2025 PROJECTS strategies and extensive local technician training to ensure 15 – 20 years of reliable, energyefficient, and maintainable HVAC operation in this high-profile Luanda building.
Image Credit: RPM Consulting Engineers
JUNE
FRIGAIR 2025 During June the industry turned its full attention to FRIGAIR 2025, and we made space to profile participants at the expense of projects. The excitement was palpable – FRIGAIR has always been a highlight on the refrigeration and cold chain calendar, bringing together innovators, suppliers and thought leaders from across the sector. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase new technologies, explore emerging trends and connect with peers in a highly dynamic environment. The buzz and energy surrounding FRIGAIR reminded us why it’ s such a pivotal event for the industry, setting the tone for innovation and collaboration for the year ahead.
JULY
DHLAMINI JUNCTION MALL OPENS IN SOWETO The 17 000m ² Dhlamini Junction Mall in Soweto features a flexible, energy-efficient HVAC & R system designed around LG Variable Refrigerant Flow( VRF) hideaway units, decentralised condensers, EC plug fans and advanced smoke extraction. The system integrates fresh air economy cycles, precise pressurisation and generator-mode operation to ensure comfort and regulatory compliance. Roof insulation, natural cooling and smart BMS controls optimise energy use per SANS 10400-XA standards. Installation required rapid adaptation to tenant changes, power constraints and material shortages. Close collaboration among contractors, consultants and tenants enabled seamless integration of HVAC and refrigeration, completing the greenfield project on time, on budget and with strong community engagement.
Image Credit: Zuber Joleman / S Projects
AUGUST
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY EMBARKS ON AMBITIOUS PRECINCT-COOLING HVAC UPGRADE Stellenbosch University, with Lombard Consulting Engineers and Two Oceans Air Conditioning, is upgrading its HVAC infrastructure via a 6 000kW central chilled water plant serving six engineering buildings. Carrier 19DV chillers, BAC cooling towers, and Wilo pumps deliver high-efficiency cooling, while a sophisticated SSD Controls BMS optimises operations and monitors energy usage. Hot water storage tanks enable off-peak heating, enhancing efficiency and dual-transformer redundancy ensures uninterrupted operation. The multi-phase rollout integrates legacy systems progressively, overcoming space and logistical constraints. This precinct-wide approach standardises comfort, reduces maintenance, and exemplifies a forward-looking, sustainable infrastructure upgrade for long-term campus climate control.
Image Credit: Lombard Consulting Engineers
SEPTEMBER
INSIDE A STATE-OF-THE-ART AIR- CONDITIONED BANANA RIPENING FACILITY Bracken Refrigeration Services( BRS) completed the DCS-ZIRE Farmwise facility for Subtropico, incorporating 42 purpose-built ripening rooms and a packing area in north Pretoria. The project delivers precise banana ripening with advanced ethylene, temperature, humidity and CO2 control, supported by CAREL and Dixell controllers. Four rooftop AC units maintain stable conditions in pre-cooling and packaging zones, while dual-discharge coils ensure uniform airflow through stacked produce. Energy efficiency was optimised via Copeland scroll compressors, LED lighting and 12V DC control components. Custom copper fittings, insulated panels and in-house DB boards contributed to a rapid five-month delivery, highlighting BRS’ s expertise in large-scale, highperformance agricultural refrigeration.
Image Credit: © RACA Journal
OCTOBER
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND INTEGRATED CO2 SYSTEM COOLS MAKRO STORE, PROMISING EFFICIENCY GAINS Future Green Now( FGN) engineers delivered South Africa’ s first integrated CO2 refrigeration and air-conditioning system at Massmart Makro East London. The unified plant, supplying both DX AHUs and refrigeration racks, utilises CO2’ s low GWP while offering projected energy savings of 20 – 25 % and waste heat recovery for hot water. Stainless steel piping, high-pressure CO2-compatible coils, and CAREL controls ensure operational safety, precise climate control, and BMS integration. The system supports retail, liquor and administrative zones, with adiabatic gas coolers for efficient heat rejection. This pioneering project demonstrates sustainable, high-performance refrigeration innovation with potential replication across Massmart stores.
Image Credit: Future Green Now
NOVEMBER
BOOSTING SHOPRITE AND WEST PACK RETAIL EXPERIENCE In 2024, AOS Consulting Engineers supported by Metro Air Conditioning Services, upgraded Shoprite and West Pack retail sites in Pretoria using Sinclair SRF280 rooftop units. These large-scale RTUs deliver reliable, energyefficient climate control while minimising operational disruption and noise. Key features include V-shaped, Golden Fin-treated coils, multi-stage compressor regulation, precise 500-step electronic expansion valve control, and Building Management System integration via BACNET. Advanced technologies, such as two-stage evaporation and three-variable co-ordinated control, ensure stable indoor
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