www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 37
Project
1 2
Supplied by SAMAC
1 and 2 : The work progresses .
• Reduces HVAC power consumption by 25 – 35 %
• Minimises HVAC run time by 15 – 20 %
• Maintenance free and requires no servicing
• Moisture and humidity resistant , mould growth resistant
• Sustains building comfort for hours after conditioning
• Lowers demand on fossil fuel energy and carbon foot print
• Life expectancy of more than 100 years , can be used for peak tariff charge targeting
Customers until now have been Chase Bank , Google , Microsoft , AT & T , universities , high schools and hospitals , with the Standard Bank project having been the first in South Africa .
This pioneering approach not only enhances energy resilience but also minimises environmental impact , aligning with clients ’ – such as Standard Bank ' s – sustainability objectives .
Swana describes the first project the company has completed which now represents a prototype that can be rolled out more broadly : “ At its core , the ENRG blanket harnesses the power of BioPCMs to optimise energy utilisation within HVAC systems . Unlike traditional approaches to energy efficiency , which often focus on auxiliary systems like lighting , the ENRG blanket targets the most significant contributor to energy consumption – HVAC systems . By introducing a technology that directly impacts HVAC efficiency , the blanket offers tangible and substantial energy savings .”
Located in Standard Bank ’ s office complex in Constantia , the project site encompasses a sprawling complex , housing multiple blocks , including call centre facilities . SAMAC Engineering Solutions collaborated closely with Standard Bank to
Supplied by SAMAC
implement the ENRG blanket technology within specific blocks of the complex , optimising energy utilisation for enhanced occupant comfort .
The genesis of the project can be traced back to SAMAC Engineering ' s strategic partnership with PCS , a leading innovator in BioPCM technology based in the US . Recognising the potential of BioPCMs in energy storage applications , SAMAC embarked on a journey to introduce the technology to the South African and African market as part of its product offerings .
The company signed a distribution agreement with PCS and is currently poised to commence local manufacturing . The ENRG blanket , alongside its cold chain derivative – the Apollo Panel – is set to benefit energy storage solutions across diverse industries , from commercial buildings to food preservation facilities .
Looking ahead , SAMAC Engineering envisions a future where BioPCM technology becomes ubiquitous , enabling businesses to embrace low-cost energy-efficient practices .
Swana keeping an eye on things .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2024 37