INSIDE THIS ISSUE
THE POWER OF INDUSTRY EXHIBITIONS REFRIGERATION TRADE JUST THE TICKET
THE IMPORTANCE OF SKILL-BASED COMPETITIONS
WHAT IS ENERGY MODELLING?
At New Zealands largest trade-only exhibition for people who design, construct and manage buildings and facilities.
XPO Exhibitions, organiser of the highly successful trade events BuildNZ, Facilities Integrate and The National Safety Show are pleased to announce the return of the HVAC&R Hub, an exciting partnership with IRHACE.
The Institute of Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand (IRHACE) have confirmed once again their 2024 feature will co-locate at these three iconic events in June next year.
With over 250 exhibiting businesses, 5,000+ delegates and thousands of product innovations on display this is set to be the largest event for your industry in 2024.
Exhibiting
For exhibiting enquiries please contact us: Events Coordinator IRHACE admin@irhace.org.nz
PUBLISHER
IRHACE/CCCANZ/RLNZ
IRHACE: www.irhace.org.nz
CCCANZ: www.cccanz.org.nz
RLNZ: www.rlnz.org.nz
EDITOR
Cassie Birrer editor@irhace.org.nz
MEMBERSHIP admin@irhace.org.nz admin@cccanz.org.nz
REFRIGERANT LICENSING & COURSES admin@rlnz.org.nz
ADVERTISING admin@irhace.org.nz
DESIGN
Bellacreative Ltd
HVAC&R CENTRE PO Box 217184
Botany Junction 2164 Auckland, New Zealand
e: admin@irhace.org.nz
e: admin@cccanz.org.nz
Just as it’s important for employees to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, it’s also crucial for businesses to ensure their staff maintain their qualifications.
In this issue, energy modelling takes the spotlight as IRHACE sits down with Sarah Daniell from eCubed to delve into its intricacies and its impact on HVAC design. Energy modelling plays a crucial role in optimising HVAC systems for efficiency and performance.
Additionally, the Southern region shares insights from their annual golf day held on St. Patrick’s Day in March, fostering camaraderie and networking within the industry.
Highlighting the achievements in the refrigeration trade, Jack Butler, a newly qualified refrigeration engineer from Taranaki, secures a spot to compete at the prestigious 47th WorldSkills International competition in France. This competition serves as a platform for showcasing skills excellence among young professionals from various countries.
A notable development in the HVAC&R sector shared in this month’s Journal is the introduction of a refrigerant and oil quality analysis kit for New Zealand. This innovation aims to proactively identify potential issues and mitigate costly repairs, marking a significant advancement in maintenance practices.
Lastly, congratulations are extended to Matt Birch M.IRHACE for his recent appointment as Compliance Certifier for WorkSafe, reinforcing the commitment to safety and quality standards within the industry.
“Competitions are about more than winning, they’re a chance to showcase your skills and network with peers and the wider industry. Entries are now open for the 2024 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition.”
PHIL MOHAN
IRHACE PRESIDENT
2023-2025
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The streets were alive with energy as the Beijer Roadrunners, fuelled by Gree New Zealand, tackled Round the Bays, New Zealand’s largest and most exhilarating fun run!
“A big thank you to all who participated and cheered us on. Let’s keep running towards our goals, one step at a time!”
Our employees are truly our greatest asset, and every day you all play a vital role in Temperzone’s ongoing success. We joined in the spirit of National Employee Appreciation Day to celebrate our hardworking teams in a special way.
While kindness and appreciation are always part of our workplace culture, it was wonderful to connect and have some extra fun together. Our Sydney manufacturing plant Management team cooked a delicious lunch, and our Sales branches across Australia also found their own unique ways to celebrate.
Thank you to all our employees for everything you contribute each and every day. We’re so lucky to have such a fantastic team!
Cooke Industries continue to operate into the night. Your needs don’t clock out, and neither do we. From dusk till dawn, count on our team to do our best to meet your needs!
A lesser-known benefit of solar power is its role in strengthening the resilience of the electrical grid. Solar panels, especially when installed on a distributed scale, can help reduce strain on the grid during peak demand periods and extreme weather events.
During power outages caused by storms or other emergencies, solar power systems with energy storage capabilities can continue to provide electricity to homes and businesses. This added resilience ensures that essential services can operate, critical medical equipment remains functional, and communities can better weather the storm, both figuratively and literally.
