40 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I October 2026
PROJECT project
Achieving these conditions demanded careful system sizing, precise control and strategic scheduling to pre-condition spaces ahead of occupancy. Meanwhile, larger public areas such as the theatre and exhibition hall operate within more conventional ranges of 22 – 24 ° C, albeit with the added challenges of changing occupant densities and variable loads.
The rooftop plant area houses multiple VRF outdoor units and associated services that provide flexible climate control across the convention centre.
One of the more innovative aspects of the system is its integration of heat recovery for domestic hot water generation. Using VRF hydro kits, waste heat rejected during cooling processes is captured and repurposed to produce hot water at temperatures between 65 ° C and 75 ° C. This not only improves overall system efficiency but also eliminates the need for
separate boiler systems. Importantly, the elevated temperatures assist in mitigating Legionella risk. Recirculation systems ensure that hot water is provided‘ on demand’ and minimise water waste.
Despite the sophistication of the final design, the path to implementation was anything but straightforward. The ICC is, in many respects, a living project, developed over a period exceeding a decade in its construction. Equipment
40 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I October 2026