www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2025 27
Feature
12h15 – 13h00
13h00 – 13h45
14h30 – 15h00
15h15 – 15h45
Cooling as a Service( case studies and success stories)
Improvement of ammonia refrigeration systems
The advantages of Adiabatic and Floating condensation in refrigeration systems
Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants
A case study on how CaaS can optimise uptime and efficiency of refrigeration systems through the use of data.
With the rapid increase in global energy costs and the pressure to reduce carbon emissions, designers are constantly seeking new ways to improve the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. Traditional two-stage ammonia systems already provide excellent efficiency in low-temperature applications, but this could be improved if ambient heat sinks are utilized.
The high discharge temperatures of ammonia booster compressors provide an opportunity to reject heat directly to the atmosphere. This reduces the induced load on the high-stage compressor and results in lower system power consumption. After reviewing different methods to achieve low-stage de-superheating, it was found that the use of simple evaporative condenser technology may hold the key to cost-effective improvements.
This presentation deals with the potential reduction in peak power that could be achieved by introducing a low-stage de-superheating circuit into the refrigeration system design, combined with a high-pressure liquid subcooler. Results from a test site are included to review the performance of the evaporative condenser in a de-superheating application.
Adiabatic condensation enhances system efficiency by pre-cooling the air before it reaches the condenser, especially under high ambient temperatures— reducing energy consumption and improving performance. Floating condensation further optimizes efficiency by allowing the condensing pressure to vary with outdoor conditions, rather than staying fixed. This reduces compressor workload and operating costs. Together, these technologies significantly improve energy efficiency, system reliability, and sustainability in modern refrigeration applications
How the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly refrigerants is shaping the future of cooling solutions to achieve lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Dawie Kriel- general manager of Energy Partners Refrigeration. Kriel has postgraduate qualifications in thermodynamics, airconditioning and refrigeration with concentrated experience over the last 30 years in industrial refrigeration, drying systems, pack house, cold room and cold chain system design.
Hannes Steyn- senior director divisional representative HRT region WEMEA | Southern & Eastern Africa – GEA. Steyn studied Mechanical Engineering at Stellenbosch University and project management at the University of Cape Town. He registered with Engineering Council of South Africa( ECSA) as a professional engineer in 1999 and has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. He is an active member of SAIRAC and received the SAIRAC special meritorious service award in 2020. He is also a member of the International Institute of All Natural Refrigerants.
Steyn has a keen interest in heat pumps as well as energy optimisation and recovery in industrial refrigeration systems.
Thiago Fernandes is a mechanical engineer and has worked at Full Gauge Controls since 2020, responsible for product consulting to clients around the world. He is a guest speaker at HVAC & R events in countries such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Canada and the US.
Christopher Visser, CEO of Multilayer Trading.
THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2025 – UPDATED LEGISLATION, NEW OCCUPATIONS AND TRADE TESTING
DAY 2 DISCUSSES CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATION AS WELL AS NEW OCCUPATIONS AND TRADE TESTING WITHIN THE HVAC & R ENVIRONMENT.
Time: Topic: Description: Speaker name and bio:
10h00 – 10h45
11h00 – 11h30
Matters around authorised refrigeration practitioners in South Africa
Phasing out and phasing down of global warming substances and the impact on industry.
Virginia Mtshali from SAQCC Gas and David Botha, executive director of SARACCA will discuss in detail the impending phase-down of HFC refrigerants and the essential registration processes with SAQCC Gas, including matters around authorised refrigeration practitioners in South Africa, electronic COCs and regulations.
The latest details around South Africa’ s progress and obligations with regards to the phase out and phase down of global warming substances and the impact on industry. The Hydrofluorocarbons Phase-Out Management Plan( HPMP) and the phase down of HFC’ s including the 2025 HFC freeze.
Virginia Mtshali- SAQCC Gas David Botha South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association( SARACCA).
Margaret Molefi- National Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment( DFFE) and the National Ozone Unit.
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2025 27