© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2024 29
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EUGENE LE ROUX ’ S 50 YEARS IN HVAC & R
By Eamonn Ryan
Eugene Le Roux , a seasoned mechanical engineer with nearly five decades of experience , reflects on his journey through various spheres of technical expertise .
Born in Uitenhage , near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape , Eugene
Le Roux ’ s early fascination with technical concepts was evident from a tender age . This ultimately led him to spend 30 years at Armscor , covering a wide array of responsibilities but with vehicle air conditioning being a central interest .
He found himself captivated by the intricacies of electricity at the age of 12 – a spark that ignited a lifelong passion for engineering . Throughout his high school years , Le Roux experimented with electrical sets and transistors , laying the groundwork for his future endeavours .
“ After completing my army training in Grahamstown , I embarked on an academic journey , eventually finding my way to Stellenbosch University to pursue mechanical engineering , thanks to a bursary . While my initial focus was not specifically on air conditioning , my studies heavily emphasised thermodynamics and heat transfer , subjects that would later become instrumental in my exploration of HVAC systems .”
Reflecting on his academic pursuits , Le Roux recalls the significance of heat transfer as a foundational aspect of air conditioning and refrigeration . While the subject may not have been as expansive in his earlier years , his thirst for knowledge led him to deepen his understanding of heat transfer in recent times . This was key to unravelling the complexities of energy processes , highlighting the interconnectedness of various engineering disciplines .
Throughout his career , Le Roux ’ s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation has been evident . His willingness to delve into the nuances of HVAC systems , coupled with an innate curiosity and analytical mindset , has enabled him to enjoy a wide-ranging career within the fast-evolving landscape of mechanical engineering .
It is clear that Le Roux ’ s journey is far from over . With each passing year , he remains steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge , embracing new challenges with a sense of curiosity and determination that defines his career in engineering . “ I like to think of myself as a lifelong learner
and passionate educator , in a career that included being a lecturer for three and a half years at Port Elizabeth Technikon teaching chiefly thermodynamics , hydraulics , and electrical subjects . I had an almost insatiable curiosity and a deep-seated desire to impart knowledge .”
As a lecturer , he found fulfilment in elucidating complex theories and principles to eager minds , a role he embraced with gusto . “ I believe I had an innate ability to simplify intricate concepts and convey them with a clarity which resonated with students . This in turn fostered a culture of curiosity and dedication within the classroom ,” he explains .
However , the allure of practical engineering eventually drew him away from academia , prompting him to seek hands-on experience in the field . He spent three years at the Ford car factory in Port Elizabeth involved in product development for aircon , engine cooling and rear axles – the latter , he explains , having a considerable cooling component due to the heat generated . There were the inevitable setbacks with certain projects , such as an early unsuccessful air conditioning system for the Ford Cortina , but he says , “ learning from failures and gaining practical experience in problem-solving was invaluable ”.
The bulk of his career was spent at Armscor ( 33.5 years ) as a system engineer on the Rooikat armoured car . At Armscor , Le Roux gained invaluable insights into product development and engineering challenges , albeit shrouded in confidentiality due to the nature of the work .
“ Developing air conditioning systems for armoured vehicles is a unique challenge due to their compact design and internal heat sources . My experience on the Rooikat spanned over two decades , and presented a distinct challenge due to its design , wherein the driveline and engine were enclosed within the vehicle ’ s shell , leading to the accumulation of heat . Our collaboration with local contractors led to the development of an air conditioning system capable of operating under these extreme conditions , requiring approximately 19 kilowatts of cooling capacity ,” he says . RACA
© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I August 2024 29