Cold Link Africa March / April 2020 | Page 30

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN Key strides take shape at AHR Expo Compiled by Ntsako Khosa B The AHR Expo took place from 3 – 5 February in Orlando, Florida. Cold Link Africa was part of one of the largest HVAC&R exhibitions this year. according to the AHR website. The technology provides up to 10% greater energy efficiency compared to standard CO 2 refrigeration solutions. It works by pulling liquid refrigerant from the suction side and inject it into the evaporator. With the solution, Danfoss aims to assist customers in making the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants while saving energy, maintaining system reliability and ensuring food safety, according to AHR. Danfoss also won in the cooling category with its Interlaced Micro Channel Heat Exchanger (iMCHE), which integrates multiple circuits into a single coil. EXPO HIGHLIGHTS With a number of exhibitors sharing their latest information, these are some of the takeaways. HVACR refrigerants, regulations, and a look to the future were the topics of discussion at Emerson’s E360 Breakfast. The early morning meeting helped professionals gain valuable insights into the transitioning world of refrigerants and regulations. Furthermore, the breakfast unpacked several industry trends to keep an eye usiness unit leader, Dale Macnamara says, “after attending the AHR expo and ASHRAE conference, I was really impressed with the events, fantastic new technology on display, all the massive brands were present and awesome educational forums were available for attendees, not forgetting workshops and conferences within the Expo.” International participation was strong and from all over the world. “I walked about 50 000 steps in two days, this shows how massive the show is and all of it happened under one roof! I look forward to sharing all the info over the next few months,” he adds. Danfoss won AHR Expo Product of the year award for its CO 2 Adaptive Liquid Management Solution (CALM). The product also won in the refrigeration category. The category winners were already announced in October 2019. The overall winner was then chosen from the 10 category winners and announced at the AHR Expo itself. The CALM solution combines a liquid ejector and adaptive liquid control case controller algorithm to fully utilise the evaporator surface in display cases and cold rooms, From left: Olu Soluade, ASHRAE’s South African Chapter vice president and Dale Macnamara at the 2020 AHR Expo in the US. out on over the next decade. Danfoss hosted its 25th annual press breakfast, offering insights into the state of the company, as well as the HVACR industry. A discussion was also held around the transition to R-32. The ASHRAE Conference comprised of eight tracks, selected to represent areas of focus common among ASHRAE membership. The track focus areas included HVAC&R fundamentals and applications, systems and equipment, refrigeration and refrigerants, and other specific topics including novel approaches to HVAC&R systems and buildings for contemporary concerns and analytical techniques to economically automate buildings. Conference chair, Melanie Derby says, “the 2020 ASHRAE Winter Conference featured a strong technical programme including presentations and discussions on best design practices and standards, incorporation of innovative technologies, and cutting-edge approaches applicable to a wide range of buildings-related engineers, architects, and professionals.” The Women in ASHRAE Breakfast saw ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Karine Leblanc, present “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”. Her presentation looked at Five Principles and Five Practices to develop the crucial skill of connecting, like: • Finding common ground • Keeping your communication simple • Capturing people’s interest • Inspiring people • Staying authentic in all your relationships According to Leblanc, the ability to connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your full potential. Current ASHRAE President Darryl Boyce provided an update on his presidential theme. Forward thinking discussions and technology was showcased in every corner of the Show floor. CLA 9 - 11 JUNE 2021 GALLAGHER, CONVENTION CENTRE, JHB www.frigairexpo.co.za 30 www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • March/April 2020