24 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2026
AI
FEATURE SERIES artificial intelligence
• Second, AI enables real-time optimisation. By constantly adjusting system behaviour in response to load changes, occupancy, weather conditions and even live electricity prices, AI-driven controls can dramatically cut energy consumption. In a region burdened with high tariffs and supply constraints, these adaptive efficiencies offer immediate relief to building owners and operators.
• Third, AI unlocks data-driven decision making. With the rapid growth of IoT-connected devices, building managers now have access to granular operational data that was previously impossible to capture. Consumption patterns, refrigeration performance metrics and comparative site data can be analysed and managed remotely, turning data into a strategic asset rather than an operational by-product.
Danfoss is among the companies driving this transition, particularly through its Alsense platform – an AI-enabled, cloud-based ecosystem designed for refrigeration and HVAC operators. Alsense consolidates real-time monitoring, inefficiency detection, remote control, predictive analytics, energy optimisation and multi-site management into a single interface. For operators managing expansive retail networks or cold-chain facilities, this level of visibility and automation represents a step-change in operational resilience.
A glimpse of what full AI integration can achieve is demonstrated by the Danfoss Smart Store in Denmark. This fully functioning supermarket doubles as an application development centre, integrating AI-enabled refrigeration, heat recovery, HVAC, energy storage and even EV charging into one intelligent energy ecosystem.
As electricity costs rise and grid instability persists, energy efficiency is no longer optional. It is becoming a cornerstone of commercial survival. By adapting international best practice – especially AI-enabled European technologies – to African realities, companies aim to support a local transition toward a smarter, more efficient and more sustainable refrigeration and HVAC future.
LG LAUNCHES AI-DRIVEN MULTI VI SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR AFRICAN CONDITIONS LG Electronics South Africa has taken a decisive step forward in the HVAC industry with the launch of its new Multi VI Variable Refrigerant Flow( VRF) system – a fully AI-integrated solution designed to maximise performance, energy efficiency and reliability under Africa’ s unique climatic conditions.
The launch event in October 2025 gathered key industry players, contractors and distributors for an immersive
24 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I June 2026