www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2024 15
Business
EUGENE LE ROUX ’ S ALMOST FIVE DECADES IN HVAC & R
By Eamonn Ryan
Eugene Le Roux , a seasoned mechanical engineer with nearly five decades of experience , reflects on his journey through various areas of technical expertise .
Born in Uitenhage , near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape , Le Roux ' s early fascination with technical concepts was evident from a tender age . This ultimately led him to spend 30 years at Armscor , covering a wide array of responsibilities but with vehicle air conditioning being a central interest . During his formative years in Uitenhage , at the age of 12 he found himself captivated by the intricacies of electricity , a spark that ignited his lifelong passion for engineering . Throughout his high school years , Le Roux delved into experiments with electrical sets and transistors , laying the groundwork for his future endeavours .
Eugene le Roux , attending the SAIRAC Evapco factory visit in April .
“ After completing my army training in Grahamstown , I embarked on an academic journey , eventually finding my way to Stellenbosch University to pursue mechanical engineering – thanks to a bursary . While my initial focus was not specifically on
Supplied by Le Roux © RACA Journal air conditioning , my studies heavily emphasised thermodynamics and heat transfer – subjects that would later become instrumental in an exploration of HVAC systems .”
Reflecting on his academic pursuits , Le Roux recalls the significance of heat transfer as a foundational aspect of air conditioning and refrigeration . While the subject may not have been as expansive in his earlier years , his thirst for knowledge led him to deepen his understanding of heat transfer in recent times . He recognises the pivotal role of this knowledge in unravelling the complexities of energy processes , highlighting the interconnectedness of various engineering disciplines .
Throughout his career , Le Roux ' s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation has been evident . His willingness to delve into the nuances of HVAC systems , coupled with an innate curiosity and analytical mindset , has enabled him to enjoy a wide-ranging career within the fast-evolving landscape of mechanical engineering .
As Le Roux shares his insights and experiences , it is clear that his journey is far from over . With each passing year , he remains steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge , embracing new challenges with a sense of curiosity and determination that defines his remarkable career in engineering . “ I like to think of myself as a lifelong learner and passionate educator , in a career that included being a lecturer for three and a half years at Port Elizabeth Technikon teaching chiefly thermodynamics , hydraulics and electrical subjects . I had an almost insatiable curiosity and a deepseated desire to impart knowledge .”
As a lecturer , he found fulfilment in elucidating complex theories and principles to eager minds , a role he embraced with enthusiasm . “ I believe I had an innate ability to simplify intricate concepts and convey them with a clarity which resonated with students . This in turn fostered a culture of curiosity and dedication within the classroom ,” he explains .
However , the allure of practical engineering eventually drew him away from academia , prompting him to seek hands-on experience in the field . He spent three years at the Ford car factory in Port Elizabeth involved in product development for
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2024 15