Encouraging women into trade roles is something that Excel is dedicated to. The team recently attended the Taranaki Women in Trades Expo 2024 on their nationwide journey to build our workforce of women.
ASHRAE members Doug Reindl (member of SSPC 15) and Stet Sanborn (member of the TFBD) were at the White House on Friday March 15 to provide technical assistance on refrigerants and heat pumps. We’re so proud of ASHRAE members for sharing their valuable technical knowledge with policy makers!
This glycol chiller has a capacity of 236Kw cooling glycol from -3.3ºc to -6ºc. Heat reclaim is fitted to heat glycol for cooling coil defrosting requirements. A lead compressor VSD is fitted. A fully customised PLC controller is fitted.
IRHACE hosted the annual Southern golf day in Christchurch on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17.
See page 26 for the full result.
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You’ve likely been to a trade exhibition, either as an exhibitor or visitor. They’re events on the calendar that provide an opportunity for businesses and professionals to demonstrate their skill and expertise, connect with the wider industry and build business relationships.
“Attending and exhibiting at expos provides a multitude of advantages on both professional and business fronts,” says XPO Group’s Lorraine Smith.
“Expos bring together industry leaders, innovators and experts under one roof. Attending workshops, seminars and demonstrations allows you to stay current on the latest trends, technologies and regulations in the HVAC&R field. Networking with peers fosters knowledge exchange and opens doors to potential collaborations.”
Expos also offer unparalleled access to a concentrated audience of decision-makers, potential clients and industry partners. By showcasing your company’s expertise at events such as the upcoming HVAC&R Hub as part of BuildNZ, you can establish brand recognition and generate valuable sales leads.
“HVAC&R Hub at BuildNZ caters to the entire building and construction ecosystem, providing an ideal platform to connect with architects, builders and facility managers who require top-notch HVAC&R solutions,” says Lorraine.
Expos offer several distinct advantages compared to other marketing channels or events: comprehensiveness, targeted audience and interactive engagement.
They provide a one-stop shop for industry knowledge, networking and product demonstrations – a concentrated format that allows you to gather a wealth of information and establish valuable connections efficiently.
When preparing to showcase your company and work at an exhibition, it’s important to be prepared.
“Establish clear goals for your participation,” says Lorraine. “Do you aim to generate leads, launch a new product, or network with specific industry players? Tailoring your approach to these goals will optimise your efforts.”
Your exhibition stand should also be carefully planned to capture attention and represent your brand. Can you provide product demonstrations? Is your staff knowledgeable and happy to chat with attendees and potential customers?
Before attending an exhibition, be sure to promote your participation through channels such as social media and email marketing.
After the event, it’s also a good idea to express your thanks to those who attended and follow up with any contacts made at the exhibition to ensure you build long-lasting business relationships.
HVAC&R Hub will be at Auckland Showgrounds from June 25-26.
Newly qualified refrigeration engineer Jack Butler is off to France. The 20-year-old from Urenui in Taranaki has been selected to compete at the 47th WorldSkills International competition. The competition is the gold standard of skills excellence. Over 1,500 young people from over 65 countries and regions will compete in 62 trade and vocational skill competitions
Jack will make a first stop in Australia in May when he competes in Melbourne at the WorldSkills Australia Global Skills competition. Then, in September, he will become the first New Zealand representative to compete at the WorldSkills International Competition in the refrigeration, heating and air conditioning skill.
This year, Jack completed his apprenticeship through Competenz and is now in his fourth year working full-time with Active Refrigeration, Taranaki. His boss, William Lovell, service manager from Active Refrigeration, encouraged Jack to compete in the 2023 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition held in Palmerston North last October.
“I said you’ve got to go to this competition, you will regret it if you don’t do it,” says William.
William had competed in the national industry competition a few years earlier. He rated it as a great event to test skills and build camaraderie. Jack placed second. This has now led to a trip to Lyon, France, to compete internationally, which was far beyond Jack’s imagination.
WorldSkills is an international network which focuses on developing skills through global training standards, benchmarking systems, and enhancing industry engagement with a strong focus on inspiring young people. The international competition has a tight age limit. For most skill areas, WorldSkills International competitors must not be older than 23 years in the calendar year of the competition.
Jack got into the refrigeration industry early. He says he had always been into engineering but didn’t want to be stuck in a workshop all day.
“At Waitara High School, I got the chance to do some work experience with Active Refrigeration in New Plymouth. Soon, I realised that was what I wanted to do and have loved it ever since.
