Feature
PLUG AND PLAY
HVAC EQUIPMENT
By Ntsako Khosa
Portable HVAC equipment is slowly gaining traction both commercially
and recreationally. We look at this aspect of the sector.
A
ccording to local suppliers of portable HVAC equipment, it
is steadily becoming more popular. Mechanical engineer,
Mpumzi Swana from Samac Engineering says, “The portable
HVAC equipment market is a growing market in the country
and this growth has led to various international companies
introducing their portable products into the country”.
Such equipment can be used for a range of heat-related
and comfort challenges year-round. Aggreko sector manager,
temperature control, Kagiso Makgatho describes the equipment
as mainly air conditioners used for:
• events,
• when the installed air conditioning system is under repairs,
or
• it cannot cope with the load required.
Portable HVAC
equipment comes
in different
sizes and
meets various
requirements of
the user.
28
BACK TO BASICS
Swana details the definition of portable air conditioners as:
“completely self-contained units, making them fully mobile and
easy to set up in any room. Portable air conditioners are self-
restricted air conditioning devices ideal for the cooling process
in smaller areas, especially single rooms, bedrooms, computer
rooms, dens, garages and other compact places. These air
conditioning systems are placed on the ground and can be set
“Chillers are used for temporary ice rinks or during the harvest
period, chillers are also used for planned maintenance or
shutdowns. They can also be used when there is an increase
in load or demand on the current system. Furthermore,
heat exchangers are used in temporary situations such as a
breakdown on the equipment on site. While dehumidifiers are
used to remove moisture from construction sites,” he says.
Swana shares the same sentiments stating, “these can be used
to provide air conditioning in venues that host events such as
in tents or marquees and in server rooms. They also provide air
conditioning in buildings that do not have fixed air conditioning
units such as shops, small offices and/or homes.
“One of the main reasons why people purchase portable
HVAC equipment is for its mobility. Portable units are useful in
spaces where the occupants cannot or are not allowed to make
physical alterations to a building,” Swana adds.
RACA Journal I February 2020
www.hvacronline.co.za