Official launch of 2018 HVACR Leadership Awards APRIL 2018 Hitachi product plans Smart card for technicians
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8-10 May 2018 ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
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Contents
Chiller Feature
32
38
April 2018
Technicians go virtual
06
ARMA and ARA join forces to create a new smart card.
Leadership awards
The official launch of the 2018 HVACR Leadership Awards.
Hitachi rollout
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20
2018 is set to be a huge year for Hitachi with a long list of product releases planned in coming months.
Power savings
28
Researchers are working on roof panels that make air conditioning up to 50 per cent more efficient.
JCI exclusive
32
In an exclusive interview with CCN Johnson Controls (JCI) reveals plans to ramp up its commitment to the Australian market.
This month
Danfoss technology
Using CO2 as a refrigerant is no longer limited to cooler regions, or complex systems.
Official launch of 2018 HVACR Leadership Awards APRIL 2018 Hitachi product plans Smart card for technicians
37
Climate Control News
Products & Services Showcase Residential Air Conditioning
www.climatecontrolnews.com.au
Your HVAC&R Business Partner
Case study
38
Annual showcase
40
An air cooled chiller plant is installed at Westmead Hospital in only four days.
46
Welcome to CCN’s annual Products & Services Showcase which presents the latest innovations shaping the HVACR industry.
30th anniversary
46
Leaky debate
50
This special feature marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol and action by Australia to protect the ozone layer.
Is it time to set a minimum air leakage performance level for residential buildings?
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Climate Control News
In the news
Johnson Controls (JCI) is ramping up its commitment to the Australian market with new products and technology as well as extending its chiller range. JCI national sales manager for York chillers, Barry Abboud, talks exclusively to CCN about the company’s vision for the local market.
cover.indd 1
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14/03/18 4:49 PM
Heatcraft is your leading manufacturing and wholesale distribution business, proudly supporting the HVAC&R industry. We offer the broadest and most complete range of Refrigeration & HVAC Equipment, Refrigerant and Parts and our customers are supported technically and logistically by a nationwide wholesale network that continues to grow. Our vision is to be your HVAC&R business partner.
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
3
Editorial
Climate Control News EDITOR Sandra Van Dijk Ph: (02) 9213 8277 sandravandijk@yaffa.com.au NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Michael Northcott Ph: 0420 403 044 michaelnorthcott@yaffa.com.au ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michelle Carneiro Ph: (02) 9213 8219 michellecarneiro@yaffa.com.au
A fast first quarter
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IF THERE WAS A TIME WHEN HVACR PROGRESSED AT A STEADY PACE THEN THOSE DAYS ARE LONG GONE.
PUBLISHER Helen Davies CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Martin Phillpott
Sandra Van Dijk – Editor
WE'RE STILL IN the first quarter of the year and there's been activity on all fronts in recent weeks, from major acquisitions to the rollout of new technology for RAC technicians. On the financial front, Beijer Ref is set to acquire Heatcraft Australia with the deal likely to be finalised in May. For the bigger players like Beijer Ref it isn't just about organic growth, a little M&A activity is a great way to accelerate market share. In fact, the deal means the Asia Pacific region will now account for 19 per cent of Beijer Ref's global sales. The company made its local intentions clear back in 2015 with the purchase of Realcold and Patton. Even back then the company stated that its objective is to grow faster than the market. Meanwhile, technicians have made the move to smart card technology which is likely to become the new norm as the year progresses. While the Australian Refrigeration Mechanics Association (ARMA) and the Australian Refrigeration Association (ARA) were the first to rollout the technology to its members (see story page 6), the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has revealed its plans to also make the move to smart cards for technicians right across Australia. Another exciting development has been the release of new research by Stanford University in the
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MARKETING MANAGER Sabarinah Elijah
US and the University of Technology in Sydney. The researchers have created specially designed fluid-filled roof panels to help make air conditioning significantly more efficient (turn to page 28 for the full story). If that isn't enough excitement for one issue, then you are in luck! CCN has launched its 2018 HVACR Leadership Awards with the support of ABB, Daikin, Innotech, Toshiba and Totaline. Everyone is invited to nominate. Simply go to www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/awards. This year for the first time ever, the awards presentation will be held in Melbourne on October 11, 2018. Interestingly the year CCN Live heads to Melbourne, the ARBS Exhibition comes to Sydney. The countdown has officially begun with ARBS 2018 only four weeks away. That's right! We get to maintain the pace for another quarter. ✺
MARKETING EXECUTIVE Jasmine Gale PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew Gunn ART DIRECTOR Ana Heraud STUDIO MANAGER Lauren Esdaile DESIGNER Harry O’Donnell CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS is published by Yaffa Media Pty Ltd ABN 54 002 699 354, 17-21 Bellevue Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010. Ph: (02) 9281 2333 Fax: (02) 9281 2750 ALL MAIL TO: GPO Box 606, Sydney NSW 2001
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News LEFT: Here is the front and back of the smart card which lists the cardholders credentials.
HVACR trade goes virtual THE AUSTRALIAN REFRIGERATION MECHANICS ASSOCIATION (ARMA) AND THE AUSTRALIAN REFRIGERATION ASSOCIATION (ARA) HAVE JOINED FORCES TO CREATE A NATIONAL SMART CARD FOR USE BY THE ENTIRE HVACR INDUSTRY. The smart card provides prospective employers with instant access to a technician's trade qualifications and licensing credentials. ARMA CEO, Kim Limburg, said users simply scan the QR code to check credentials. Limburg said it will overcome the problem of unscrupulous RTOs offering short courses in refrigeration and air conditioning which have been "dumbing down" the trade. "Only technically competent individuals will gain access to the ARMA smart card because we have a stringent vetting process," she said. "Currently consumers have no access to information correctly advising them who is trade qualified to carry out refrigeration and air conditioning work but now they do. "Cardholders retain control of who can access their information. When an employee leaves one
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company and commences work for another the employee simply changes authorisation. "Licence holders throughout Australia will have a single card which allows regulators, agencies and industry bodies instant access regardless of which state or territory they work in and regardless of different legislative requirements." While the smart card is currently available to ARMA and ARA members it is ready to be rolled out to the entire industry. However, to manage and administer the smart card effectively both groups believe a National HVACR Council needs to be established. "The role of the council is to guide and coordinate the HVACR industry in Australia on behalf of all levels of government and industry and across all sectors," Limburg said. "The industry desperately needs greater collaboration and coordination to successfully transition to low GWP refrigerants. "The regulatory structure of the industry, to date, has been solely focused on controlling the emissions of synthetic refrigerants. "We need to guide so many other areas of the industry like standards, training, education and innovation policy." Limburg said Australia's current licensing body, the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), does not function as a body for coordination or change management in the HVACR industry.
"Despite the importance of the industry and the opportunity for improvements very little federal leadership has been shown beyond emissions reduction," she said. "The impact of transitioning from high GWP refrigerants to low GWP refrigerants cannot be understated, it is a huge task. "To accomplish this the HVACR industry requires leadership across all areas of the industry. It is no longer just about emissions, there has been a fundamental shift. "This is why we need a National HVACR Council and a nationally consistent skills based licensing program for the HVACR trade." A spokesperson for the ARC said there is already close collaboration across industry. He said the ARC delivers one national, skillsbased licence scheme to over 87,000 individuals and businesses Australia-wide. "The success of the scheme, and of the campaigns and initiatives we deliver, is due to broad industry support, as well as the ARC's collaborative foundation – the ARC's RAC industry board and membership which is made up of all mainstream industry associations. "This promotes high-level collaboration in all aspects of the sector." He said in the past 18 months, ARC has implemented a raft of new initiatives including the Green Scheme accredition program, a RAC advocacy campaign and icareers video sent to all secondary schools Australia-wide plus working with ASQA to close down sub-par training courses, just to name a few. ✺
ARC SMART CARD PLANS The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) also has plans to introduce ‘smart card’ technology for the licence cards provided to technicians. An ARC spokesperson told CCN that the new smart card technology would be used in conjunction with a free phone app. “The smart card will not only identify technicians as being licensed, it will also enable improved functionality, convenience and access to valuable technical resources,” he said. Other benefits include real time records, simple identification for consumers as well as improved safety and compliance.
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EEC supports energy saving tax deduction A NEW FEDERAL Labor policy that gives an immediate tax deduction to businesses that invest in energy saving equipment will help slash energy bills, according to the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC). Under Labor's "Australian Investment Guarantee" policy, businesses will be able to immediately deduct 20 per cent of an investment in eligible depreciable assets over $20,000, including those that lower energy use and improve energy efficiency. EEC CEO Luke Menzel said the policy was timely and recognised that Australia is in the midst of a massive economic transition that will require businesses to use energy more efficiently and productively. "We know from a raft of reports over many years that Australian businesses use more energy than their competitors overseas, and Aussie manufacturers are at the back of the pack when it comes to energy productivity," he said. "That was fine, even five or six years ago. But now manufacturers and other large energy users are caught in a pincer movement between rising electricity and gas prices. And in some cases these cost pressures are threatening jobs and business viability." Menzel said the good news is that businesses can quickly slash energy bills with ambitious energy upgrades that bring operations in line with our global competitors. The tax deduction was announced by Labor's energy spokesperson, Mark Butler. He said the Australian Investment Guarantee is easily accessible to all businesses and will operate through the tax system, minimising compliance costs and maximising the benefits to business, workers and the climate. "From small businesses upgrading refrigeration systems, to the largest manufacturers upgrading smelters, Australian businesses will receive permanent, targeted tax support to modernise and cut their energy bills," Butler said.
EEC CEO, Luke Menzel.
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Eco-friendly, compact data centre VERTIV HAS COMPLETED construction of Redland City Council’s new data centre which took a total of four months to complete. Redland City's new data centre is a 42-square-metre, self-contained facility with a 10-rack capacity. It is installed with power, cooling and racks from Vertiv. The council first approached Vertiv and Peak Services for a modular data centre design to replace its ageing primary and secondary data centres. The council's old infrastructure was approaching end-of-life and becoming increasingly inefficient and expensive The data centre has a steel-framed, double-skinned, insulated construction designed to take the weight of to operate. specialist data room equipment. Vertiv's modular data centre for CO2 emissions due to the use of more efficient Redland City uses a steel-framed, doubleplant and equipment. skinned, insulated construction designed spe"That's really important because we're a very cifically to take the weight of specialist data eco-focused city," he said. Being a coastal council, room equipment. Redland City can also be involved in coordinating The facility is also fire-rated and structuran emergency response to natural disasters such ally certified. Redland City CIO, Glynn Henas fires or storms. derson, said that aside from moving to a well"One of the great things about having a comventilated area, the new data centre space is pliant and highly resilient data centre is the abilalso more compact. ity to react quickly around disaster manageHenderson anticipates a 30 per cent reduction ment. That's a big thing for us," Henderson said. in electricity costs and 70 per cent reduction in
Beijer Ref to acquire Heatcraft Australia Heatcraft’s wholesale gas facility in Sydney’s west.
BEIJER REF IS set to acquire Heatcraft Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lennox International, in a deal worth around $90 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in May. "The deal is worth around $90 million, which values Heatcraft Asia Pacific at approximately nine times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent," according to media reports. "Lennox will earn a bit more from the deal by separately selling Heatcraft's eight-hectare distribution hub in Milperra in Sydney's southwest for around $50 million."