“At Active, we do a lot of commercial and industrial refrigeration. For me, every day is different. One day might be electrical faults, the next day might be welding
or brazing pipe – you get out and see different sites.”
William is very proud. He knows Jack has great talent and drive.
“Jack completed his Year 13 work while in Year 12, then started a trade straight away. He has gone on to finish his apprenticeship in good time too – three years and one month. Knocked out all his paperwork, all his on-jobs, all of ours. Miles ahead.
“I’ve seen Jack start right from the beginning of his apprenticeship. I have seen him grow throughout his time and he really deserves the opportunity – he is always putting in extra work.”
William is heading to Lyon too. “I am going to go over as a support person and to watch the competition. I wouldn’t miss it. It’s really cool, I must say, it is probably the highlight of my career!”
Neill Adkins, Jack’s mentor, is another of the contingent preparing to head to Lyon as one of New Zealand’s Skill Experts. Neill has 21 years’ industry experience from offshore commissioning of commercial freeze-dryers to his role as service manager at Excel Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Manawatū in Palmerston North.
For the last two years, Neill has volunteered for the Wallie Askew Workskills competition – heading into the international arena feels like a great next step.
Over the next six months, Neill will be taking part in expert forums with other refrigeration and HVAC experts around the world to discuss the idiosyncrasies of the skill modules – and he will be mentoring Jack and working up a personalised training plan to prepare New Zealand’s first refrigeration competitor for France.
Carl Rankin, WorldSkills New Zealand GM, says “Through our partnership with IRHACE, it is fantastic to be able to support Jack and Neill as they represent New Zealand in Lyon and use the platform of international competition promote and showcase refrigeration and air conditioning skills which are often considered to be part of a ‘hidden’ industry.”
REGIONAL CHALLENGES
6th July - Auckland
13th July - Palmerston North
20th July - Christchurch
Top 2 finishers in each regional challenge battle it out in the Final Competition
ENTRIES OPEN
Final competition
18-19th October
Steelfort, Palmerston North
Competitions are about more than winning, they’re a chance to showcase your skills and network with peers and the wider industry
The HVAC&R sector faces constant changes; technological advancements need to be kept on top of, as well as increasing environmental concerns and changing industry regulations.
It’s an industry that requires more and more people to join. As they do, it’s important to separate yourself from the crowd to establish yourself as a knowledgeable technician that has what it takes.
Every employer looks for highly skilled individuals, and skills-based competitions can help you stand out in the employment market.
Getting involved in competitions will enhance your technical abilities and help you develop employable skills.
The benefits of participating in skills-based competitions
• Resilience
• The ability to work under pressure
• Greater technical skill development
• Enhanced teamwork and communication skills
• Development of self-reflection skills and confidence
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Time-management skills
• Networking with peers and the wider industry
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
“To see that there are lots of companies putting a lot of time into young people joining the industry and helping those young people excel is fantastic.”
- Phil Mohan
“It’s not just about competing and winning, it’s also about apprentices getting the opportunity to challenge themselves against others and learn something new,” says Trent McDonald, judge for theory electrical in last year’s Southern regional challenge.
It all starts with regional competitions
Each year, IRHACE hosts the Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition – the premier skill competition for young apprentices in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration fields in New Zealand.
Each year, regional competitions are held – Northern, Central and Southern – and test the skills and knowledge of apprentices who have the opportunity to place in one of the top two positions to go on to compete at a national level at the finals.
Competing at the global level is also an exciting possibility for entrants, with one of the competing apprentices in last year’s Wallie Askew Competition having been selected to represent the country at the 2024 WorldSkills International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Competition in Lyon, France.
If competing isn’t for you, or you’re interested in seeing what it’s all about, you’re welcome to come along and watch the action at the upcoming Wallie Askew Regionals.
“Our industry really comes together and to see that there are lots of companies putting a lot of time into young people joining the industry and helping those young people excel is fantastic,” says Phil Mohan, IRHACE president.
The regional challenges are held across New Zealand in July, with the final competition held in Palmerston North in October. We hope to see you there!
HVAC keeps us cool in summer and warm in winter. However, it can use a large amount of energy. By simulating energy use based on a building’s features and systems, such as HVAC, energy modelling can help to find ways to use this energy more efficiently – cutting usage costs and reducing the impact on the environment.
With a Master’s degree in Building Performance and Sustainability, Sarah Daniell is an associate and ESD team lead at eCubed. She keeps up to date on the latest research and innovations in the sustainable built environment including indoor environmental quality
considerations, integrated design processes, data science for the built environment, and smart building control systems.
