RLNZ Trailer which is being used to promote our industry for events and education across New Zealand.
www.rlnz.org.nz
FEATURED COURSE
If you are a technician using non-flammable refrigerants, then an A1 theaory and an A1 practical is sufficient. But if you are a technician using flammable refrigerants (A2L), you must complete both A1 and A2/ A2L theory and an A2/A2L practical.
Earn CPD Points!
The aim is to educate the HVAC&R industry focused on the design and technical context in which the product may be applied, not on the product itself. This may include seminars, research papers with quiz questions, practical workshops, short courses, events, online learning or site visits.
COURSES & WEBINARS
Provider approved CPD learning courses that include technical information of the highest standard and relevant to New Zealand.
EVENTS
Selected events that meet the level of technical information and relevant to New Zealand.
TECHNICAL
Technical activities that are educational and well balanced.
RECOMMENDED
The CPD system also includes an area for recommended activities that do not earn CPD points due to length of time or not of a technical nature.
DISCUSSION BOARD
IRHACE members enjoy being invited to technical discussions on CPD activities, projects and other technical issues.
1pt
systems
IRHACE Council for 2024/2025
The IRHACE (Institute of Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) Council for the 2024/2025 term includes several new members. The current President is Phil Mohan with Mark Meyer Immediate Past President. Council members and their specific roles are typically elected at the AGM or co-opted to bring additional expertise to the Council.
These positions are vital for ensuring the institute’s activities align with its mission and goals, providing governance, and promoting professional development within the refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning engineering fields. The Council plays a crucial role in guiding the institute’s activities and strategic direction.
Phil Mohan (President), M.IRHACE, IQP, PSA, Director ACSL Group, Auckland
Mark Meyer (Immediate Past President), M.IRHACE, NZ Manager at Danfoss, Auckland
David Everett, M.IRHACE, Director Everett Consulting Ltd, Auckland
Chris Arvidson, M.IRHACE, Senior Design Engineer at RCL, Christchurch
Jock McVicar, M.IRHACE, IQP, Director of Big Fridge, Whangarei
Gary Reily, CCCANZ Delegate, Director of Degree Air Conditioning & Electrical, Auckland
Rodger Wyatt (co-opt), LM.IRHACE, Service Manager at Beattie Air, Christchurch
Luke Ryan, (co-opt) Treasurer, CPA, CEO at Everlasting Group, Auckland
COLD ROOMINTRODUCTION
This introduction covers cold rooms, HACCP and its principles, the factors affecting food quality, how to maintain food quality, cold room components and cold room construction details.
CPD points = 1 pt
Member company listing covering New Zealand from Northland to Southland and in between.
MEET THE BOARD
Get to know the CCCANZ team
Role: Board Director
What is your background?
I am based in Christchurch. I am a qualified electrician and have worked in the HVAC&R industry at AMT Group since 2009.
What is your current business role?
General Manager of Maintenance at AMT Group who designs, builds, installs and maintains environmentally efficient HVAC systems for New Zealand businesses.
How are you involved in the HVAC&R industry?
I have been involved in the HVAC&R industry since I joined the CCCANZ Board in 2022. I believe in supporting and advancing our industry through active participation and engagement. Attending events like ARBS in 2022 provided an excellent opportunity to network with other industry associations and professionals, further promoting our organisation and fostering valuable connections within the field.
What would you recommend?
Now that we have our trade shows right here in New Zealand, I recommend attending both the HVAC&R Hub and Hub South. In 2025, Hub South is brand new, and we are again working with XPO and SouthMACH. This is fantastic for the South Island and brings together the industry and an excellent opportunity to network.
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
SolutionAir
SolutionAir offers innovative products and advanced solutions to protect our living environment and enhance our personal wellbeing. Adequate ventilation within a building ensures good air quality by removing toxins and CO2. It also helps to control humidity, thus reducing the risk of condensation.
L-R: Brendan Clarkson CCCANZ, Gary Reily CCCANZ Chair, Mark Hoskin CCCANZ, Garry Ko CCCANZ Treasurer, Andrew Bradley RLNZ
Member company listing covering New Zealand from Northland Southland and in between.
WARNING: be aware of OneDrive file-sharing phishing attacks!
CCCANZ has been made aware of a well-crafted phishing email that is rapidly being circulated across New Zealand. The email duplicates the layout of OneDrive file-sharing emails and is sent using the real accounts of someone you may know and has been comprised.
To prevent being comprised, ensure the following advice has been followed:
• Ensure you only open documents that you have been expecting the sender to share with you.
• Ensure the document’s name sounds legitimate.
• If the email is asking you to enter your credentials – STOP.
• Close the browser and contact your IT provider.
• If unsure, verbally confirm the attachment with the sender before opening it.
If you have not followed any of the points above and have clicked on a suspicious OneDrive file and entered your details, assume you have been compromised.
What is a phishing attack?
Phishing attacks aim to steal sensitive, personal information (often usernames and passwords) to gain access to valuable information.
How does this attack work?
The email used in this phishing attack looks like a regular email notifying you that someone you know has shared a OneDrive document with you. For example:
With this phishing attack, the person sharing this with you is a real user that has been compromised and the attacker is using their email and OneDrive account to send malicious content to compromise you.
If you were not expecting an email or shared document from the sender, it always pays to call them to verify the legitimacy of the document shared.
CCCANZ uses ThinkIT as its IT provider, https://www.thinkit.co.nz/
Healthy business checklist
To achieve a healthy business, you often need to adapt quickly to changing environments. A regular review of your business activities has the added benefit of helping you manage stress and create a better work-life balance. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
1. Make sure you are insured
• Review your business insurance policies regularly.
• Ensure you have adequate coverage for liabilities, property, and employeerelated risks.
• Consider additional coverage specific to your industry needs.
4. Build strong relationships
• Nurture relationships with customers, suppliers and partners.
• Regularly seek feedback and address concerns promptly.
• Network within your industry to stay informed and connected.
2. Prioritise your to-do list
• Identify high-impact tasks and focus on them first.
• Use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and priorities.
• Delegate tasks where possible to manage workload effectively.
• Regularly update and test your business continuity plans.
3. Create a cash buffer
• Set aside funds equivalent to at least three to six months of operating expenses.
• Regularly review and adjust the buffer based on business growth and changes in the market.
• Keep these funds in a separate, easily accessible account.
6. Understand your cashflow
• Monitor your cash inflows and outflows meticulously.
• Use accounting software to track financial performance and generate reports.
• Forecast future cash flow to anticipate and mitigate potential shortfalls.
By adhering to this checklist, you can maintain a healthy and resilient business capable of navigating challenges and seizing opportunities as they arise.
