www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 31
Project
ECO-FRIENDLY AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM UPGRADES
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan with technical input from Nigel Pengelly , managing member of VMG Consultants , and Frikkie Kleyns , technical manager at Elmec Airconditioning
To reduce energy usage and minimise waste , VMG Consultants is assisting Pick ' n Pay in modernising the air conditioning systems across multiple stores with cutting-edge , energy-efficient technology . This upgrade is also preventing more than 15 tonnes of waste from being sent to landfills .
During the 2020 renovation of Pick n Pay On Nicol , the retailer made a notable environmental impact by opting to refurbish its air handling units ( AHUs ) instead of replacing them completely .
Nigel Pengelly , managing member of VMG Consultants , explained that 14 stores have already benefited from AHU refurbishments , with another 17 set to follow . This process involves converting water-cooled packaged units to air-cooled ones , with a strong emphasis on reducing and reusing waste to promote sustainability . Each refurbishment keeps approximately half a tonne of non-recyclable polystyrene out of landfills , supporting the wider adoption of this eco-friendly approach .
“ Existing equipment , which is 20 years old but essentially relies on technology which is over 40 years old and therefore was designed and installed using energy-inefficient technology – because there were no alternatives . By using new technology such as computer-aided design and sophisticated computer programs , today we can optimise a supermarket ’ s airconditioning units and reduce the size and running costs of equipment required that are 30- 60 % more efficient ,” says Pengelly .
In one refurbishment project , Pengelly points out that a direct replacement would have cost Pick n Pay ’ s landlord approximately R13 million , whereas the refurbishment of the air-conditioning system amounted to just R8.5 million . “ There are huge savings to be made if you do it right .”
Pengelly , a key figure in the refurbishment project , emphasises the notable benefits
Old vs revamped box . of utilising LG ' s advanced control systems . “ LG , along with other major manufacturers , now offers comprehensive control solutions for their equipment . This ‘ one-stop-shop ’ approach simplifies relatively complex control logic and ensures seamless compatibility with their highly technical equipment ."
LG ’ s innovation goes beyond conventional air conditioning units . Its Smart 5 Controller , along with a matching I / O ( input / output ) module , marks a significant advancement in control technology . This system offers full control over all HVAC components , extending beyond just LG ' s own equipment .
“ What sets LG apart is its high-quality ‘ built-in ’ controlprogrammes and ease of programming for the end-user . Unlike outsourcing alternative controls where software development might be tedious and fraught with time-consuming problems , LG ’ s controllers are supported by an inhouse team that produces tried and tested well-designed programs , which are constantly being improved and updated at no additional cost . This means you get advanced features without the need for extensive customised programming and expensive upgrades .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 31
All images supplied by Elmec Airconditioning .