Announcing the deal, Beijer Ref said arrangements are in place to immediately dispose of Heatcraft's New Zealand operations to address any competition concerns. Heatcraft Australia also has operations in China and Singapore and the deal also includes just over five per cent of shares in Thai compressor manufacturer Kulthorn Kirby. Beijer Ref said the acquisition is in line with its strategy to grow outside Europe. The acquisition means that the Asia Pacific region will now account for 19 per cent of Beijer Ref's global sales. Lennox said the sale of its Heatcraft business in Australia and Asia is part of a streamlining of its refrigeration business and plans are underway to also sell its South American operations to an unnamed buyer. Heatcraft has more than 300 employees in Australia. ✺
With exciting new products and brand ambassadors on stand, don’t miss ActronAir at ARBS 2018. Come and visit us at stand 3010
As Australia’s largest locally owned air conditioning manufacturer, we’re excited to once again be showcasing our wide range of award winning products at ARBS 2018. AT ARBS THIS YEAR: NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS EXTENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE ON DISPLAY
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON OUR STAND STAND 3010
PRODUCT ADVICE AND DEMONSTRATIONS DAILY SIGNINGS, MEET & GREETS AND MERCHANDISE GIVEAWAYS: SEMINARS Sessions will be held daily, providing an overview on: New products Residential and commercial products Controls New ActronAir headquarters For more information and to register your attendance, please contact us at: rsvp@actronair.com.au
Be sure to also visit ActronControls at stand 3054, featuring their extensive product range on display and the launch of an exciting new product!
Robert Whittaker – UFC Tuesday 8 May: 11.30am – 1.30pm Beau Scott – NRL Wednesday 9 May: 11.30am – 1.30pm Mark Winterbottom – V8 Supercars Thursday 10 May: 11.00am – 12.30pm
News
The gala dinner where winners are presented with their awards.
Finalist for 2018 ARBS Awards announced FINALISTS FOR THE 2018 ARBS Awards have been formally announced. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner to be held on May 9, 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney. The awards, which cover HVACR and the building services sector, attracted nominees from across all sections of the industry. A panel of experts evaluated the nominations based on various criteria such as leadership, sustainability, performance and innovation. Finalists for the ARBS Young Achiever Award include Laura Fortuna of Cold Logic, Firas Sha-
wash of Exova-Defire and Jason Harrison of Airmaster Australia. Three products were selected for this year's Product Excellence Award including the YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller from Johnson Controls, Firebox TM from Trafalgar Fire Containment Solutions and the ACDHUMLD from Air Change. The Software/Digital Excellence Award is a new category which attracted a highly competitive lineup of nominees. The finalists are Tuggeranong Office Park Building Services Network from Airmaster Australia, the Fujitsu General
Online Parts Store from Fujitsu General Australia and Clarity from HydroChem. One category that has always attracted a lot of industry interest is the ARBS Project Excellence Award and this year is no exception. Once again there is an outstanding lineup of finalists including F Mayer Refrigerated cold storage/distribution centre project by Strathbrook Industrial Services and Danfoss Australia, Spotlight Retail Group by SEDAC Building Energy Management System and the International Convention Centre project by the A.G. Coombs Group and AECOM. ARBS Outstanding Industry Education/ Training Award finalists are the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence by AMCA and Box Hill Institute, the Professional Diploma of Building Services, HVACR by AIRAH and the Mobile CO2 Training Unit by Danfoss (Australia) Pty Ltd. Finalists for the ARBS Outstanding Service and Maintenance Award are Airmaster Australia, A.G. Coombs Group Pty Ltd and City Holdings Australia. There are five new entries to the ARBS Hall of Fame 2018 including Stephen Gilchrist (CIBSE ANZ), John Bosci (AIRAH), Mark Padwick (AREMA), David Seedsman (AMCA) and Warren Cole (RACCA).
HVAC on the agenda at Total Facilities 2018 FOR THE FIRST time ever the Total Facilities 2018 conference will feature a smart zone focusing on technology as well as dedicated HVAC sessions dealing with the HFC phasedown. This is in addition to the popular free-to-attend Speaker Series. To be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from April 18-19, Total Facilities is a two day live experience and celebration of ideas for the nation's Facility Managers and building-related communities. The Speaker Series presents tried and tested strategies to inform the facility and workplace agenda. Total Facilities 2018 will host not one but two seminar theatres offering over 15 hours of learning across smart buildings and IoT, workplace design, compliance, cyber security, energy efficiency and the green buildings agenda. The new Smart Zone, which will feature the very latest product innovations, presents new technologies and solutions to help create smarter, greener buildings. The new zone offers exhibitors a dedicated
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environment to capitalise on the rapid growth in the smart buildings sector within a highly targeted audience of facilities managers and building owners. According to industry research, IoT technologies will be more pervasive in smart commercial buildings over the next three years. This zone is designed to deliver visitors seeking industry-class solutions and strategic advice on how to use technology and data to better understand and manage building performance.
Globally, the facilities industry is worth $36.7 billion and Total Facilities 2018 will be attended by more than 2,000 participants. Sessions dealing with the HFC phasedown will be presented by the Australian Refrigeration Association (ARA). Speakers will examine options for end users looking for alternatives to high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants such as R22 and R404A. There is a lot to consider such as the age of plant equipment and refrigerant type before deciding on the best upgrade strategy. âœş
The Speaker Series presents tried and tested strategies to inform the facility and workplace agenda.
8 - 10 May 2018 ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
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World News
US President Donald Trump said the tariffs will protect US jobs.
Trump tariffs hit HVACR industry THE AIR-CONDITIONING, HEATING, AND REFRIGERATION INSTITUTE (AHRI) HAS WARNED THAT TARIFFS ON STEEL AND ALUMINIUM WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE HVACR INDUSTRY.
IN A LETTER to US President Donald Trump, AHRI said it was disappointed by the decision to introduce a proposed 25 per cent levy on all steel imports and 10 per cent levy on aluminium. AHRI president and CEO, Stephen Yurek, said it will be injurious rather than helpful to
members of the US-based group, which represent manufacturers of heating, air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and water heating products and equipment. "As major users of steel and aluminium, we have been proactive in explaining to the administration that the HVACR and water heating industry would be negatively impacted by an increase in tariffs, as would the consumers that rely on the products we manufacture," Yurek said. "While we have been pleased with the Trump Administration's enthusiastic support for manufacturing, we believe this step to be injurious, rather than helpful, to our efforts to increase American manufacturing and create jobs." President of the Peterson Institution for Inter-
national Economics, Adam Posen, described the tariffs as "straight up stupid". "Steel is just a tiny input in US gross domestic product (GDP) terms which is why it's so crazy. You mess up your entire trading system for an industry that has a total of 80,000 jobs," Posen said. 2015 census data showed roughly 140,000 Americans were employed in steel mills, contributing $36 billion to the national economy. By comparison, steel-consuming industries, which experts believe will be hardest hit by the tariffs, employ 6.5 million Americans and add about $1 trillion to US GDP. The US accounts for about 0.8 per cent of Australia's steel exports and about 1.5 per cent of aluminium exports. It is an industry worth about $545 million to Australia's economy.
Record turnover takes staff numbers to all-time high
Employee Gabriela Szworc manually assembles a circuit board.
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THE FAN AND motor manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg posted growth of around 12 per cent in the year 2017. Turnover rose from $768 million to $856 million and reaching a new record high on the number of employees. Ziehl-Abegg CEO Peter Fenkl said the growth in sales was worldwide with some countries posting increases in the double digit percentage range. "Our expectations have been significantly exceeded in Asia as well as in North and South America," he said. "This year we will again be
launching products that will set new records for energy efficiency, as well as investing in the global production and service network." A year ago, Ziehl-Abegg employed 3,550 people worldwide, now that figure is 3,900. Ziehl-Abegg has also improved and expanded its production capabilities. In 2017 the company invested a record $68 million. While ventilation technology (fans) and drive technology (elevators, medical technology) each posted double digit sales increases, the automotive division is lagging behind expectations. âœş
Feel the difference. The alliance of temperzone and Hitachi has delivered the most comprehensive range of residential and commercial air conditioning products in Australia.
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Giving you complete control
Leadership Awards
Recognising the industry's leaders and innovators
class talent. That's what our customers expect so rewarding excellence within our organisation is key to attracting and retaining that talent." Briggs said the Rising Star category uncovers the high performers within the industry. He said awards programs can help motivate young people to strive for even more. To recognise diversity within the HVACR industry, Briggs said it is important to have a dual award that recognises young men and women individually. "Increased diversity makes HVACR a more attractive employment destination, thereby attracting the best technical and commercial talent coming out of our trade schools and universities," he said.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Business unit manager, John Caione
IT'S TIME TO RECOGNISE AND REWARD THE INDUSTRY'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST WITH THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE 2018 HVACR LEADERSHIP AWARDS.
IT'S THAT TIME of year again when readers are invited to nominate for one of seven award categories including a dual award for Male and Female Rising Star. Readers can nominate themselves or a colleague at www.climatecontrolnews.com.au. Entries opened on Friday, March 30 and officially close on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. For the first time ever the HVACR Leadership Awards presentation will be held in Melbourne on October 11, 2018. Since its inception the awards presentation has been held in Sydney as part of the CCN Live half day seminar program. But this year the CCN Live "Breaking Boundaries" event will be held at the Arts Centre in Melbourne with tickets going on sale later this month.
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MALE AND FEMALE RISING STAR AWARD (DUAL AWARD) This year's Male and Female Rising Star (dual award) is once again sponsored by ABB Australia Pty Ltd. The company's business unit manager for ABB Drives, Michael Briggs, said that as an organisation in the business of pioneering technology it is important to recognise up and coming talent. ABB alABB Drives ready nurture young Ausbusiness unit tralians through its Gradumanager, ate Engineering Program Michal Briggs (GEP) which has been running for more than 10 years. "The GEP provides young engineers with the opportunity to experience three six-month rotations across ABB's businesses, with one of them taking place overseas," Briggs said. "ABB is also committed to Indigenous Australians through its mentoring program for Indigenous high school students helping them transition into university, training or employment at the same rate as all Australians. "A world class organisation requires world
Innovation is at the very heart of the Toshiba brand so its not surprising to learn that Toshiba Air Conditioning is once again sponsoring the Innovator of the Year Award. Business unit manager for Toshiba Air Conditioning Australia, John Caione, said it is a natural fit. "Our inverter technology was launched in 1981 and we have maintained our technological advantage
ever since," he said. "Toshiba is all about excellence and we want to encourage others in the industry to strive for it as well. For us it is about walking the talk. By publicly rewarding excellence it sends a powerful message to all of our employees, dealers, installers and customers about our commitment to being the best." Caione said award programs are a great source of inspiration. "Awards are a great way to drive excellence. We look forward to seeing this year's entries to see how new ideas have been applied in the last 12 months," he said.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN HVACR AWARD By sponsoring the Woman of the Year in HVACR Award, Daikin is recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution made by employees. Once again Daikin is sponsoring this category in a bid to attract more women to the HVACR industry, accordDan Tosh, national ing to the company's marmarketing manager, keting manager, Dan Tosh. Daikin Australia. "The employment of more women into HVACR should be more than fulfilling
“ THERE ARE TOUGH CHALLENGES ON ANY JOB – INSTALLING A HITACHI SYSTEM IS NEVER ONE OF THEM.” Hitachi has been redefining climate control possibilities for over 30-years. Visit the temperzone stand at ARBS to find out more.
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Leadership Awards
a quota. We need to encourage more positive role models as well as create a supportive and inclusive working environment," Tosh said. "A company can only grow stronger by having a diverse range of employees working within an organisation, and by sponsoring the Women of the Year in HVACR Award, we hope to encourage more women to want to grow their careers successfully within the industry."
