www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2024 27
Feature
“ Energy efficiency and sustainability will continue to drive product innovation as regularity compliance increases and as organisations aim towards future net-zero goals .
“ Products will become more intelligent with a wider range of onboard sensory and controls with integration into wider process control systems .
“ Hybrid products and solutions where evaporative- , aircooled- recovery systems will be used in combination to cater for various environmental considerations .
“ Ice storage solutions might come ( back ) in favour as a store of thermal energy as green energy becomes more available and therefore being able to store thermal energy when electricity is not available .
“ Globally , the energy demands of cooling ( comfort and data centre ) and industrial refrigeration are expected to increase so we envisage a move back towards evaporative cooling systems in some form and this will also happen in South Africa ; where energy management will more important and users become more environmentally conscious .”
“ As mentioned above , BAC incorporates design reviews in the lifecycle planning of its products , but also aims to solve specific challenges our customers experience and includes traditional evaporative- , hybrid- , adiabatic and jumbo dry systems .
“ We are also focused to further develop our products that solve specific challenges in emerging industries like , data centers , green hydrogen , carbon capture among others ,” adds Nortje . RACA
GELATO GOES GREEN – IWC ’ S WATER SAVING , COOLING SOLUTION
• Supplied by IWC In the quest to balance efficiency and sustainability , businesses often face significant challenges . For Gelatissimo , an authentic Italian gelateria based in Glenhazel , the sporadic cooling water requirements of their machines posed a substantial problem . Each production cycle necessitated a quick and efficient supply of cold water , which traditionally led to high water consumption and elevated operational costs .
THE CHALLENGE : HIGH WATER COSTS AND WASTE Gelatissimo ’ s production process was heavily impacted by the need for rapid cooling water . The existing system was not only costly but also wasteful , affecting the company ’ s bottom line and environmental footprint . This inefficiency underscored the urgent need for a solution that could provide immediate cooling while conserving water and reducing expenses .
EXPLORING SOLUTIONS : CHILLER SYSTEMS VS PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES The search for a solution began with considering the installation of a chiller . However , the capital investment required , and the physical size of the chiller made this option unfeasible . Gelatissimo needed a budget-friendly , spaceefficient alternative that would offer a tangible return on investment without compromising on performance .
THE IDEAL SOLUTION : IWC ’ S COMPLETE SERVICE IWC offered a comprehensive service package . This included the supply of a compact EWK036 cooling tower , the installation of the entire system , and the necessary water treatment equipment . The fact that IWC could deliver all these services within Gelatissimo ’ s budget was the critical factor in their decision .
IWC ’ s cooling solutions cater to a wide range of industries , from the small gelateria like Gelatissimo to large-scale manufacturing plants and even power stations . We specialise in providing bespoke , engineered solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each industry .
MEASURABLE BENEFITS : SIGNIFICANT WATER SAVINGS Since implementing IWC ’ s cooling tower system , Gelatissimo has seen measurable benefits . The new system has dramatically reduced water usage , aligning with the company ’ s commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness . These significant water savings translate directly to lower operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint , showcasing the tangible impact of the solution .
Gelatissimo ’ s experience with IWC is a testament to the power of innovative , budget-conscious engineering solutions . By addressing the cooling water challenge effectively , IWC has not only helped Gelatissimo cut costs but also significantly reduce water waste , paving the way for a more sustainable future in gelato production .
Gelatissimo and IWC ’ s partnership demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and comprehensive service delivery can solve complex industrial challenges . As part of the ongoing relationship , IWC will continue to support Gelatissimo with maintenance and optimisation to ensure sustained benefits .
“ Since implementing IWC ’ s cooling tower system , Gelatissimo has seen measurable benefits ..”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2024 27