Sarah is also a qualified Green Star Accredited Professional, Homestar assessor and NABERSNZ assessor and has worked on a range of engineering and sustainability projects, with experience in simulation and building modelling including thermal modelling, energy simulation, performance optimisation, daylight modelling, computational fluid dynamics and code compliance.
IRHACE sat down with Sarah to learn the ins and outs of energy modelling and how it can inform HVAC design.
“Energy modelling is a tool that can be useful in different ways,” says Sarah. “One way is as a design tool where you can look at the building, predict how much energy it will use, and try to reduce that – starting with passive design strategies, then moving into more active strategies, then finally offsetting your energy use by looking at solar and other renewable energy options.”
This is where the best results can be achieved – by integrating energy modelling into a building’s design process as early as possible.
“The certification or verification side of energy modelling is when we use energy modelling for, for example, Green Star ratings or building code compliance, or anything else where we’re saying this is what the design is, and we’re going to assess how it performs against fixed standards.”
There are many ways energy modelling can be used when it comes to heating and cooling.
“The simplest way it can be used, if you’re just looking specifically at HVAC, is once you’ve got an energy model, you can use it at a very basic level for system sizing. This isn’t really an energy model, it’s more of a load model. But you can produce your heating and cooling loads using the same model, which is really useful,” says Sarah.
It can also be approached in a more dynamic way by looking at energy peaks and when and where in the building those peaks occur.
“You can look at different options from a system design perspective, in terms of where you’re putting your heating and cooling and what kind of systems you’re selecting.”
Another way of using energy modelling is by setting up complex modelling that demonstrates detailed ways of controlling a HVAC system. This allows different outcomes to be assessed in terms of fine-tuning mechanical control strategies during design.
Combining HVAC with other approaches to optimise performance is also an important part of energy modelling.
“In our practice, we also look at a lot of mixed mode buildings,” says Sarah. “We look at building control using things like automatic opening windows and automatic opening vents, night purge ventilation, or various ventilation strategies to reduce the amount of active cooling we’re doing in a building.”
There can be a lack of awareness around energy modelling, including its benefits.
“It’s not just an extra cost, it can bring quite good savings – especially if you take a step back from energy modelling and look at load modelling and starting with passive building performance before you even get into the mechanical design.
“If we can optimise that early on during the concept design, we might end up spending a bit more on modelling, but then you can save money by reducing peak loads and having a more cost-effective mechanical system.”
Just as it’s important for employees to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, it’s also crucial for businesses to ensure their staff maintain their qualifications
More and more employers are taking a proactive role in supporting their employees with CPD (continuing professional development) as they continue to see the benefits of a more motivated, highly-skilled and committed workforce.
While it is up to the individual to complete CPD – which often comes within the context of their membership and involvement with industry professional bodies or institutes – it’s important for employers to support this.
“An employer can make time, resources and costs available to develop the skills of their own staff,” says Matt Birch, RLNZ chair and regional training manager for BDT (Black Diamond Technologies). “It’s a perfect marriage because it’s a case of supporting your employers in their training so they can support the business they’re working for.”
Most of your employees’ training can even be completed online, keeping any periods of ‘out of the business’ to a minimum. The flexible CPD learning options for the HVAC&R industry, available from IRHACE, include a mixture of online and in-person learning seminars alongside new business revenue and networking opportunities.
Offer your training to the industry
This is something businesses can get involved in on a larger scale, too.
“We’re always looking for new education that we can attach points to,” says Matt.
“If you’re a business that makes air handlers and you’ve got training on those, or education on how to use those, that could be something that we can take to the market. As a supplier, you can get your product out to more people and educate more people. For individuals that are then using this training, you’re gaining the knowledge to be better at what you do – it’s a win-win.
“Of course, there are different ways of doing things, and it doesn’t mean one is wrong, one is right – it means there are two different ways of doing it. Being able to present that to people who need to learn is a perfect way of doing it.
“Because we are trying to collate all of this information for the industry, the RLNZ website and the IRHACE Industry Journal are the best ways for us to tell you what’s available and simplify the whole process.”
Keep up to date on all things training related for the New Zealand HVAC&R sector by subscribing to the RLNZ newsletter on LinkedIn. https://tinyurl.com/rlnz-newsletter
While the team has previously focused on contracting jobs from companies such as Cushman & Wakefield, Superheat Electrical is expanding into the residential sector this year.
