2024 PROJECTS
Trust Company Limited is spearheading the renovation of a longstanding exhibition centre into a versatile multipurpose venue in Ekurhuleni , Gauteng . What became evident from the outset is that the project held major implications for the HVAC system on site . This had previously relied to a considerable extent on natural airflow , but the closing off from the two floors from each other meant that solution was no longer viable except in certain sections , while complying with building fire regulations required a retrofit . Central to the HVAC upgrades is the installation of a centralised air-conditioning system to cover the bulk of the venue , supplemented by smaller systems for breakaway meeting rooms . Natural ventilation is retained in certain areas , balancing energy efficiency with comfort . Moreover , a fresh air system is being installed to ensure optimal air quality while complementing the cooling process . Image credit : RACA Journal
JULY
MONWANA LODGE ’ S CENTRALISED , INTEGRATED HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM With regards to the heating / cooling system , the client needed a solution to meet the many luxuries required in a high-end lodge , while keeping the power draw as low as possible . The lodge is divided into two different sections : front-of-house and back-of-house . The grid is only capable of supplying 50kVA . The rest of the power on site is produced with a large solar PV system backed up with batteries . The central heating and cooling systems ’ communication system connects with the photovoltaics ( PV ) system to make logical decisions . The front-of-house is host to seven free-standing guest units that sleep a total of 16 guests as well as a spa , gym , kitchen and main dining area . The back-of-house includes the plant rooms , workshops , laundry , offices and accommodation for 48 staff members . Image credit : Essentia Heating & Cooling Systems
AUGUST
ENVIRONMENTALLY-CONSCIOUS DEVELOPMENT , THE KENT , CHOOSES R32 MULTI-SPLIT HVAC SYSTEM One of the largest commercial , industrial and retail property investment and development groups in South Africa , chose Sinclair ’ s R32 multi-split HVAC systems as the accompanying product to their environmentally conscious development , The Kent . The advanced thermodynamic properties of R32 ensures efficient and effective heat transfer which does not only contribute to improved HVAC system performance ( i . e . high coefficient of performance ), but also reduces the overall footprint of the equipment which contributes towards long term energy savings . As a key differentiator , R32 boasts an ozone depletion potential of zero , and serves as a more environmentally friendly alternative with a global warming potential ( GWP ) of 675 . These properties have proven R32 a practical and attractive option for air-conditioning and heat pump systems .
Image credit : Beijer Ref
SEPTEMBER
PRIMEDIA ’ S NEW HVAC SYSTEM AT 15 FREDMAN DRIVE , SANDTON Meeting strict deadlines was crucial to ensure a smooth transition from Primedia ’ s previous location to the prestigious 15 Fredman Drive , and the construction team delivered on time , allowing the media company to move in seamlessly .
The choice to adopt the VRV system was a result of Primedia ' s past encounter with a troublesome chilled water system , plagued by frequent breakdowns and intricate maintenance issues . The VRV solution provided a reliable and hassle-free alternative , effectively transforming the entire building into a comfortably climate-controlled workspace . Image credit : GPCE
OCTOBER
HVAC SYSTEM AT BARAGWANATH HOSPITAL ' S BURNS ICU ENHANCES PATIENT CARE Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital recently built an adult burns intensive care unit ( ICU ) – a key aspect of its efficient functioning being the HVAC system , aiming to optimise patient comfort and recovery conditions . Following international standards , the burns ICU is maintained at a temperature range of 26 ° C to 28 ° C with humidity levels between 50-60 %, significantly higher than typical healthcare settings . The VRF technology was chosen for its ability to modulate based on fluctuating load demands within the ICU , ensuring energy efficiency without compromising on patient comfort or environmental control . Each room is maintained at positive pressure relative to corridors and external spaces , achieved through individualised air diffusers and VAV ( Variable Air Volume ) systems with roomspecific sensors for precise monitoring and adjustment . Image credit : Maninga Engineering
To cater to Primedia ' s needs , GPCE introduced an innovative Variable Refrigerant Volume ( VRV ) system , designed to efficiently cool each of the building ' s four floors . Each floor was further subdivided into separate north and south zones , with a dedicated VRV system serving each zone independently . This strategic division ensured redundancy , offering uninterrupted cooling even in the event of a malfunction in one VRV system .
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