RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 29
PROJECT
The Department of Justice also leased nearby buildings to accommodate its staff, alleviating overcrowding and enabling a more comprehensive upgrade. This logistical shuffle freed up the main building for uninterrupted construction.
Once completed, the entire High Court will reconsolidate into the refurbished main building and the two newly constructed towers, being a New Court and an 11-storey Parking & Admin Building, offering enhanced capacity, technology and climate control. At the heart of the upgrade is a robust, dual-strategy HVAC system that balances technological innovation with sitespecific challenges.
The project was originally conceived as a modest upgrade but soon evolved into a full-scale overhaul as the true extent of deterioration and infrastructure limitations became apparent. Today, it’ s a flagship government investment, with layered goals: preserve the iconic façade, modernise indoor environmental air quality, and ensure long-term resilience in a corrosive coastal environment. ebmpapst DELIVERS CUTTING-EDGE RADIPAC EC FAN TECHNOLOGY TO DURBAN HIGH COURT
ebmpapst has proudly supplied stateof-the-art RadiPac EC fans for the prestigious Durban High Court project, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in energy-efficient ventilation solutions.
This landmark installation demonstrates the company’ s commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term operational reliability in critical infrastructure projects.
The Durban High Court, an iconic building with diverse HVAC requirements, demanded a customised solution capable of meeting varying airflow demands across multiple applications. ebmpapst responded with a tailored selection of RadiPac EC fans, ranging from compact 280mm diameter impellers to larger 560mm versions. This wide performance spectrum ensures optimal airflow management, delivering superior comfort and efficiency throughout the facility.
All fans proposed and selected were rigorously evaluated to achieve the highest efficiency levels and superior performance. The project’ s focus on reliability, energy savings and sustainability aligned perfectly with ebmpapst’ s engineering philosophy. By integrating advanced EC motor technology, the RadiPac range provides not only reduced energy consumption but also enhanced durability and quiet operation – critical factors in sensitive environments such as courtrooms. project
Background image © RACA Journal © RACA Journal
Original plaque.
“ The Durban High Court, a 115-year-old structure nestled just outside the CBD, is being completely upgraded.”
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS OF THE RADIPAC EC FANS
• Active power factor correction
• THDi lower than 5 % in real conditions throughout complete speed range.
• GreenTech EC Motors: Power ranges from 500W to 8kW, offering flexibility for diverse HVAC applications.
• Configurable Electronics: Control interface adaptable to both analogue and digital signals, enabling precise system management.
• Versatile assemblies: Available in sizes from 250 – 630mm with multiple mounting designs, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of installations.
• Sustainable design: High system efficiency levels combined with magnets free of rare earth materials contribute to environmental responsibility.
• Energy saving operation: Demonstrated by a power consumption of just 4.2kW for 10 800m ³/ h at 1 000Pa.
• Low noise performance: Optimised aerodynamics ensure quiet operation, enhancing occupant comfort.
• Reliability and durability: Engineered for continuous operation, ensuring dependable performance in critical infrastructure projects.
By combining cutting-edge technology with proven reliability, ebmpapst’ s RadiPac EC fans not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Durban High Court project. The solution underscores the company’ s reputation for innovation, efficiency and sustainability, while setting a benchmark for modern HVAC applications in landmark buildings.
This project highlights ebmpapst’ s ongoing mission to deliver intelligent ventilation solutions that reduce energy consumption, minimise environmental impact, and ensure long-term operational resilience. With the Durban High Court installation, ebmpapst continues to demonstrate how advanced fan technology can transform building performance and contribute to a sustainable future.
Source: Supplied by ebmpapst
RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 29