“To accommodate this expansion, we made the strategic decision to lease a property that serves a dual purpose as both a workshop/warehouse and a showroom,” says Paul Mark, director at Superheat Electrical and Air Conditioning. “The workshop area is dedicated to internal company operations, providing a space for regular toolbox meetings, discussions about concerns, and addressing health and safety issues. This ensures our team is well-equipped and informed to deliver top-quality services to our customers.”
On the other hand, the showroom has been designed to specifically cater to customers’ needs.
“It serves as a welcoming space where customers can visit us and engage in personalised discussions about their heat pump or electrical requirements. Whether they need a repair, maintenance or an upgrade for their heat pump, or seek electrical solutions for their home or new build, our showroom offers the perfect setting for one-on-one consultations.”
In the showroom, customers can expect to see a diverse range of options including Hitachi, Daikin, Gree, Mitsubishi and Panasonic.
“We have strong partnerships with leading brands, including our recent full partnership status with Hitachi. Featuring Hitachi prominently allows customers to experience the exceptional quality and advanced features of their products,” says Mark.
With homeowners being a new customer base for Superheat, the team will be participating in the Waikato Home and Garden Show later this year.
“It marks our debut appearance at this prestigious event. This allows us to showcase our brand and connect with a wider audience in the Waikato region. Our goal is to present our expertise and innovative products to homeowners and builders attending the show.”
It will also serve as a way to showcase Superheat’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, with a new initiative with Simple Green New Zealand launched to support its sustainability goals and reduce its environmental impact.
“The partnership with Simple Green New Zealand is an important step towards realising these goals,” says Mark.
“Simple Green is a renowned provider of environmentally friendly cleaning products and solutions. By partnering with them, we can access and utilise their sustainable cleaning products, which align with our commitment to reducing chemicals and minimising our ecological footprint.
“Superheat has recently embarked on multiple projects that showcase our dedication to sustainability. Specifically, we have been focused on upgrading outdated heat pumps to advanced technology heat pumps from leading brands that share our commitment to sustainability. This upgrade not only enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions but also brings about any cost savings and overall comfort for our customers.”
superheatelectrical.co.nz
What’s involved in planning and specifying HVAC for cleanroom facilities? Heatwave Mechanical’s Maksim Manko explains
What does the process look like, from design to completion?
When our clients plan on constructing or adding to their cleanroom facilities, we sit down with them and discuss specific technical requirements, to produce a brief or short specification – eg. humidity and temperature ranges, quality assurance requirements to determine the cleanroom classification and pressure cascading.
We also go through space requirements, in particular where to position the HVAC equipment (eg. air-handling units, chiller), and see how to lower their capital expenditure costs through value engineering.
From here we will work through the engineering/design aspects – fresh-air requirements, heat-load calculations, air-flow distribution according to ISO classification, room pressure analysis – consulting the client through each
phase of design to ensure we are working towards the best possible solution.
Once we have developed the solution, we work with our client and other contractors, eg. panel installers and electricians, to ensure the installation is as smooth as possible. Quality assurance throughout the installation is important, as the testing and commissioning phase –setting up the HVAC systems for a cleanroom are extremely important and require 100 percent accuracy regarding humidity and pressure cascading.
Once commissioned, the job isn’t done – close monitoring of the BMS and system performance is necessary for the first few weeks, and regular service/ maintenance of the equipment post-completion, to ensure the client’s assets continue to perform at their best and ensure a longer life-cycle.
What are the general requirements for these spaces?
Humidity and temperature control, pressure cascading (difference in pressure between various rooms/spaces), keeping the air-change-rate high to remove particles/dust with the use of HEPA filtration.
Constant monitoring, logging and data exporting is required for many of our clients, having strict Quality Assurance requirements for their overseas exports.
We also design and build heating or chilled clean water systems for use inside cleanrooms – with soft water or reverse osmosis treatment.
What challenges are typically involved in projects like this?
It is important to consider future capacities and more stringent Quality Assurance requirements for each of our customers and the systems we build for them – as our client’s market share grows and they continue to develop more technical products and they want to know their new cleanroom systems are flexible and capable of meeting such requirements.
Some clients will even need specific exhaust systems eg carbon filtration, wash bays and local exhausts of high-temperature machines – we need to make sure these don’t adversely affect the standard of the cleanroom or its air-pressure requirements.