HVACR LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Innotech jumped on the opportunity to sponsor the HVACR Leader of the Year Award describing it as an opportunity to support an industry that has "supported us for the last 34 years". The company's product manager, Thomas McIlhatton, said Innotech began life as a humble controls company but has grown substantially in the past few decades. "We achieved this by thinking outside of the box, taking risks and even being a
technological leader at times," he said. "We want to provide incentives to help others achieve their goals in this industry. The winner of this category will be a driving force for the HVACR industry providing leadership and inspiration which helps to create leaders of the future."
FRIDGIE OF THE YEAR AWARD For the first time ever, CCN is thrilled to be able to introduce the 2018 Fridgie of the Year Award which is sponsored by Totaline. The award recognises a Fridgie with solid technical ability as well as good customer service skills. More details about this category will be announced next month. Other categories in need of nominees include Leader in Energy Saving and Sustainability, which recognises excellence in energy efficiency, and Contractor of the Year, which recognises an outstanding sole trader/contractor or small business operator. ✺
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In Focus
Highlights from the ARBS 2018 Speaker Series AN IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR'S SPEAKER SERIES AT THE ARBS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (ICC) IN SYDNEY FROM MAY 8-10, 2018.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY one of ARBS will include a presentation on next generation Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) tools. The CSIRO will present the latest findings from a range of real-world FDD case studies in commercial buildings (offices, airports, museums and retail) where six different FDD Solutions from Australian service providers were implemented. A case study highlighting the unique features of Sydney ICC's central energy plant is also planned with presentations by the lead consulting engineers and contractors behind the $1.5 billion redevelopment. Speakers will address project challenges and key lessons learnt. It also includes a site tour of ICC's central chiller plantroom to experience the system in operation. Another highlight from day one is a panel of industry experts addressing the question: Is Australia ready for low GWP refrigerants? Another panel session planned for day two of ARBS 2018 is entitled: The modern technician the future of the refrigeration trade.
The panel session will explore barriers and opportunities to the uptake of refrigeration apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia and proposed changes to training packages. Presenters will discuss the importance of attracting a diverse range of people into trades training and outline what is required to support their successful completion and ensure the level of skill required to meet future workforce needs. A tour is also planned for the Barangaroo South District Cooling site following a presentation on the project from 'concept to operation'. A significant contributor to achieving its carbon positive goal is the district cooling system that provides chilled water to all types of buildings within the development. The presentation will explore challenges including laying the foundations of a workable sustainability strategy; the precinct wide cooling design concepts and strategies employed; integrating the detailed design of the commercial building's cooling systems; and the transition from construction to the required operating performance. The tour covers Barangaroo South, a landmark development on the shores of Darling Harbour and one of only 18 projects globally to be a part of the Clinton Climate Initiative's C40 carbon positive development program. Another presentation that is likely to attract a lof of interest is entitled Net-Zero Buildings: Australia's vision for a carbon positive future. Join GBCA, NABERS, the Department of Environment and Energy, and AMP Capital to discuss the trends for net-zero buildings in Australia and what this means for the HVACR industry.
A tour is planned for the Barangaroo cooling plant.
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Day three presentations include Big Data – Is it hype or the future? This session will explore 'big data analytics – academic or real world (focus on analytical methods)' as well as 'data collection – best practice/data integrity' and 'data management and artificial intelligence'. One topic that has generated a lot of interest over the past 12 months is Legionnaires' disease. Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in Sydney and Melbourne CBDs have highlighted the need for interventions to firmly address building services design and maintenance practices. A session is planned which will describe systems most at risk and outline control mechanisms proven to be effective. The changes to regulations including the need to apply risk management principles will also be covered. Increased awareness of the impact of refrigeration and air conditioning on the environment continues to change the way industry think and act when making decisions for the future. A special presentation is planned to provide the audience with a clear understanding of how HFOs combined with diverse refrigeration architectures are already positively impacting the industry, through improvements in energy efficiency, refrigerant charge/leak reduction, total cost of ownership and reduced overall environmental impact. Research into PV cells driving domestic airconditioning units will be presented on day three of ARBS. The presentation will explore the project 'Stand-alone Solar Powered Air-Conditioning System' which examines the feasibility of running a system with renewable energy that is generated on-site. The results will be a good indication of what the future may hold for PV powered air conditioning systems, for both small-scale (residential and light commercial) and largescale applications. Pre-registration for the Speaker Series is available online at www.arbs.com.au. ✺
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Residential Air Conditioning
Hitachi plans massive product rollout for 2018 2018 IS SET TO BE A HUGE YEAR FOR HITACHI WITH A LONG LIST OF PRODUCT RELEASES PLANNED IN COMING MONTHS. CCN TALKS TO TEMPERZONE BRAND MANAGER, DAMIEN WALSH, ABOUT WHAT AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT LOCALLY.
CCN: Before we begin can you tell us a little about Hitachi's history in the Australian market? WALSH: It has been almost 10 years since Temperzone became the sole distributor of Hitachi Air Conditioning products in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to Temperzone taking over distribution, Hitachi Air Conditioning had been in the Australian market for about 25 years. CCN: How does the partnership work? WALSH: The relationship between Temperzone and Hitachi has perfect synergy. It provides a wide scope of products and solutions to the Australian and New Zealand market place via Temperzone's large network of sales offices and warehousing through branches in
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Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and dedicated distributors in Newcastle and Hobart. It means that as a business we can offer a wide range of products from high wall split systems, ducted split systems, rooftop package units, to water cooled and chilled water products. Our range extends from a 2.5kW Wall mounted split system to a 1400kW Chiller and everything in between. It is one of the most comprehensive ranges of air conditioning product available in Australia and NZ. It works particularly well when we can supply both brands in a single project. A great example of this are warehouse and administration projects where Temperzone rooftop units are used in the warehouse while Hitachi VRF is used in the administration
areas, or projects using Temperzone chilled water fan coil units with Hitachi screw chillers. CCN: So what can we expect in the year ahead? WALSH: We have an extensive range of new products being released and we are also focusing on marketing and support tools like the development of new mobile applications for both our residential and commercial customers. New product releases in 2018 will include: a completely new VRF range, a new R32 high wall split range, new R32 mini cassette and ducted units, a completely revised modular chiller range and new inverter ducted systems. On top of this there are a range of new controls for virtually all the equipment. First up is Hitachi's new Set free sigma series. The new VRF range boasts increased single module capacity with the largest single module at 24HP. We have increased and improved the range of indoor units including several new ducted models. Additional features include improved EER and inverter control, higher maximum pipe lengths and ambient temperature than the current models.
Residential Air Conditioning
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Hitachi’s R32 cassette. The Hitachi VRF outdoor unit The Hitachi VRF central controller. VRF fan coil.
There are also new multi branch boxes for heat recovery with one to 16 ports to allow for more design flexibility. A major part of VRF applications is the controls. We are planning on launching the new EX Central Controller late this year. It can manage up to Max. 2,560 IDU (Max. 2048 Group Easy to watch and easy to use by adopting 12.1 inch touch panel screen) Its operation data storage is on memory card (SD card or USB). CCN: What are your plans for high wall split systems? WALSH: During 2018 we are transitioning from our current high wall split range to two separate high wall split ranges. These are the 'E' and 'S' series of the Hitachi R32 product. This will allow us to meet more of our customer's needs. The 'S' series features a programmable motion sensor, nano titanium filter, auto restart after power failure, higher AEER, and an advanced remote controller with a weekly timer function and leave home functions. Both the 'E' and the 'S' series can be controlled with an optional wall controller and with the
“THE NEW VRF RANGE BOASTS INCREASED SINGLE MODULE CAPACITY WITH THE LARGEST SINGLE MODULE AT 24HP.” - TEMPERZONE BRAND MANAGER, DAMIEN WALSH.
new Hi-Kumo Wi-Fi application, which is also due to be released this year. The Hitachi app has a setup process that prompts the user with questions such as 'do you feel cold?' or 'are you home on the weekends?' and then automatically preconfigures some of the temperature and timer settings for you. CCN: Will ducted systems and mini cassettes be covered as well? WALSH: During 2018 we will also be launching a limited range of range of R32 ducted split systems and mini cassettes. The ducted systems will be 5-7kW with a height
of 270mm. These will be perfect to consider for the apartment market or small commercial applications. The mini cassette which has dimensions of 570x570mm is perfect for residential and small commercial applications. The mini cassettes will be available in 5kW and 6kW capacities. Both cassettes and ducted systems will have control features that are similar to the high wall products. Towards the end of the year we are also planning to release a new range of Hitachi inverter ducted split systems with a capacity range from 7-28kW inverter. The new range will include 11 models from low height, low static to high static models and will come with new controllers that have zoning capability and many more features. CCN: You also mentioned a revised chiller range? WALSH: We recently launched our new R134A (AH2) chiller range which has its largest single module at 225kW. This range has improved capacity line up as well as improved design, service access and durability. CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
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Residential Air Conditioning
Hitachi has also changed the heat exchanger design to reduce pressure drop, which reduces site costs. Temperzone stock a range of air cooled chillers as we are aware many projects have critical lead times particularly in the replacement market. CCN: How does Hitachi differentiate itself from the rest of the market? WALSH: The Hitachi Air Conditioning Brand has the twin benefits of an exceptional product offering that is fully integrated into the Temperzone business system in both Australia and New Zealand. Dealing with Temperzone means you have product, sales and end to end support all under one roof. Temperzone has over 60 years of HVAC industry experience and teams that have great commercial depth. We own and operate our own warehousing, which allows for greater stocking and delivery flexibility.
CCN: Is the focus more on commercial or residential? WALSH: We are committed to both the commercial and residential markets. As Temperzone is already well known in the commercial space, we will be structuring programs to support both markets and we are planning to expand more into the residential area.
CCN: I understand your plans also include supporting contractors? WALSH: Temperzone and Hitachi have an ongoing commitment to support contractors and all our trade channel customers. Hitachi specifically is making a substantial investment in new product, data access applications, sales and marketing tools, new selection tools for commercial and residential contractors, as well as new partnership and loyalty programs.
CCN: Can we expect to see you at ARBS? WALSH: We have plenty of things happening for ARBS. Our stand will have the new Hitachi high wall split systems, R32 ducted and cassette units as well as VRF and central control systems. We will also have some offers and a major prize to be won, not to mention coffee and plenty of great staff available for a chat. Come and check it out. âœş
FROM TOP: Hitachi hiwall indoor Hitachi highwall wi-fi app
Air conditioning centre to open in Brisbane FUJITSU GENERAL AUSTRALIA is set to open the doors of its inaugural air conditioning centre. The Fujitsu General Air Conditioning Centre is the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, and only the second dedicated centre globally. It will be located in the Brisbane suburb of Underwood and will be owned and operated by a third party using a suite of unique Fujit-
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su General Australia assets and branding under licence. In line with an Australian business strategy, the store will offer a complete solution for consumers seven days a week. It will showcase the full range of Fujitsu General heating and cooling products, as well as a VRF display for commercial clients. The Fujitsu General Air Conditioning Centre is being designed with multiple zones for consumers to experience different Fujitsu General air conditioning systems, from wall mounted units, to multi split systems and ducted solutions. It will also provide architects and consultants with an environment where they can meet and plan with clients, according to Fujitsu's general manager for sales and marketing, Dave Smith. "This venture is in line with Fujitsu General's long-term vision and growth strategy for the business, as well as an opportunity for consumers to engage with and experience the comfort delivered by a Fujitsu General air conditioning system," Smith said.
