PROJECTS 2024
2024 Projects RACA Journal
JANUARY
MANINGA ENGINEERING ASSISTS WITS WITH ITS STRATEGIC VISION The University of the Witwatersrand ’ s Commerce Law and Management ( CLM ) Building is an award-winning facility which features both the Thermally Activated Building System ( TABS ) system and chilled technology . The precinct redevelopment was through a space optimisation strategy which included the development of a new building to accommodate administrative functions in a new centralised location . The architects had created a three-story office building with a magnificent atrium to accommodate Wits ’ requirement , which was to adhere to its urban design framework . Construction began in March 2021 and it was commissioned in December 2022 .
Image credit : Maninga Engineering
FEBRUARY
CESA AON AWARD WINNING PROJECT WITS FLOWER HALL At the 2023 CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards , in the category Engineering Technology and Innovation – HVAC Building Systems Design Excellence , Maninga Engineering was the winner receiving a commendation for its HVAC project - the Test and Examination Centre : Part 1 – Flower Hall for the University of Witwatersrand . It incorporates energy saving methods for heating and cooling . Maninga Engineering reduced the energy consumption of the building with the implementation of active chilled beams controlled by a building management system . The Flower Hall installation is the biggest installation in Africa with 138 active chilled beams . Image credit : Maninga Engineering
MARCH
NEW DEVIL ’ S PEAK BREWERY CHILLER INCREASES PRODUCTION CAPACITY Devils Peak Brewery recently upgraded its production capacity and therefore needed to upgrade the current chiller from 300 kW at -5 ° C leaving water to 530 kW at -5 ° C leaving water . The current Climavineta chiller was operating with R410a refrigerant , but the final request was to upgrade to natural refrigerant and therefore the ammonia ( NH3 ) option was selected , which also offers a better COP rating , and has a GWP ( Global Warming Potential ) of 0 , compared to the GWP of R410a of 2 088 . The NH3 refrigeration system consists of two circuits which each has a brace plate heat exchanger , Mycom compressor , 75 kW Motorelli compressor motor and a 11kW circulation pump . Each system can supply 300 kW at -8 ° C suction temperature .
Image credit : RACA Journal
APRIL
UFS IMPLEMENTS INNOVATIVE AIR-TO- WATER HEAT PUMP SYSTEM TO SLASH ENERGY CONSUMPTION The focus of the University of the Free State ( UFS ) project was the hot water system for five student residences and houses involving approximately 1 200 students . The project involves the replacement of five redundant hot water systems with a central heat pump cluster with 12 Mitsubishi Electric CAHV hot water heat pumps . Its CAHV monobloc heat pump system is a high-efficiency air-to-water system . Inverter compressors play a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency . In the context of HVAC systems , an inverter compressor regulates its speed based on demand , ensuring a consistent output while minimising power consumption . Unlike traditional systems that operate at a fixed capacity , inverters adjust dynamically , resulting in significant energy savings over time . Image credit : SHC Consulting Engineers
MAY
ENERGY SOLUTION ENRG BLANKET GETS INAUGURAL FITTING IN SA AT STANDARD BANK In a bid to improve its energy consumption and bolster sustainability efforts , Standard Bank recently introduced SAMAC Engineering Solutions ' cutting-edge technology – the ENRG blanket , powered by US-based Phase Change Solutions ( PCS ), It represents a paradigm shift in energy storage technology in South Africa – though it has been around for about a decade in the US . Unlike conventional methods that rely on water-based systems , the ENRG blanket is a technology that absorbs and releases thermal energy at a specific design temperature , offering greater efficiency and versatility . It does this by achieving increasing levels of energy performance to lower heating and cooling energy by 25 – 35 %. The ability of the ENRG blanket to absorb and release heat at any chosen temperature between – 50 ° C and 125 ° C makes it ideal for office parks and other commercial buildings . Image credit : SAMAC
JUNE
HVAC CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TRANSFORMING A BUILDING INTO A MULTIPURPOSE CHURCH In a bold move that blends business acumen with community spirit , GSB Development
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