www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I April 2025 35
Project
Climate Wizard system was a critical choice due to its ability to function with a minimal energy footprint. The units operate at 14 kW, compared to the 25 kW that would be required by traditional air conditioning systems.
The insulation panels were supplied and installed by Isowall, which constructed the internal structure of the storage facility, providing a key component for the cooling system’ s efficiency. The project required precise coordination due to the space’ s size, the high-altitude work and the use of heavy machinery such as scissor lifts to install the equipment.
" The biggest challenge was working at such heights, especially when installing the ducting and structural elements. The installation had to be precise, as we were working with a very tall warehouse that required the cooling system to function optimally at every level."
Despite these obstacles, the installation passed all trials with the system now operational. The facility had already begun the process of moving in products ahead of the official handover at the end of December.
The cooling system has also been designed to maintain consistent air quality and temperature throughout the warehouse, with the inclusion of de-stratification fans ensuring even airflow across the entire facility. These fans‘ stir’ the air, preventing uneven temperature distribution that could affect the stored pharmaceutical products, says Britz.
SUSTAINABILITY CONTRIBUTIONS The project at IMCD Group ' s pharmaceutical storage facility has raised important points regarding the sustainability of cooling systems, feedback from clients and the system’ s scalability.
The Climate Wizard indirect evaporative cooling system provides a significant environmental benefit through its use of water and minimal energy consumption. Unlike conventional air conditioners that rely on artificial refrigerants( which often contribute to global warming), the Climate Wizard uses only water, making it a more sustainable option.
One key sustainability feature is that this system uses considerably less water than direct evaporative cooling solutions. While it does consume water, it’ s far more efficient, and the water that evaporates into the air doesn ' t lead to water wastage like other systems might.
“ Feedback from clients, C. Steinweg Chemical Logistics and IMCD, has been overwhelmingly positive. A similar project, one hospital in Johannesburg, provided an insightful benchmark. After installing five Climate Wizard units for improved climate
Installing the Climate Wizards.
“ The biggest challenge was working at such heights, especially when installing the ducting and structural elements.”
control, the hospital reported saving R1-million in electricity costs in the first year alone. This not only demonstrates the efficiency of the system but also highlights its potential for paying for itself within a relatively short period,” says Britz.
He notes increasing awareness and adoption of the Climate Wizard system.“ It is gaining traction in sectors such as agriculture( notably wine farms), where temperature and humidity control are crucial, and in data centres, although the latter is still a developing market. The technology is now specified more frequently by consulting engineers, contributing to its growing popularity.”
MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING The Climate Wizard system is low-maintenance. The key components include fans, pumps and filters, which require
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I April 2025 35