"As a dedicated air conditioning centre, consumers will find a team of experts specially trained by Fujitsu General with extensive knowledge of our full range of products. Consumers can also experience the complete Fujitsu General end-to-end solution that ref lects Australia's favourite air values of reliability and expertise. "We will monitor the success of this initial venture before committing to other centres. However, Fujitsu General hopes to open a Fujitsu General Air Conditioning Centre in other states. "We want to reassure our existing customers that Fujitsu General will continue to provide their businesses with the same level of service and support they have come to expect from Fujitsu General. As valued partners, their business remains a priority to us, and exciting marketing initiatives and promotions will be ongoing to ensure Fujitsu General drives business through their doors." âœş
Introducing Toshiba’s advanced Single Fan MiNi VRF. Its small size and light weight makes it ideal for apartment developments, allowing for style and plenty of balcony room. Complimenting the range is the Super Slim Ducted providing solutions to a variety of application challenges. Single Fan MiNi VRF
Super Slim Ducted
•
Connects up to 6 indoor units for design flexibility including 450mm deep slim ducted and the full VRF unit indoor line up
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Compact design 210mm x 450mm deep across the range
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Toshiba’s efficient and reliable twin rotary inverter compressor
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12 models ranging from 2.2kW to 8.0kW
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Lighter and more compact for easier installation and transportation
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Ideal for bulkhead installations above wardrobes in bedrooms
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Lightweight 16kg
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4 models including 8kW, 11.2kW, 14kW and 15.5kW
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Built in drain pump
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Maximum height of only 910mm per unit
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BMS compatible
For enquiries contact 03 9556 0134 Go to toshiba-aircon.com.au
Residential Air Conditioning
The eco touch remote control unit offers display in 12 different languages.
New lineup features AirFlex technology FROM NEXT MONTH Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Ltd., a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), will progressively launch a total of 274 new models in its two packaged air-conditioner series – the ultra-energy-efficient “ExceedHyper” series and the HyperInverter series. All models adopt the environmentally compatible R32 refrigerant and the lineup of models featuring "AirFlex", the industry's first function suppressing the unpleasant draftiness typically felt when air from the room unit blows directly on a person, has been significantly expanded. The highly acclaimed "eco-touch" remote control unit has also been enhanced to deliver even higher performance. In the ExceedHyper series, a lineup of 109 models in the 1.5-6 horsepower (HP) range will be offered, excluding the single-unit 3-6 HP models launched in May 2016. The 16 models in the "FDT Series" of indoor ceiling-mounted units with four-way air outlets can now accommodate AirFlex panels. When these innovative panels go into operation, wings emerge to prevent air from directly blowing on
the people in the room, thereby elevating the level of comfort. In addition, when the air-conditioner is operating, integrity between the panels and the indoor unit is maintained, easing any oppressive sensation, and when the air-conditioner is turned off, the panels retract into the indoor unit to maintain a beautiful appearance. The HyperInverter series will consist of 165 models, spanning a range from 1.5 to 6 HP and all newly featuring the R32 refrigerant. All ceiling-mounted units with four-way air outlets can be equipped with AirFlex panels. The 5 and 6 HP outdoor units have been scaled down to the same dimensions as the Company's 4HP models (W970×H1300× D370mm). The "eco-touch" remote control unit offers display in 12 different languages. Performance has also been enhanced to accommodate the forthcoming new models in the FDK Series of wallmounted units. ✺
From the ultra energy efficient ExceedHyper series.
GEMS Act under review THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT is currently reviewing the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act (GEMS) which provides efficiency standards and energy labelling for heating and cooling products including air conditioners. Feedback from industry was being sought following the release of a discussion paper in February. The deadline for industry submissions was March 28, 2018 with a final report expected in the second half of the year. The review will assess the performance of the
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GEMS Act including its ability to reduce power bills for consumers and minimise regulatory costs on industry. In 2016, the Act delivered a net benefit to the Australian economy in the range of $870 million to $1.58 billion. The GEMS Act underpins legislation for the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program which is undertaking research into the effect online energy efficiency information has on purchasing decisions. Australia is a relatively small market for appliances, making up about two per cent of global sales. ✺
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Residential Air Conditioning
Look to the sky beyond
smart rooftops SPECIALLY DESIGNED FLUIDFILLED ROOF PANELS CAN HELP MAKE AIR CONDITIONING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EFFICIENT, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH BY STANFORD UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN SYDNEY.
THE PANELS WORK like solar water heaters, except that they extract heat from the flowing fluid, rather than adding it. This has only been made possible through the development of new, highly reflective materials that allow more heat to be taken out of the fluid than finds its way back in, even in the heat of a sunny day. According to researchers, led by Stanford University's Eli Goldstein, the panels, when integrated into an existing air conditioning system, can use 20-50 per cent less power to deliver the same amount of indoor cooling. This in turn could help smooth out demand peaks on the electricity grid in summer, cut energy bills and reduce the risk of blackouts.
For several years, the Stanford and UTS researchers in Sydney have been trying to design smart roof materials that help dissipate heat from air conditioning systems more effectively. Conventional air conditioning systems get rid of their heat by simply venting hot air from the system's outdoor fan unit. But the new design adds an extra step, using a heat exchanger to pass the normal refrigerant heat into the fluid, which can be either water or glycol. This fluid then flows into the rooftop cooling panels so the heat can be dissipated into the sky. The previous problem with this approach was that on hot, sunny days – when air conditioning is needed the most – the sun makes the fluidfilled panels heat up, rather than cool down. This problem has only been solved in the past three years, with the design of super-reflective surfaces that can repel 97 per cent of the incoming solar energy. Nearly all synthetic and natural surfaces absorb at least five per cent of incident solar heat. Even the best white roof paints typically absorb more than 10 per cent of the sun's heat. The best performing surface is a shiny, flawless layer of silver, but that doesn't last very long in outdoor conditions. But what if we can protect the silver and maybe even improve its reflective performance by placing it under a layer
The system combines indoor air conditioning technology with the new panels shedding the heat directly upwards into the sky.
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that also helps to reflect solar energy? Three research groups came up with possible solutions, two involving plastic coverings for the silver and the third involving a complex layering of different oxide materials. At UTS, the approach involved using many layers of two different plastics, placed on top of the silver. The resulting material reflects 97 per cent of the incident solar energy, repelling the sun's heat so effectively that the fluid inside cools down, even on a hot day. As the new Stanford research confirms, these super-reflective surfaces can perform a neat trick – getting the rooftop to
“THE ROOF PANELS CAN CONDENSE DEW WELL AFTER SUNRISE EVEN THOUGH THE OUTDOOR AIR TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE THE DEW POINT.“
lose heat during the day in the same way it does on a clear night. On clear nights, upward-facing surfaces can drop to several degrees below the ambient temperature because their heat dissipates high into the sky. The new super-cool roof panels do the same in the daytime as well. For example, they can condense dew well after sunrise even though the outdoor air temperature is above the dew point. The panels can easily be retrofitted onto existing air-conditioning systems, ultimately saving money because of the reduced energy use. By modelling their system's performance, the Stanford researchers calculate that the panels could reduce air conditioning costs by 21 per cent for a typical two-storey building in the sunny climate of Las Vegas. These hybrid systems could become commonplace, combining indoor units with the new panels shedding the heat upwards into the sky. ✺
VRF SYSTEMS HIGH PERFORMANCE AIR-CONDITIONING SOLUTIONS FOR ANY APPLICATION Three model sizes to suit any commercial or residential application Wide capacity range of 11.2 kW - 160kW High efficiency components and design elivering a high COP Compatible with almost all indoor units including ceiling cassettes, wall mounted split systems, ducted and ceiling suspended Long piping design for improved design and installation flexibility Wide operation range to suit any climate Compact and durable design
Blue Fin
SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY THAT OUTLASTS AND OUTPERFORMS 1300 138 007 | www.mhiaa.com.au
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia Pty Ltd
Residential Air Conditioning
Samsung launches wind-free technology SAMSUNG CHOSE INDIA TO LAUNCH IT'S FIRST WIND-FREE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THE NEW AIR conditioners have integrated Samsung's exclusive Wind-Free Cooling technology into its design – providing customers with a cooler indoor climate and optimal energy efficiency without the discomfort of direct cold airflow. The Wind-Free Room Air Conditioner packs in the world's first 8 Pole series and Anti corrosion Durafin condenser, especially designed for India's harsh climatic conditions. Samsung's director of India's system air conditioning business, Vipin Agrawal, said the WindFree System AC range is customisable with One Way Cassette, Four Way Cassette and Mini Four Way cassette as per the end user's requirement. "In the air conditioning segment, direct cold air dispersion and sky rocketing electricity bills are two problems that today's customers are weary of the most," he said.
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"The wind-free room air conditioner addresses both of these issues together, providing unparalleled cooling comfort, while guaranteeing optimum energy efficiency. "Customer centric innovation lies at the core of our brand promise and this product pivots around this very approach. The new technology is especially designed to cater to Indian consumer's specific needs and preferences, given the severe climatic conditions here." The new lineup provides ambient condition by maintaining comfortable room temperature using Wind-Free cooling technology to gently disperse cold air through 9,000 to 21,000 micro air holes. A two-step cooling system, which first lowers temperatures in Fast Cooling Mode and then automatically switches to Wind-Free Cooling Mode, creating 'still air' once the desired temperature is achieved. This approach also reduces energy consumption by up to 72 per cent compared to Fast Cooling mode.
The unique product architecture of this range of air conditioners also contributes to its superior cooling performance. The upgraded structure's wider inlet allows for more air to be drawn in at once, while the optimal width and angle of the outlet ensure that air is cooled and expelled faster, farther and wider to reach every corner of the room. âœş
The exclusive technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 72 per cent.
Drama-free workdays
The Haier air conditioning range is reliable, reputable and designed for Aussie conditions. They’re quick and easy to install and offer 24/7 customer support, meaning faster turnaround for you. Haier is the world’s #1 for connected air conditioners. 24/7 Customer Care: 1300 729 948 Source Euromonitor International Limited. Claim issued on 1 Feb 2017. Haier is the number one brand of connected air conditioner (including smart air conditioner) in the world, with a market share of 23.6% in terms of volume sales in 2016.
Chillers
A vast product offering with fewer moving parts JOHNSON CONTROLS (JCI) IS RAMPING UP ITS COMMITMENT TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET WITH NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS EXTENDING ITS CHILLER RANGE. JCI NATIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR YORK CHILLERS, BARRY ABBOUD, TALKS EXCLUSIVELY TO CCN ABOUT THE COMPANY'S VISION FOR THE LOCAL MARKET.
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J
OHNSON CONTROLS IS well known to the Australian market, delivering a long list of successful projects for leading Australian and international organisations, as well as government. This includes public/private partnerships using mission critical applications such as data centres. In September 2016, Johnson Controls merged with Tyco positioning the newly formed company as a leader in products, technologies and integrated solutions for buildings and energy sectors. CCN: What does the merger mean for Australia? ABBOUD: The long-term vision for Australia is to create a multi-functional business that accelerates growth and value for our customers,
servicing end markets as diverse as large institutions, government and commercial buildings to retail, industrial, small business and residential. Some of Johnson Controls' most notable HVAC projects include Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, Melbourne Park, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Perth Stadium, Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, and most recently the Barangaroo District Cooling Plant and Darling Harbour where the upcoming ARBS exhibition will be held this year. To support this growth we will be bringing new products to the Australian market, many of which will be on display at ARBS 2018. CCN: What is behind this renewed commitment to Australia/APAC region? ABBOUD: Uniting the Johnson Controls and Tyco capabilities creates a very exciting and comprehensive offering. Our smart building solutions work together under one umbrella to optimise efficiency over the life of a facility. It is also an exciting time for the business to introduce new global innovations, insights and technologies to our local market. The Asia
Chillers
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A fully installed YZ chiller which delivers annual energy savings of up to 35 per cent compared to fixed speed designs. It’s all about smart technology for Johnson Controls which now provides a wider range of innovative products, services and systems. The YZ’s magnetic bearing driveline technology has fewer moving parts which means less maintenance.
