FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Supplied by Rob Fox
The ideal refrigeration system .
a notable uptick in interest , potentially fuelled by legislative changes such as those in the EU mandating lower storage temperatures for perishable goods , as well as phase-down regulations in terms of the Kigali Amendment favouring natural refrigerants .
Furthermore , the expansion of refrigeration capacity , particularly in sectors like citrus production , highlights the broader economic implications of refrigeration trends . While some businesses focus on survival amid market challenges , others capitalise on growth opportunities , leading to a dynamic landscape of industry players .
The geographical distribution of refrigeration projects also reflects the diversity of the market . For instance , while Cape Town may be a hub for certain fruits , the Eastern Cape emerges as a prominent location for ice cream production , catering not only to local demand but also to international markets .
Fredericks concludes that the increased usage of ammonia as a refrigerant signifies a strategic response to evolving market dynamics , driven by a combination of economic , regulatory and operational factors . “ As industries continue to prioritise efficiency and sustainability , the role of ammonia in refrigeration is expected to expand further , shaping the future of cold chain logistics and food security initiatives both locally and globally .”
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHALLENGES FOR THE HVACR INDUSTRY
SAIRAC Johannesburg President , Robert Fox , delivered the following presentation in a previous Tech Talk , addressing the crucial topic of ‘ Climate Change and Challenges for the HVACR Industry ’.
In the early 1970s , scientists at NASA made a noteworthy observation of peculiar ozone readings over the Arctic region . Subsequent research led them to publish a study proposing the existence of an ozone hole , which was met with general scepticism . However , by 1980 , as the ozone hole expanded , it garnered global attention and sparked further investigations . This turning point gave rise to the Vienna Convention , which aimed to tackle ozone depletion , and culminated in the Montreal Protocol of 1987 .
The Montreal Protocol galvanised international commitment to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbon ( CFC ) refrigerants . The ozone hole continued to expand until the year 2000 , exacerbated by shifting weather patterns . Only in 2015 did the expansion cease , with a reduction of 20 %, thanks to concerted efforts . Subsequently , the Kigali Amendment emerged , focusing on the global warming potential ( GWP ) and necessitating the phased elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons ( HCFCs ) and phase down of hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ). South Africa ratified this amendment in 2019 .
Our journey in refrigeration dates back to the 1830s when natural refrigerants were first employed . Subsequently in the 1930s , R12 – a synthetic refrigerant known for its affordability and safety – was invented . The period between 1950 and the discovery of ozone depletion witnessed the prevalent use of CFCs , followed by HCFCs , with R22 being the most common variant .
In response to the depletion of the ozone layer , the industry transitioned to HFCs . However , in 2015 , the European Union initiated a phase-down of HFCs to achieve a GWP below 150 , thereby redirecting the market towards natural refrigerants . Examples of such environmentally favourable alternatives include ammonia , CO 2
, and hydrocarbons such as R600 and R290 . The Kigali Amendment specifically outlines the phasedown of HFCs .
Despite the higher initial investment required for installing ammoniabased systems , the potential for long-term savings outweighs this drawback for many businesses .
16 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • June 2024