20-year-old box . Once he realised the | |||
context , he doubly appreciated the | |||
work we had done .” | |||
Kleyn explains that the | |||
refurbishment project is designed to | |||
tackle several key issues , with a primary | |||
focus on reducing costs , enhancing | |||
environmental sustainability , and | |||
improving operational efficiency . “ One | |||
of the main reasons for refurbishing the | |||
air conditioning systems is to provide | |||
significant cost savings compared | |||
to replacing the entire unit ,” he | |||
explains . By refurbishing , they aim to | |||
retain some components , effectively |
Water cooled package unit converted to latest Pick n Pay specifications . |
||
‘ recycling ’ materials rather than simply |
In situations where full shutdowns are required , such as |
||
discarding them . |
during the peak summer season , Elmec carefully schedules |
||
When asked how Elmec ensures refurbishments don ' t disrupt |
the refurbishments to minimise disruption . “ We ensure |
||
Pick n Pay ’ s daily operations , Kleyn points to the importance of the |
that we do most of the heavy lifting during off-peak hours , |
||
preparation phase . “ A significant portion of the work can be done |
often in the evenings ,” he explains . This careful scheduling |
||
|
while the existing systems are still operational ,” he says . Most units they encounter are already partially failed , allowing Elmec to start preliminary work without affecting store performance .
“ By using the available space in plant areas , we can install new condensing units and complete much of the pipework in advance . This way , by the time the new coils arrive , we ’ ve already done about 50 % of the work .”
|
allows for seamless transitions with minimal downtime .
Kleyn also highlights the innovative LG Smart 5 controller , which significantly boosts the functionality of the refurbished systems . " This versatile controller simplifies programming and enables real-time monitoring ," he explains . The tablet-shaped device integrates seamlessly into the existing infrastructure ,
|
||
allowing technicians to manage and program the system |
|||
without needing specialised software expertise . |
|||
The LG Smart 5 controller offers a wide range of inputs |
|||
and outputs , delivering both flexibility and complete |
|||
oversight of the refrigeration system . " It allows us to |
|||
monitor critical parameters such as refrigeration pressures |
|||
and system data ," Kleyn explains . This feature enables |
|||
Elmec ’ s technical team to remotely diagnose issues before |
|||
sending technicians to the site . |
|||
“ This off-site monitoring is a game-changer as a |
|||
standard feature without the addition of expensive |
|||
building management systems ( BMS ). Unlike traditional |
|||
systems where you can only check if a unit is on or off , |
|||
the LG Smart 5 gives us detailed insights into system |
|||
performance . This means we can address potential issues |
|||
proactively , ensuring efficient operations for Pick n Pay .” |
|||
Coordination is vital in such a project . “ VMG takes |
|||
the lead on project management . They handle the |
|||
design aspect and oversee the overall quality throughout |
|||
the project . My role focuses on the installation and |
|||
communication with suppliers and manufacturers , |
|||
ensuring everything runs smoothly .” |
|||
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za |
RACA Journal
I March 2025
|
35 |
|