THE JCI STORY IN AUSTRALIA
Pacific region, in particular Australia and New Zealand, are currently ripe for growth and are actively seeking whole of building solutions providers such as Johnson Controls. Our brands include some of the most trusted names in the industry from YORK, Sabroe, Tyco,
“THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, IN PARTICULAR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, ARE RIPE FOR GROWTH.” - JCI NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, YORK CHILLERS, BARRY ABBOUD.
Metasys to Simplex, Grinnell, ShopperTrak, Sensormatic and TrueVUE. These brands offer strong prospects for growth across all lines of the Johnson Controls business. CCN: How does JCI differentiate itself from the rest of the market? ABBOUD: Johnson Controls is unique in
Australia. It's very hard to find another organisation that can meet the breadth and depth of our offering. Our technology portfolio integrates many aspects of a building with a wide range of products across HVACR, building automation, energy management and optimisation, security systems and fire product technologies. For instance, Johnson Controls can install a centralised cooling plant combined with controls, air systems, security and fire products. CCN: So what can we expect in 2018? Abboud: Johnson Controls launched its new YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller in December 2017, which features a new generation low GWP refrigerant. This chiller delivers annual energy savings of up to 35 per cent compared to fixed speed designs, and reduced maintenance due to it having 80 per cent fewer moving parts than traditional oil or refrigerant lubricated drivelines. The YORK YZ chiller is the only magnetic levitation solution with A1 ultra low GWP refrigerant and a broad cooling capacity range that is ideal for diverse application needs. The nonflammable, non toxic R-1233zd(E) has an ultra-low
Johnson Controls has had a presence in Australia since the 1960’s through a network of local distributors and was one of the pioneers of air conditioning in Australia. The YORK brand was incorporated in 1937 as YORK Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Asia) Pty Ltd and acquired by Johnson Controls in 2005. Johnson Controls has 23 branches throughout Australia, and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. There are 930 staff in Australia and more than 120,000 employees globally, allowing the company to draw on specialist expertise from across the globe.
A PRODUCT RANGE WITH BREADTH AND DEPTH Johnson Controls now provides a wider spectrum of innovative products, services and systems integration to help improve operational and energy outcomes for customers. The vast product offering includes HVAC equipment, controls, security, fire, hazard protection, optimisation and retrofit services, as well as building services, parts, lighting controls including retrofit, building automation systems, energy storage, air systems, retail solutions, operational intelligence and loss prevention, traffic and transport, and building wide systems integration.
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
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Chillers Feature
GWP of one for ultimate performance, and is developed for efficiency, safety, availability, and low environmental impact and cost. CCN: Which products will we see at ARBS? ABBOUD: Our YORK YZ 1500 kWR chiller is being shipped from overseas for display at ARBS. Visitors will be able to view the new chiller up close and learn more about its new GWP refrigerant. The YORK YZ broad capacity range is exciting. It combines low GWP refrigerant with A1 (non-toxic and non-flammable) and magnetic levitation technology from 600 kWR – 3500kWR. This broad capacity range is available to our clients right now.
PROFILE: BARRY ABBOUD Barry Abboud has actively participated in the HVAC industry for more than 20 years, and has worked on many projects across Australia and New Zealand. Notable projects include Barangaroo; the largest series counter flow project in Australia with direct sea water heat rejection, and Sydney Opera House, a complex plant utilising series counter flow and series parallel arrangements combined with heat recovery and indirect sea water heat rejection. Abboud also worked on the Darling Harbour Live development, delivering an optimised combination of a low load series counter flow pair combined with two main load pairs, with variable flow chilled water and condenser water pumping arrangements. Abboud is an AIRAH Member, LEED Accredited Professional (AP), and holds an EMBA from AGSM, and BE (Hons) from the UNSW.
Also on display will be a mini chiller, a variable speed machines at 40 kWR, making it unique in the market. The YORK mini chiller (also available in heat pump mode) is an ideal solution for smaller low-rise buildings or warehouses seeking an alternative to traditional direct expansion (DX) systems. There will also be a YORK air solutions system on display, highlighting our EC range of FCUs (low profile units and high static capability units).
The YORK mini chiller (also available in heat pump mode) is an ideal solution for smaller low-rise buildings or warehouses seeking an alternative to traditional direct expansion (DX) systems.
CCN: I understand you will also be showcasing a new underfloor air system? ABBOUD: That's correct the underfloor air system provides a future building solution for flexible workplaces. Underfloor air systems are popular with property developers looking to provide solutions that offer greater flexibility for tenants who would like the option to grow into additional floor space at any time. An underfloor air system can offer more flexibility
more readily than other types of systems like overhead air systems. Our water cooled package unit range will also be on display. CCN: So what is the timeline for these new product releases? ABBOUD: In addition to the YORK YZ chiller, new product launches expected this year include our Premium Efficiency Variable Speed Screw Chillers from 400kWR to 1450kWR, which are available now. There is the YORK mini chiller (also available in heat pump mode) ranges from 40kWR to 250kWR, utilisiing one variable speed Hitatchi compressor (a JCI JV partner) combined with fixed speed scroll compressors. In our DX product range, we have both horizontal and vertical package units ranging from 3kWR to 12kWR. This is being well received by the market. For details, visit johnsoncontrols.com or phone 02 9805 8300. ✺
Opening of advanced engineering centre THE GRAND OPENING of the $150 million Johnson Controls Applied Development and Engineering Centre will take place later this month on April 23, 2018. Described as the world's most advanced engineering and testing facility for chillers, the new facility includes a 250,000 sqf testing lab. As well as supporting the production of advanced air handlers and chillers, the two building complex features a 107,000 sqf engineering facility.
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Construction on the United States based facility (pictured) was completed last month. Just last year Johnson Controls opened a new $6.7 million screw compressor testing laboratory at its manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. At 7,000-square-feet, the facility is one of the largest, most sophisticated testing laboratories in the screw compressor industry. It allows Johnson Controls to load test the performance of its compressors. ✺
Artists impression of the new centre.
EXCEPTIONAL EFFICIENCY OR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP? WE CHOSE BOTH.
Introducing the YORK® YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller We challenged every assumption. We questioned every component. We analyzed every function. The result is the industry’s first chiller fully optimized for ultimate performance with a next generation low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant. Only one company makes a chiller like this, because only one company can.
Visit YORK.com/Next to learn more about the revolutionary YORK® YZ.
Chillers
High on cooling, low on noise
The CSH.6 compact screw compressors provide customers with reliable planning security in response to the European Ecodesign Directive.
CSH version for high efficiency COMPRESSOR SPECIALIST BITZER showcased its new compact screw compressors which meet the European standards for liquid chillers. The new BITZER CSH.6 series is designed for highly efficient air-cooled liquid chillers suitable for operation with R134a or the HFO/HFC blends R513A and R450A as well as the HFO refrigerants R1234yf and R1234z(E). The compressor specialist is expanding its service range in the field of compact screw compressors: as a variation of the proven CSH.5 models, the CSH.6 series is designed for use with lowGWP refrigerants and optimised for the ambient temperature profile specified by the Ecodesign Directive for liquid chillers. It boasts exceptional refrigerating performance and impressive seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER), helping OEMs to comply with legal re-
quirements. The application limit of the CSH.6 series is tailored to air-cooled liquid chillers for comfort air-conditioning and is characterised by adjusted oil management, economiser operation in full-load and specially adapted Vi in part-load operation, according to Bitzer's product manager for screw compressors, Dirk Schlehuber. "We've developed the CSH.6 specifically for applications with air-cooled liquid chillers for airconditioning applications, which have been subject to stringent requirements in terms of minimum energy performance in Europe since January," he said. "The CSH.6 series allows our customers to continue building cost-effective liquid chillers which meet statutory (tier one) seasonal efficiency requirements without having to resort to costly use of frequency inverters." ✺
Carrier AquaEdge 19XR.
Lower GWP options CARRIER CHILLERS CAN now transition from R-134a to lower global warming potential (GWP) options including HFOs and blends such as R450A and R513A. As part of Carrier's commitment to supporting the drive for lower GWP solutions in Asia, Carrier AquaEdge 19XR water-cooled centrifugal chillers, 23XRV water-cooled screw chillers and AquaForce 30KA/XA/XB air-cooled screw and 30XW/HXC water-cooled screw chillers can be used with both R-134a as well as lower GWP options including HFOs and blends such as R450A and R513A. The company's Asia Pacific director of strate-
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THE AIR-COOLED QUANTUM Series from Engie Refrigeration can be optimised for any cooling scenario. The chillers feature integrated free cooling and has a refrigeration capacity of up to 1,800 kilowatts. The air-cooled Quantum chillers can also operate using either R-134a or R-1234ze as refrigerant. Specially for use in hot countries and areas where low noise emissions are crucial, the refrigeration specialist also equips the chillers with new condenser coils for chilling the refrigerant. The solution really shows its strengths in locations where outdoor temperatures are high. The recooling capacity has been optimised overall and ensures optimum cooling output even where temperatures constantly remain high. Quantum chillers are designed to fit the same footprint as earlier versions in order to keep the required installation space the same. At the same time, cooling output is considerably higher. With the changes made to the condenser, the internal fans can run at lower speeds and power. This saves on running costs but also reduces noise emissions compared with the standard version. The fan's reduced power also means an indirect reduction of carbon emissions. ✺
CLIMATECONTROLNEWS.COM.AU
The air-cooled Quantum Series with highefficiency condensers.
gy, marketing and communications, Sanjeev Yadav, said customers rely on Carrier for quality, reliability and predictability. "We will continue to pursue the development of other low GWP alternatives," he said. "We believe R-134a will continue to provide the best combination of availability, cost, performance and safety for many years to come. "The ability to convert our R-134a chillers to other refrigerants provides owners and facility managers even greater options that ensure the full useful life of these chillers." ✺ Visit http://www.carrier.com.sg.
Chillers
CO2 goes global with new Danfoss technology WHEN PAIRED WITH the technology in the Danfoss Multi Ejector Solution, CO2 can enable refrigeration systems to outperform traditional HFC systems in terms of energy efficiency in all climate zones, while reducing environmental impact. The use of CO2 as a refrigerant was previously limited to cooler regions, or required complex, expensive systems. But with the Danfoss Multi Ejector Solution it's a truly global solution. Now even the hottest regions like the Middle East, Southern and Latin America, Australia, and Asia can enjoy all the benefits that CO2 has to offer. This includes valuable energy saving potential up to 18 per cent annually compared with a CO2 booster system. Food retail director of segment marketing at Danfoss, Hans Ole Matthiesen, said CO2 has a
bright future as a refrigerant in this industry. "It is natural and environmentally benign, with virtually no direct climate impact when used as a refrigerant," he said. "The Danfoss Multi Ejector Solution makes it easy to gain all the benefits of using CO2. It makes it possible to save energy in all climates, reduce refrigeration platform complexity and not least, reduce the carbon footprint of the system. "That's why we love CO2." To help spread the word, Danfoss is offering some exciting opportunities to customers, business partners and the public. "Our Mobile CO2 Training Unit is on a world tour, providing in-depth training and certification to industry professionals," he said. "We also have online classes about CO2 theory, use and safety available for free on Danfoss
The Multi Ejector Solution allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of CO2.
