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Chief of army accolade .
aircon , engine cooling and rear axles – the latter , he explains , having a considerable cooling component due to the heat generated . There were the inevitable setbacks with certain projects , such as an early unsuccessful air conditioning system for the Ford Cortina , but he says , “ learning from failures and gaining practical experience in problem-solving was invaluable ”.
The bulk of his career was spent at Armscor ( 33.5 years ) as a system engineer on the Rooikat armoured car . At Armscor , Le Roux gained invaluable insights into product development and engineering challenges , albeit shrouded in confidentiality due to the nature of the work .
“ Developing air conditioning systems for armoured vehicles
is a unique challenge due to their compact design and internal heat sources . My experience on the Rooikat spanned over two decades , and presented a distinct challenge due to its design , wherein the driveline and engine were enclosed within the vehicle ' s shell , leading to the accumulation of heat . Our collaboration with local contractors led to the development of an air-conditioning system capable of operating under these extreme conditions , requiring approximately 19 kilowatts of cooling capacity ,” he says .
Le Roux describes the multifaceted nature of heat generation within the vehicle , ranging from engine heat to the heat generated by occupants and ammunition . He emphasises the need to devise cooling solutions that accommodate the varying heat profiles of different areas within the vehicle , particularly the challenge of cooling the driver positioned at the vehicle ' s front – a significant distance from the engine .
“ This often necessitated unconventional approaches , such as utilising thin refrigerant pipes with small evaporators instead of traditional ducting . Managing the complexity of heat transfer and ventilation within the vehicle ' s compact confines requires careful consideration of factors like sunlight exposure and occupant activity .”
He lists career highlights , citing recognition received for his contributions to various projects , notably the design reviews conducted on the Rooikat armoured car subsystems ;
Supplied by Le Roux his involvement in system engineering , particularly in project baseline management , which led to accolades for the development of a tugboat in Cape Town .
Despite these achievements , Le Roux acknowledges challenges encountered throughout his career , including the theoretical nature of engineering education at university , which he believes could benefit from a greater emphasis on practical application . He critiques the tendency to teach subjects in isolation , emphasising the importance of integrating thermodynamics and heat transfer more effectively to enhance understanding and application in engineering practice .
Having retired from Armscor but still consumed with zest for life , thereafter came Le Roux ’ s entrepreneurial ventures – leading him to establish his own business where he to this day continues to apply his expertise in mechanical engineering to real-world applications . His ventures into various industries – from air conditioning to gas pipelines – underscore his versatility and adaptability as an engineer .
As he reflects on his journey , one thing remains abundantly clear : his passion for engineering extends far beyond the confines of a classroom or boardroom . It is a lifelong pursuit fuelled by a relentless thirst for knowledge and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of engineering and beyond .
“ There exists an intricate web of disciplines that intersect within mechanical engineering , highlighting the interconnectedness of thermodynamics , hydraulics , electrical engineering , and control systems in the context of air conditioning and refrigeration .” Drawing parallels between steam condensation and evaporation in boilers and the refrigeration process , Le Roux underscores the common underlying principles that govern both systems – “ emphasising the importance of a holistic understanding in engineering practice ”.
“ The integration of control systems and programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) is indicative of the evolving landscape of air conditioning technology and the need for adaptability in engineering practice .”
Drawing from his experience , Le Roux highlights the need for greater awareness of heat transfer ' s ubiquity and importance across engineering disciplines . He notes the lack of emphasis on addressing losses in machine design literature , advocating for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and managing heat transfer in engineering systems . RACA
“ 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 ”
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RACA Journal I September 2024 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za