Feature demand factors which is an interesting situation for equipment manufacturers . Every time a new refrigerant is released , in terms of a manufacturing perspective , you have to adjust your whole production processes because not all refrigerants have the same properties . This naturally causes price implications that need to be considered ,” says Ndelu .
The transition to R32 refrigerant is where each supplier is going to end up either way . Mostly they already have these systems available but haven ' t introduced them as yet to the local market for a number of reasons , one being resistance . This is the same scenario when R410a was introduced many years ago and everyone dug their heels in . The same resistance can be expected because right now R32 is more expensive and runs at higher pressures , and so it ' s getting considered in the same way . Overseas , R32 systems are already being installed as the norm and factories are ready for the shift .
“ One of the biggest plus points where I think the Korean companies like Samsung will be strong , is their digital and control technology . They are continuously developing and changing these aspects to make everything more effortless . The controllers already include great features and have moved to a touch screen function which allows the user to navigate it as easily as they would their own Samsung cell phone . Samsung ’ s strategy is to keep things simple and easy to use ,” notes du Plessis .
“ VRF is so flexible and efficient , and these systems are getting more and more intelligent . In fact , they are getting to a point now where , as Tinus has mentioned , wireless communication is coming in and all you will have to do in future is provide power to the units . IoT is a big reality for the world and with all the available technology we may expect to see incorporation of a different level via all the smart devices we possess . Our phones , watches and cars already have intelligence , and it would not be unreasonable to think that all these technologies can be linked , so , when you are feeling too hot or too cold , for example , your watch will identify this from your body temperature and automatically communicate this to the AC system to adjust the temperature when you walk into your office . We already have extremely intelligent scientists that are doing amazing things , and this is where Mitsubishi is pushing in the right direction ,” says Ferdinandi .
“ In our opinion , we are all trying to cut down on the amount of refrigerant moving through a building , but the time will come where this aspect will become very strict to mandatory in South Africa , so depending on the type of refrigerant used ( in terms of GWP and OD ), the companies like Toshiba that are focusing on different technology to solve this will be a step ahead . We have already started cutting back on the amount of refrigerant and have removed the liquid receiver in our outdoor units to be able to operate our systems with less refrigerant . Safety aspects will also become more regulated going forward and the requirements for leak detection systems and system shut-offs we believe will become critical ,” adds Bester .
“ Change is indeed inevitable and Daikin kickstarted the transition by pioneering the introduction of R32 into South Africa . We see this as a vital part of being a sustainable manufacturer / brand . We expect going forward that we will continue taking the lead on this . We cannot comment on other suppliers on how soon they will make the shift or what has made them decide to wait . We can only comment that based on what we see happening in other markets that alternatives are available for most brands offered in South Africa , and we believe this is a missed opportunity for the South African market which we obviously regret . Daikin will continue to challenge itself in the technical development of new technologies that will support the global goal of CO₂ emission reductions ,” concludes Daikin . RACA
CONTENT SOURCES AND OPINIONS : 1 . AHI Carrier Toshiba 2 . Daikin Airconditioning 3 . Fourways Airconditioning 4 . Gree Airconditioning 5 . HCM Contractors 6 . Mitsubishi Electric Airconditioning
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I July 2021 27