Learning, our digital education portal. "We're excited to be able to make all of our CO2 solutions, including the Multi Ejector Solution, available worldwide." The Multi Ejector Solution is what makes the use of CO2 as refrigerant in transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems possible. It consists of two products: a Multi Ejector and the AK-PC 782A Pack Controller. By uniting the two great products into one best-in-class solution, professionals all over the world now have the chance to harvest the numerous benefits of using CO2 as a refrigerant. Learn more about the Multi Ejector Solution at multiejectorsolution.danfoss.com. âœş
THE FIRST HIGH SPEED CHILLER DOOR STANDARD WITH INSULATION. The HyperChill by AUTO MOSSA provides protection for chiller environments with its 15mm thick insulated door blade as standard. The added insulation stops wet areas from forming around door openings, and increased speeds with the new Air-Strip technology reduces air changes and energy losses.
airstrip International Patent Pending
TM
AUTO
MOSSA
HYPERCHILL
TM
High Speed Chiller Door
Designers and Manufacturers of High Performance Doors Systems Auto Mossa PTY LTD T: 0423 859 564
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS  APRIL 2018
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Chillers
Freezair installs Plusbox GEA HAS DELIVERED Australia’s very first order for the new Plusbox SSV outdoor condensing units. As per standard GEA design, the Plusbox SSV is fitted with generous air cooled condensers designed for Western Australia's ambient conditions. Its steel undercarriage and myriad of technical features made the Plusbox SSV an ideal solution for GEA's customer, Freezair Pty Ltd. According to the managing director of Freezair, Paul O'Keeffe, GEA accommodated the company's unique needs right through to final installation. "No option was considered too much trouble," he said. O'Keefe appreciated the robust design of the SSV, describing it as a quality unit. "It makes my life easier and is an asset to the credibility of my business," he said. The Plusbox SSV is available from GEA Australia and incorporates the highly respected GEA Bock semi hermetic 'E' series compressor and will incorporate the forthcoming 76 series compressor which is due later this year. ✺
The five chillers at Westmead Hospital in Sydney’s west.
Four day turnaround to install air cooled plant GEA’s new Plusbox SSV which is fitted with air cooled condensers.
Pork production PORK PRODUCTION COMPANY AgroecoYug has also signed a contract with the technology group GEA for the supply, installation and commissioning of an extensive cooling system. The plant in Russia will slaughter and process 600 pigs per hour. Commissioning has been planned for the year 2020. The GEA cooling system is an energy-efficient, reliable and fully-automated exothermal refrigeration unit using NH3 and CO2. This includes for example compression equipment, evaporative condensers, portioning equipment, air coolers and blast freezers. The NH3 circuit’s refrigerative capacity is 6,500 kW at T0=-11 and a further 6,500 kW at T0=-14. ✺
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CONCERNED ABOUT THE RELIABILITY OF ITS CHILLER PLANT THROUGH THE PEAK SUMMER PERIOD, THE TEAM AT WESTMEAD HOSPITAL IN WESTERN SYDNEY DECIDED TO REVIEW REDUNDANCY OPTIONS.
KNOWING A RISK management strategy was necessary, the engineering team called Active Air Rentals and asked for a design and construct solution. With approval for the project given on December 16, 2017, the Active Air project team got straight to work, ensuring a backup system was in place before Christmas. Installing 3,500kW of air-cooled chiller plant was a big ask, added to that was the need to supply temporary power to operate the system. Five chillers, along with four generators, a custom-made switchboard and multiple sets of 240mm2 power lock cables were required to get the job done. Active Air senior project manager, Jonathan Towe, was charged with planning and organising the logistics.
"The small footprint which we had to work with onsite meant that craning in equipment and setting it up was tight," he said. "With upwards of 12 truck and semi-trailer movements, a traffic management plan had to be devised to allow for the transportation and positioning of equipment. "We had people at five different points along the four-way intersection managing the situation and allowing for truck access. A 300m reversing path was also required to allow the trucks to turn back after making their deliveries." With the crane lifts and positioning in progress outside, mechanical plumbers set about cutting into the existing chilled water system. To accommodate chilled water from the tem-
Chillers A team of electricians were on hand to connect the chillers, switchboard, splitters and generators.
porary plant, 300mm diameter stainless steel pipe ran through the plant room and the adjacent wall where a set of custom-built headers were installed to accept water from the chillers outside. Once the cranes and transports retreated, the 100mm flexible hose used to connect the chillers to the headers was laid out. A team of electricians then began running out the 240mm2 cable sets that would be used to connect the chillers, switchboard, splitters, and generators. The temporary system also required a certain amount of fine control; accepting communication over RS485 from the building management system (BMS) to the panel. This allowed for managing generator starts, machine rotation and general step control of the chillers to meet the combined plant demand. Once in a position to commission the machines, water flow and pressure drops were balanced across vessels to ensure that all machines had adequate flow and could contribute to the building system effectively. This was achieved by using a combination of ancillary pumps and balancing valves.
The solution was commissioned by December 22 – just four working days after work orders were received. What had begun as a 'just in case' exercise quickly became an integral piece of the building system as Sydney experienced one of its hottest summers on record. The chillers and generators were put to the ultimate test, running effectively through the heat to help ensure the building plant was able to maintain
chilled water supply temperatures through peak load times. "The [Active Air] installation team are to be congratulated for their assistance in providing excellent service and advice that enabled this critical piece of infrastructure to perform exceptionally well during very testing conditions," according to David Dobson, WSLHD senior project manager capital works, Program Management Office (PMO). âœş
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS  APRIL 2018
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A single interconnected world of
humans, machines, appliances and technology WELCOME TO CCN'S ANNUAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SHOWCASE, A SIX PAGE FEATURE PRESENTING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS SHAPING THE HVACR INDUSTRY.
O
NE TREND DOMINATING the current HVAC landscape is the smart home interconnected with the Internet and big data. Add artificial intelligence (AI) systems to the mix and its all about the interaction between humans and machines. Recognising this, the Midea Group has launched its new Human-Machine Collaboration Strategy. On the eve of the Appliance and Electronics World Expo (AWE) in March, the Midea Group shared its insights for the future of human-machine collaboration at its annual strategy conference. Midea believes that the interaction between human and machines will become a more profound and integrated collaborative relationship, and that this will herald a new era of people
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working together with artificial intelligence systems and machines. This is not only an extension of the 'smart²' strategy, but also strives to enable products, machines, processes and systems to be loaded with awareness, cognition, understanding and decision-making driven by big data and AI. This will bridge the company's various unique advantages in products and industrial layout, pushing its practices in manufacturing and living to new heights, as well as bringing users into a 'ahead of life' environment. Smart manufacturing is more than just introducing robots and building unmanned factories. Previously, all R&D, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, sales and after-sales services, including consumers, were fragmented in the manufacturing field. Today, smart manufacturing is developing
ways to change this fragmentation and interconnect all processes, based on the analysis and flow of big data. As a world-leader in consumer appliance technology, HVAC, robotics and automated systems, and intelligent supply chains (logistics), Midea manufactures and sells over 300 million household appliances globally each year. Interconnecting all its manufacturing processes is a daunting challenge. After almost three years of production standardisation and digital transformation, the Midea Group has successfully developed whole value chain software, thereby essentially achieving the "One Midea, One System, One Standard" global collaborative production platform. Based on this, Midea, partnering with the world's leading robotics company KUKA, plans to deepen R&D and innovation in big data and AI technologies to gradually launch automation and business solutions adaptable to various types of complex production scenarios, and lay a solid foundation for furthering the vision of human-machine collaboration via smart manufacturing. According to Wilfried Eberhardt, KUKA AG chief marketing officer, "We see a future in
Products and Services Showcase
LEFT: Welcome to the age of humans and machines partnering in the workplace. BELOW: Midea launched ‘New Era of Human-Machine Collaboration’ Strategy at its 2018 conference.
which humans and machines work hand in hand to make life easier". The need to build an industrial internet has become a global consensus. According to statistics provided by IoT Analytics, the market scale of the Industrial Internet, as of 2021, will reach $2 billion. Midea enjoys incomparable advantages by having, and running, its own whole value chain. Based on its "One Platform, One Standard" strategy, Midea has created an excellent operation in the whole value chain, which fully integrates powerful R&D capability, response to orders, planning capability, flexible manufacturing, purchasing capability, quality tracking, logistics capability and customer service and installation, thereby achieving end-to-end collaboration. This digital-driven platform has realised flexible customisation of C2M, platform development, module combination and digital processes for production, smart logistics, digital marketing, smart service and other profound changes, according to Midea's CIO, Simon Zhang. "The true Industrial Internet is built upon the end-to-end collaboration of the R&D end, production equipment end, supply chain end, business end, logistics end and the user end, which
makes 'Zero' inventory production, 100 per cent logistics tracking and C2M customisation possible," he said. "Midea Industrial Internet has set a solid foundation for this prospect," Zhang said. Currently, the existing cloud platform offers flexible solutions for multi-layer processing and complex processing, and is capable of supporting the production and operation of more than 10,000
“THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET WILL BE WORTH $2 BILLION BY 2021.“ - IOT ANALYTICS
products across 40-plus bases worldwide, through the collaboration of software and hardware. "The majority of smart household appliances currently on the market simply transplant product operation onto a mobile phone. But Midea believes the meat of real human-machine collaboration is carrier-free," according to Dr. Xu, vice president of the Midea Corporate Research Centre.
To address this, Midea has invested almost $20 million annually to build the largest AI team in the household appliance industry, to study indepth how to get rid of the carrier between human and machine. Some studies have yielded fruit: the large-scale deep learning computer platform, developed and designed by Midea, has been able to accurately identify the style of finished dishes in Chinese cuisine. Meanwhile, through AWE, Midea will release a number of AI products and applications, such as smart cooking robots, AI refrigerators and smart new retail. General manager of the Midea Robotics Company, Olaf Gehrels, said the company will not be limited to the field of manufacturing – robotics will become important parts of logistics, medical care and even the Smart Home. With the aid of humanmachine collaboration, Midea will upgrade its smart household appliances to smart home appliances, allowing it to leapfrog its portal-based rivals. As it marches towards its 50th anniversary, Midea's human-machine collaboration strategy isn't just a technology-driven transformation, it is a blueprint which revolves around the ideas of 'leading products, efficiency-driven, and globally-operated'. ✺ CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
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Products and Services Showcase
Sky raises the bar SKY REFRIGERATION HAS raised the bar on CO2 copper tube, fittings and valves. The past 12 months has seen a rapid rise in the use of R744 (CO2) with many of the major supermarket chains commencing new installations this year. It is also winning widespread support in the industrial refrigeration and heat pump sectors, according to Sky Refrigeration managing director, Peter Schey. "Plants in northern Europe are reporting major efficiency gains by raising operating pressures from 120 to 130 bar. This is
K130 Extra High Performance Copper Tube & Fittings
now seen as the future desirable pressure rating," he said. "As a leading provider of CO2 components and tools we are now able to offer to the market K130 tube, fittings and valves." These K130 products are rated under UL and AS/NZ 5149 at 130bar and are manufactured for heavy wall CuFe2p copper iron alloy. For more information on K60 (60bar) and K130 (130Bar) tube, valves and fittings, call 03 9735 2313 or visit www.skyrefrig.com. ✺
Compact and versatile Simons has announced the availability of its compact and versatile high efficiency condensing boiler/heater. Both indoor and outdoor options are available in sizes from 80kW – 2000kW. It is easy to install with a single point connection for flow/return, drain, gas to reduce site costs. Contact Simons Boilers on 02 8338 8660.
