© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 21
Events and Exhibitions
NEW ZOO FANS Nico Koegelenberg , managing director of DuctSox , says : “ At FRIGAIR 2025 , we ’ re excited to showcase our new ZOO ( Zone of Occupancy ) fans , a standout addition to our product lineup . These small destratification fans are designed to circulate air within spaces , reducing air stratification in areas with ceiling heights up to 42ms . Despite their compact size , ZOO fans are highly energy-efficient and can significantly enhance airflow , boosting employee productivity by creating a more comfortable environment . Each ZOO fan is customised to meet the specific needs of our clients , and while we won ’ t have our drop ceiling destratification fan on display , it ’ s another option we offer for effective air circulation in different spaces .
“ In terms of addressing industry trends , all DuctSox products come with Environmental Product Declarations ( EPDs ), which detail the environmental impact of our solutions . These documents help clients make more informed decisions regarding sustainability . We ’ re also introducing Opti-X , our latest fabric innovation – the world ’ s first ISO-5 certified air dispersion fabric . This cutting-edge textile offers antimicrobial , antistatic , and nonshed properties , setting a new standard in both performance and hygiene ,” explains Koegelenberg .
“ The ZOO fans themselves are designed with nonconstriction in mind , ensuring high output efficiency . With the use of Best Available Technology ( BAT ), they offer premium efficiency , and their innovative impeller design minimises blade turbulence , leading to quieter operation while maintaining toptier efficiency .”
As for how DuctSox products align with current market demands , he notes that the ZOO fans feature control options that adjust fan speed based on temperature differentials between the ceiling and floor levels . This ensures optimal performance and energy savings . Additionally , using DuctSox systems instead of traditional metal ducts helps reduce carbon consumption and promotes a more uniform distribution of airflow throughout the system , contributing to eco-friendly solutions .
“ Looking ahead , we see digitisation and IoT playing a crucial role in the future of HVAC and refrigeration . The industry is increasingly demanding connected and smart technologies , with products now expected to offer real-time communication about equipment status . We ’ re committed to integrating these advancements into our controls , enhancing safety , comfort , and operational efficiency in the spaces where our products are installed ,” he adds .
REFRIMATE INTRODUCES CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS Raeesa Patel , a representative from Refrimate , recently shared insights into the company ’ s innovative approach to refrigeration technology and sustainability , ahead of their showcase at FRIGAIR 2025 . Refrimate is set to introduce cutting-edge products designed to address industry challenges , including new muto and cyclonic oil separators , R290 condensing units for use in deli fridges , and components for multiplex systems . These new
A selection of images from Frigair 2022 . offerings are tailored to enhance performance , energy efficiency and environmental sustainability .
One of the standout features of Refrimate ’ s upcoming products is their focus on extending the lifespan of refrigeration systems by addressing a common industry issue — oil-related compressor failures . According to Patel , a staggering 90-95 % of compressor failures are caused by oil-related problems . To tackle this , Refrimate is unveiling a state-of-the-art oil separator that ensures up to 99 % of oil is returned to the compressor , preventing oil depletion and significantly prolonging the compressor ’ s life . This innovative solution aligns with the growing demand for more efficient , reliable refrigeration systems in today ’ s market .
Sustainability is another key focus for Refrimate , especially in light of increasing environmental concerns . " Sustainability and environmental care are becoming increasingly important in all aspects of our lives , and the refrigeration industry is no exception ," Patel emphasises . Refrigerants , which have historically had significant environmental impacts , are now a major focus for the industry . Refrimate is responding by increasing the use of eco-friendly refrigerants and technologies , including natural gases such as CO2 and hydrocarbons , to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change . Looking to the future , Patel highlighted the growing role of digitisation and IoT ( Internet of Things ) in the refrigeration sector . " Refrigeration systems will become increasingly connected to the internet ," she says , noting that Refrimate ’ s products are already being designed to incorporate remote monitoring and optimisation features . This includes the ability to control and monitor temperature , humidity and other critical parameters remotely . The integration of AI-powered systems will allow refrigeration units to learn customer habits and adjust settings to optimize both energy use and performance , ensuring greater efficiency .
Furthermore , advanced data analytics will play a pivotal role in enhancing cold chain management . Refrimate ’ s products are designed to detect issues early and offer insights for improving refrigeration performance . As the industry moves toward smarter systems , Patel also sees the potential for refrigeration units to communicate with the smart grid , adjusting their energy consumption based on real-time pricing and grid demand .
Collaboration and partnerships are key to driving these innovations forward . While Patel mentions that Refrimate is working with several European companies to advance their
© RACA Journal www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 21