RACA Journal: ISSN 1812-772X
Hot and chilled
BACK TO REALITY?
S
o much uncertainty has plagued the last few months since COVID-19 broke out.
Drastic measures have been taken in different parts of the world to minimise the
spread. Some African countries followed suit, with government calling on citizens to
stay home until the virus had been well contained.
Many of us are slowly returning to our routines after the shutdown. I hope you’re
staying safe and healthy. We commend our government for their proactive approach in the
containment of the virus and the attention and care given to those affected. If anything,
COVID-19 has raised the need for all people to be extra careful about cleanliness and
hygiene. One thing about this industry is its proactive approach, ASHRAE has released
a guidance providing easily accessible resources for building industry professionals.
Condair has released a report (page 42) that can help HVAC engineers and contractors to
possibly prevent the virus spreading through the air. Of course, Report author, Dr Walter
Hugentobler – a retired specialist for general internal medicine, adds that the literature
review provides valuable insight into how we can create a healthier built environment,
not just in a time of crisis but in our everyday lives. This is true – many of the measures
implemented can be used way after we’ve conquered the virus. Some believe the virus may
push us closer to 4IR sooner than expected. Who knows?
The first few months of 2020 came with a lot of unforeseen situations. What the rest of
the year has in store for us, well… let’s wait and see.
What I can tell you is the May issue is filled with lots of hope and growth from industry
alike. Alfa Laval turns 100 in South Africa. They celebrated their centenary in a glamourous
white tie event. While they are proud of their past, they do look forward to the next
100 years. The company has a rich history that spans over nations and seas. Read more
about it on page 18. Then shecco graced into South Africa sharing the need to use natural
refrigerants more locally at the second ATMOsphere conference. I must say, the event was
well attended. Could this mean we are ready to save the planet (and ourselves) by being
even more creative about the kind of gas that is used for cooling equipment? Page 16 gives
an overview of what went down and what we can expect from industry professionals. What
I can say is, behaviours are changing – albeit slowly.
Ah, yes! For the first time in a long time we have a local manufacturing profile (page 69).
The company has a history of over 30 years of experience manufacturing HVAC equipment.
My takeaway from the experience is that, with the right attitude and commitment,
anything is possible. If you are, (or know of) a local HVAC equipment manufacturer that can
also be profiled, send me a mail and we will be glad to feature them.
While interacting with some veterans, I came across an individual who shared the
importance of cleaning and maintaining cooling equipment. Apparently, failure to do this
has the potential of increasing the electricity bill. I found this interesting as it isn’t often I
hear about this. Read the K-CEP report (page 10) and Richard Fennelly’s point of view
(page 37) and share your thoughts with me.
A lot of innovative and impressive things are happening in this space. The main project
has a whopping 17 large zoned central air handling units servicing over 30 000m 2 of office
space. You have to read it to believe it (page 49).
Share your thoughts, comments and anything else in between. Chat soon. RACA
Dale Macnamara
Business unit lead | [email protected]
www.hvacronline.co.za
www.hvacronline.co.za
RACA Journal I May 2020
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