AT A GLANCE Sizes
80kW - 2000kW
Efficiency
107% at 80/60 °C loop
Modular /
Up to 12 boilers – Excellent Redundancy and
Cascading
Turndown
Indoor/ Outdoor
Both Options Available
Heat exchanges
Stainless Steel with 5 Years Warranty
BMS
BMS interface via 0-10V signal
Pump
Inbuilt - Primary
Prime solution to HFC phasedown PRIME IS AUSTRALIA’S newest refrigerant distributor with well over 100 locations distributing the latest range of products and technologies to support the HVACR industry as it moves away from HFC blends. With access to a full range of products from the world's largest refrigerant manufacturers, Prime provides a full suite of options and alternatives for customers. The Reece Group's business development manager for Actrol, Andrew Leach, said Prime can offer greater choice. "As the industry moves away from HFC blends, Prime offers support, casting industry knowledge and transparent information on a greater range of alternatives," he said. "Having access to a full range of product and the latest information from all the world's major refrigerant manufacturers, ensures Prime stockists can offer the very best advice and product for your application whether it's a retrofit or new installation."
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Arkema, Chemours and Honeywell products are sourced by Prime and distributed through the Reece Group. "The Reece HVACR Group alone (Actrol, Metalflex and Reece HVACR stores) amount to more than 100 outlets," Leach said. "We also stock and sell through some more remote Reece plumbing branches as well. "The cylinder fleet is enormous, allowing a swap and go system for contractors accessible from all of these outlets." Prime refrigerant is decanted, stored and packaged at its large facility near Melbourne. Leach said the logistics behind Reece is a major advantage to move cylinders as they are part of a 500+ branch network and serviced by large warehouses across Australia. ✺
The cylinder fleet is enormous, providing contractors with a swap and go system.
Focus on: 4 pipe systems
This type of system is suitable for air conditioning in buildings that require separate areas to be heated and cooled at the same time. It is combined with centralised solutions capable of producing hot and cold water in the two hydronic circuits of the system, assuring maximum comfort in every room of the building, independently and in any period of the year. A single intelligent unit is sufficient for the management of these complex syestems: INTEGRA.
Self-Adaptability with Simultaneous Loads
System Simplification
Reduction of On-Site Operations
Products and Services Showcase
Brazing machine delivers the perfect flame CASTOLIN EUTECTIC HAS LAUNCHED NEW REVOLUTIONARY BRAZING EQUIPMENT UTILISING ELECTROLYSIS, WHICH OPERATES WITHOUT GAS USING WATER AS FUEL. THE CASTOLIN DYOMIX OHM 2.4 is born from a collaboration with Bulane, a French company which has patented the dyomix technology. With CleanTech dyomix it is possible to easily produce a clean high-performance fuel from the oxygen and hydrogen naturally present in water, with no storage requirements. The flame born in this process burns at more than 2500ºC, and is particularly suitable for refrigeration and heating specialists, plumbers and for any other professionals using a flame in their daily work. Compact, efficient and safe, the dyomix electrolysers have now been miniaturised to be used directly on site. The equipment was designed to be easy to use, lightweight and portable: just switch on the machine, plug it to a socket and start brazing (Plug and Braze).
By choosing Castolin dyomix OHM 2.4, users simplify their logistical constraints, reduce the level of risk in their daily activities and have a perfect flame onsite, at all times. The new AutoFlam OH torch has also been developed for full compatibility with the dyomix technology. Its unique design and swivel connector at the torch inlet make it extremely ergonomic, lessening musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Its double action flame arrestor is directly built into the handle, ensuring perfect safety throughout the use of the torch. The materials used are compatible with the oxy-hydrogen gas, making for a very sturdy, light and perfectly balanced AutoFlam OH torch. One of the advantages of the Castolin dyomix OHM 2.4 brazing machine is its quick re-
ABOVE: CleanTech dyomix is ideal for refrigeration and heating specialists.
turn on investment. The company said the turnaround is 24 months, owing to the savings made on gas cylinders and time gained on procurement and supply. This is in addition to simplified logistics namely no need to transport and stock gas bottles, no need to configure correct pressure settings on the pressure regulators, no complicated torch ignition and adjustments. ✺ Visit http://www.castolin.com.
Testo tool to keep indoor hazards in check INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) isn’t something the average person stops to think about. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians' efforts often go unnoticed, despite the impact that consistent maintenance has in a commercial building or laboratory setting. But no news is good news in this field, and service engineers are relying on the testo 440 IAQ and air velocity tool to avoid work en-
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vironment concerns hitting the spotlight. The dangers of poor IAQ in a commercial building aren't difficult to spot as they take a physical toll on its inhabitants. There are four categories of side effects that facility managers and administrators should be aware of, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency: Acute: Immediate reactions like headaches, coughing or congestion are elicited within 24 hours from exposure to chemicals, bacteria or excessive moisture. Chronic: Long-term respiratory issues attributed to unchecked threats, such as asbestos. Performance: Drop in productivity and performance tied to shift in temperature, humidity or lack of ventilation. General discomfort: Noticeable irritation brought on by changes to consistent settings. Routine HVAC maintenance can help technicians identify issues with equipment before these threats pose a danger to the workforce. IAQ risks change drastically in a laboratory setting, despite the fact they may seem miniscule at first. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) facilities, for example, need to exercise exceptional control
of this variant if they want to continuously replicate successful results, Vitrolife reported. Pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide can rest on surfaces for extended periods of time and harm embryos they come in contact with. Any high-functioning lab will utilise a clean room but between the location of the commercial building – cities present more dangers – and the variety of HVAC systems that can be used, threats can slip past. The potential here, though, could significantly damage the reputation of the facility. Tools like the testo 440 are helping to keep both settings clean and safe. This is done by providing technicians with the instrument they need to accurately identify any changes in key metrics like temperature and relative humidity, K-factor, air flow and pitot tube velocity. The data can then be uploaded to a computer and analysed to spot any concerning trends. Don't let poor IAQ rear its ugly head, contact www.testo.com.au. ✺ LEFT: Tools like the testo 440 are keeping environments clean and safe.
Products and Services Showcase
Dual discharge cooler to replace three brands WITH ITS NEW air cooler, Kelvion has been able to bring together the expertise of three brands – Goedhart, Küba, and Searle. In joint development work, three teams have designed the Kelvion KDC Dual Discharge Air Cooler for commercial refrigeration. Beginning immediately, the Kelvion KDC will replace the Goedhart FC38D, Küba DP, and Searle DSR cooler ranges. The new Kelvion KDC air cooler is designed for use in commercial HVACR, cold rooms and freezer rooms. Its EC fans ensure energy efficiency and its dual air discharge enables uniform distribution of temperature – since the air flow is guided along the ceiling and deep into the room. Two fixed fan speeds enable either high air capacity, or quiet operation with low draft. This assures pleasant conditions for the staff. The KDC is designed in its standard version
for synthetic refrigerants or brine. Depending on model size, the maximum cooling duty is 1.4 to 23kW with HFC (SC2*), or 2.8 to 37.7kW with cooling by brine**. The optional 45/90-bar version enables the use of CO2 and provides maximum cooling duty of 1.7 to 23kW***, depending on model size. Further features of the KDC include its low weight, a low silhouette design and its drip tray hinged on both sides to give access to the bottom for cleaning and maintenance. Options include a CAL distributor for multiple injection of refrigerant, as well as an easily accessible condensate-water pump for medium temperature cooling. ✺ * tL1= 0°C | t0= -8°C | DT1 = 8K | R404A [SC2] ** tL1= +16°C | tS1= +4°C | tS2= +8°C | Water [SC10] *** tL1= 0°C | t0= -8°C | DT1= 8K | R744 | 45/60 bar
Options include a CAL distributor for multiple injection of refrigerant, as well as an easily accessible condensate-water pump for medium temperature cooling.
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CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
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Montreal Protocol
Australia’s atmospheric monitoring station.
Protecting the ozone layer:
Three decades of progress 2017 MARKED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOTH THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL AND ACTION IN AUSTRALIA TO PROTECT THE OZONE LAYER. CSIRO HONORARY FELLOW, DR PAUL FRASER, REFLECTS ON THREE DECADES OF PROGRESS.
I
N 1974, A landmark paper appeared in the journal Nature, describing how increasing concentrations of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere could potentially destroy the life-sustaining stratospheric ozone layer. This paper inspired me and set my career-changing research path for many years to come. It highlighted the need for quality atmospheric monitoring of ozone depleting substances and this, together with carbon dioxide-induced climate change research, were the pivotal issues leading to the establishment in 1976 of Australia's atmospheric monitoring station at Cape Grim, Tasmania. Over the past 30 years, there have been dramatic improvements in our capacity to accu-
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rately measure atmospheric concentrations of a variety of greenhouse and ozone depleting gases. At various times the introduction of new, CFCreplacing industrial gases – hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – began before there were techniques to measure their impact on the atmosphere. We were fortunate and, as it turned out, far-sighted, when we established an archive of pristine air samples at Cape Grim in 1978, that continues through to today, enabling CSIRO to determine the complete atmospheric history of these new species, leading to accurate estimations of their environmental impacts. As a result, we have been able to identify a number of environmental issues and provided
policy makers with evidence to justify prompt policy action. We established, for example, that HFC-23 (CHF3) appeared in the atmosphere long-before its initial use in industry (refrigeration) and was growing at rates that could not be explained by known sources. This led to the discovery that it was being created inadvertently as a by-product of HCFC-22 (CHClF2) production (a widely used refrigerant) and, as a result, governments and the United Nations were able to act to reduce, capture and destroy these emissions. So, what can the current atmospheric readings tell us about the effectiveness of what we have done globally and in Australia? Encouragingly, since the introduction of Montreal Protocol restrictions on CFC production, atmospheric CFC concentrations have declined at a rate that suggests a very low level rate of residual emissions. As a result, the ozone hole is on track to be closed as predicted by late 2050s. Global concentrations of HCFCs are increasing, but at a declining rate, that promises a halt in their growth over the next decade, followed by a predicted decline.
Montreal Protocol
Global concentrations of HFCs are increasing rapidly leading to their inclusion in the Montreal Protocol, which will curb their production, the fastest proven route to stabilising their atmospheric concentrations. As a result of where Cape Grim is located, 300km south of the major urban source region of Melbourne, about 15 per cent of the time we can assess the emissions of CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs from the Melbourne area. This is a useful indicator for what is happening across Australia. The data shows that emissions of CFCs and HCFCs are decreasing and emissions from HFCs have flat lined despite the size of the bank increasing. This clearly shows that equipment today is far less leaky than in the past and attempts to improve the service industry through licensing and other actions are clearly working. This model of industry/science collaboration has been the linchpin for success in ensuring good science and effective policy. Australian industry has actively supported the research at Cape Grim both with financial contributions of over $1 million and in providing detailed information (some of which was very commercially in confidence) on production and consumption processes. Industry also actively engaged with the scientific findings and initiated changes as a result – sometimes well in advance of government policy. Governments, industry and science began working together when there were only model calculations of a potential problem and before there was direct evidence of an issue. This early action, based on the "precautionary principle", was fundamentally important in taking prompt action to fix the ozone problem before it was dire. The data that we produced in the past and today helps both government and industry continue to take action to reduce emissions of ozone depleting and greenhouse gases. ✺ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Paul Fraser researched at CSIRO issues of ozone depletion and climate change from 1974 until he retired in 2015. He, and the atmospheric monitoring station he helped establish at Cape Grim in Tasmania in 1976, have been pivotal in understanding both global and regional emissions of ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gases. He is held in extremely high regard in the international scientific community, receiving the US EPA Ozone Protection Award in 2002, the Nobel Peace Prize as a member of the IPCC in 2007, and a UNEP Science Leadership Award in 2017. He is still very active in research as an Honorary Fellow at CSIRO.
Closing the Hole:
A 30-year retrospective on refrigerant policy ONE MAN THAT HAS BEEN ON THE FRONTLINE OF CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY ISSUES FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS IS STEVE ANDERSON, WELL KNOWN TO READERS AS THE FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF REFRIGERANTS AUSTRALIA. HE REFLECTS ON THE GROWING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.
OVER THE PAST 30 years, the Australian Government – in close collaboration with industry – has developed world leading initiatives on refrigerant policy covering both ozone depletion and climate change issues. However, initial Australian policy was developed haphazardly and the outcome was far from inevitable. As scientific understanding of ozone depletion advanced during the 1980s, there was an increase in public concern and state politicians saw the opportunity to lead on a popular issue. The states took action early but inconsistently. Riding a wave of legitimate public concern, state ministers made many public pronouncements on the need for rapid action. At one point in the late 1980s, Tom Roper – then Victorian environment minister – bravely proclaimed that "Victoria leads the world". The Federal Government proceeded more cautiously, conscious of the need to be an effective part of the emerging international consensus. Throughout the 1980s, Australia was represented at international meetings by officials
from the Department of Foreign Affairs from whatever embassy or high commission near wherever the meeting was being held. The need to have officials that understood the scientific, industry and policy issues associated with ozone depletion was simply not acknowledged. Industry wanted a national response to ensure both consistency of approach and to provide longer term certainty regarding policy. It pushed the Federal Government to send Canberra-based experts, particularly from the Environment Department, to the international negotiations, given it was those officials who would need to lead a national response. Industry even had to provide the funding for the first such Commonwealth official to attend international meetings. This political dynamic changed during the 1990s for three main reasons. Firstly, there was a consumer backlash on the use of ozone depleting substances in aerosols. In response to this public pressure the then Aerosol Association brokered a ban on CFC use in aerosols. This required engagement with and inCLIMATE CONTROL NEWS APRIL 2018
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Montreal Protocol
CSIRO Honorary Fellow, Dr Paul Fraser.
volvement of the Federal Government. As part of this process, Paul Fraser of the CSIRO had been actively engaged with the Aerosol Association. That close engagement – followed by him working closely with the refrigeration and air conditioning industry – resulted in industry accepting both the science and the need for changing technology. This reduced time and acrimony in planning policy responses that, while economically and technically challenging, were clearly necessary. Lastly, there was significant confusion on the regulatory landscape. The states independently developed broad and diverse range of approaches, many of which were effectively unworkable. The Commonwealth Government eventually recognised the cost to industry from this dysfunction and decided to impose import level and some end use controls. Additionally, to better ensure national consistency, a committee was established that was led by the Commonwealth and included New Zealand and all of the states and territories, as well as a wide range of stakeholders. This body managed to corral many of the "seat of the pants" ideas which emerged and worked towards a nationally consistent approach. By the late 1990s, the states were losing interest in ozone Former Refrigerants policy, while the Australia executive director, Steve Anderson. C om m o n w e a lt h
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Government concurrently increased its engagement internationally, based on a non-partisan, scientifically based policy. The review of the Ozone Protection Act in 2001 was a pivotal moment in the development of Australian policy. It showed that while the cost of policy to protect the ozone layer had cost $1 billion to date, the benefit was seven times larger. Further analysis demonstrated that significant further benefits would be achieved if the legislation was extended to HFCs used as replacements of ozone depleting substances – if the Commonwealth managed all of the legislation centrally and if it also managed end use controls. These reforms were delivered with revi-
“THE OZONE HOLE IS ON TRACK TO BE CLOSED AS PREDICTED BY LATE 2050S.”
sions to the Ozone Act in 2003. The increased political interest in climate change from about 2005 shifted the policy landscape again. There was an increasing focus on using emissions trading to manage climate change emissions by public servants who had no knowledge or interest in how both ozone depleting substances and HFCs had been successfully managed for well over a decade. They were focused on economy-wide responses and operated from the naïve belief that every economic sector
could be managed identically. They refused to even engage the industry in genuine dialogue. Despite industry publicly supporting an HFC phasedown from 2007, a carbon price was introduced in 2013, and then repealed in 2015. This illfated exercise was driven by ex-Treasury bureaucrats with no understanding of the industry, who tried to impose a one-size-fits-all approach, straight out of a first year economics textbook. This policy experiment failed dismally in managing refrigerant emissions and only resulted in confusion and turmoil. Any environmental benefits were far overshadowed by market confusion, turmoil and pain. Thirty years after the Montreal Protocol was agreed, and with the carbon price in the rear view mirror, refrigerant policy is in a good place. Sensible, thoughtful policy has been implemented to deliver a phasedown of high GWP refrigerants in a measured way that delivers certainty both for the environment and for business. Over the last 30 years, emissions of refrigerants have decreased from the carbon dioxide equivalent of more than 100 million tonnes, to less than 10 million tonnes. Over the next 20 years that will be reduced to just over one million tonnes – a total reduction of about 99 per cent. As the former Environment Minister said in 2015, no other sector in the Australian economy has delivered environmental benefits anywhere near this amount particularly while continuing to prosper and develop. While initially uncertain, 30 years after the Montreal Protocol, Australia is managing issues around refrigerants well and will continue to do so into the future. ✺
R ECOG N IS I N G E XC E L LEN C E
AWARDS FINALISTS PRESENTING THE 2018 AWARDS FINALISTS IN ALL CATEGORIES:
ARBS YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
ARBS PRODUCT EXCELLENCE AWARD
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Laura Fortuna - Cold Logic Firas Shawash - Exova-Defire Jason Harrison - Airmaster Australia
ARBS SOFTWARE/DIGITAL EXCELLENCE AWARD • • •
Tuggeranong Office Park Building Services Network - Airmaster Australia Fujitsu General Online Parts Store - Fujitsu General Australia Clarity - HydroChem
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YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller - Johnson Controls FireboxTM - Trafalgar Fire Containment Solutions ACDHUM-LD - Air Change
ARBS PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD • • •
F Mayer Refrigerated cold storage/distribution centre - Strathbrook Industrial Services & Danfoss Australia Spotlight Retail Group - SEDAC Building Energy Management System ICC Sydney - A.G. Coombs Group & AECOM
ARBS OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATION/TRAINING AWARD
ARBS OUTSTANDING SERVICE & MAINTENANCE AWARD
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• • •
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Refrigeration & Climate Control Centre of Excellence - AMCA & Box Hill Institute Professional Diploma of Building Services, HVAC&R - AIRAH Mobile CO2 Training Unit - Danfoss (Australia) Pty Ltd
ARBS HALL OF FAME 2018 - All will receive the Award • • • • •
Stephen Gilchrist - CIBSE ANZ John Bosci - AIRAH Mark Padwick - AREMA David Seedsman - AMCA Warren Cole - RACCA
Airmaster Australia A.G. Coombs Group Pty Ltd City Holdings Australia
Gala Dinner Join us for a gala night to remember on Wednesday 9 May, 2018 at the ICC Sydney Ballroom with guest MC Tony Squires, host of the weekly sports panel show Back Page Live on Fox Sports. ARBS AWARDS DINNER When: Wednesday 9 May, 7:00pm Where: ICC Sydney Grand Ballroom, Darling Harbour Book online at: arbs.com.au/awards-dinner
ARBS Industry Awards are proudly sponsored by:
arbs.com.au
Temperature Gauge
Time to set air leakage performance level REDUCING AIR LEAKAGE IS ONE OF THE MOST COSTEFFECTIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE HOME COMFORT AND THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE FOR AUSTRALIA WHERE BUILDINGS ARE EXTREMELY LEAKY COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
CURRENTLY THE BUILDINGS in Australia have wide variability, between 1.4 and 39 air changes per hour. This is perhaps in part a result of our relatively moderate climate, but also the fact that, unlike many of our international peers, the National Construction Code does not set a quantified minimum. In its report entitled The Bottom Line, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks point out that reduced air leakage can be achieved at low cost through improved workmanship to prevent loss of conditioned indoor air and infiltration of unwanted outside air. The report wants immediate action taken as part of the current review of the National Construction Code. While the Code requires residential buildings to include construction features that mini-
Infiltration rate/requirement (ACH @ 50Pa)
mise air leakage – such as specific requirements for common air leakage points in a building to be sealed, including exhaust fans, windows and doors – the Code does not set a minimum overall air leakage performance level that needs to be achieved. Until recently there had been relatively little practical testing of the air tightness of Australian dwellings. However, standard 'blower door' testing from 2015 in capital cities around Australia found that newly constructed buildings (less than three years old) had an average air leakage rate of approximately 15 air changes per hour Figure 5: Comparison of different countries’ Building at 50 pascal pressure code infiltration requirements for residential buildings with (ACH@50Pa, a standard measured results measure for air tightness). These homes have been *CSIRO, 2015 18 assumed as representa^Henley Vic infiltration results Oct 2017 tive of those currently beRandom survey of 17 homes built across Melbourne Metro 16 ing built to current Code #The UK requirement of 10 m³/m².hr has been converted to 14 an ACH @ 50 Pa value, using the detached archetype requirements. In order to 12 properly assess the oppor10 tunity for improved air tightness, the Trajectory 8 Project modelling as6 sumes approximately 15 4 ACH@50Pa as the base 2 case air leakage benchmark for the residential 0 New Henley UK Code Japan USA Code France USA Code archetypes modelled. Australian 2017^ (Maximum)# Code (mild climate) Code (cold climate) homes* (Maximum) There is significant
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opportunities to cost-effectively improve energy performance by improving air tightness to around 6 ACH@50Pa. An air leakage rate of 6 ACH@50Pa as modelled is a reasonable level for the Code to target in the short term. The CSIRO study found that 18 per cent of the houses tested were already at less than 8 ACH@50Pa, and around one third were less than 10 ACH@50Pa, even in the absence of specific infiltration rate requirements. This level of air tightness is also comparable with international standards and is what some leading builders have stated they are achieving as standard practice. At this level of air tightness, indoor moisture and pollutant levels can be managed by effective ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathroom – heat recovery ventilation is not generally needed to ensure energy efficient fresh air delivery at this level. Other cost effective opportunities identified in the report include: • Increasing roof insulation for detached housing; • Using ceiling fans in warm and hot climates to reduce the need for air conditioning; • Increased requirements for wall insulation; • St ronger speci f icat ions for w i ndow performance; • Installation of roller shutters and larger eaves in certain orientations; and • Tighter standards for lighting and dometic hot water systems. ✺
VISIT BITZER AT ARBS 2018 SEE THE FUTURE COME TO LIFE
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE SYDNEY, 8 - 10TH MAY 2018
ARBS returns to Sydney in 2018 and BITZER will there with our latest future-proof technology on display. Experience the ECOSTAR condensing unit in action, see the latest BITZER and BUFFALO TRIDENT products and learn how digitalisation is transforming our industry. We’re looking forward to seeing you at ARBS! For more information, call 1300 BITZER or visit www.bitzer.com.au