A lot of our projects involve the expansion of existing cleanrooms – we strive to ensure the cleanrooms are always operational and there aren’t long shutdowns to integrate new systems – sometimes this may require the use of a temporary air handling unit while we remove a smaller old air-handling unit and build a new, higher spec air-handling unit in its place and integrate it without disruption.
From an engineering perspective, cleanrooms can be challenging projects to design. We recently had a process heating water system for an ISO-8 cleanroom which had 2x closed loops and 1x open loop, high temperatures, various heat exchangers, and many variables (potential scenarios) that we needed to consider in our design. This was one of the most technical projects that I have been involved in, to date – a very enjoyable project for our engineering and installation team to be involved in.
Heatwave is a one-stop-shop for design and build projects, HVAC/cleanroom piping and beyond – we have our in-house engineers, duct fabrication workshop, installation teams, project management and maintenance department.
heatwave.co.nz
Preventing potential issues and costly repairs, this new refrigerant and oil quality analysis kit is a first for the New Zealand HVAC&R sector
“With the opening of the first refrigerant testing laboratory at the A-Gas site in New Zealand last month, we’re pleased that contractors, servicing companies and system owners now have access to our full analytical services through the launch of the REFRIG HEAL+H CHECK kit,” says Mitch Williamson, country manager for A-Gas New Zealand.
An important analytical tool designed to provide a complete understanding of the quality of refrigerant and oil running through a system, the A-Gas REFRIG HEAL+H CHECK kit allows for proactive diagnosis of potential issues for system owners. It assists contractors to understand a baseline for future work to be carried out.
After using the kit, refrigerant samples are thoroughly tested and analysed by qualified technicians at the new A-Gas laboratory in Auckland.
Samples collected are tested for:
• Vapour: non-condensable gases
• Refrigerant: purity, composition, moisture, boiling residue, acidity, chloride and particulates
• Oil: viscosity, moisture, acidity, particulates and wear metals
The analysis results are presented in a detailed report showing the quality of samples against the globally recognised AHRI Standard 700 specifications, and the report is accompanied by commentary to assist in the remediation of any problems identified.
By developing this kit, A-Gas hopes to assist the industry in preventing system damage and avoiding costly repairs; reducing maintenance costs by regularly monitoring fluids; improving energy efficiency by rectifying issues associated with compromised fluids; maximising equipment operating lifespan; establishing a baseline quality of refrigerant to inform future work; identifying opportunities for preventative maintenance.
The kit contains everything the customer needs to request testing and is available from leading wholesalers across New Zealand.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN New Zealand’s largest trade-only exhibition for people who design, construct and manage buildings and facilities is back this June 25-26 June 2024 Auckland Showgrounds
What training is available?
What standards and legislation should you know about?
Each month, the RLNZ Newsletter features various training updates and events from the HVAC&R industry in New Zealand.
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the scope of Approved Fillers under regulation 6.8 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. The certification of approved fillers is limited to fillers charging cylinders with class 2.1.1A, 2.1.1B, and non-hazardous refrigerant gases.
NIWA released their update to tables for dry and wet bulb temperatures. The ASHRAE website is a useful resource. It does have some information for some Aotearoa New Zealand locations, but uses slightly different periods and thresholds to the NIWA derived tables (e.g., instead of 1 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 5 per cent for Nov-May, it specifies 0.4 per cent for the whole year, etc.).
Often times HVAC engineers require more detailed information about the temperature and humidity climate for a location and in these instances psychrometric charts for an appropriate observing site can be generated upon request. Read here for full information.
ASHRAE Essential guides for HVAC design in specialised environments
Their latest white paper focuses on HVAC design for compounding pharmacies. Pair it with ASHRAE’s comprehensive guides for cleanrooms, laboratory HVAC systems, and hospitals/clinics. Elevate your expertise with these invaluable resources:
ü ASHRAE Design Guide for Cleanrooms: Fundamentals, Systems and Performance
ü ASHRAE Laboratory Design Guide: Planning and Operation of Laboratory HVAC Systems, Second Edition
ü HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics, Second Edition
Check out the free white paper at https://bit.ly/43lDRl7
2024 ARBS Mathsgaine is a new initiative of ARBS 2024.
In collaboration with the Educational Pathways Program, Maths in Industry Secondary School Program, ARBS will host approximately 150-200 students from Sydney metropolitan schools to visit the show and participate in the 2024 ARBS Mathsgaine on Thursday 30 May 2024.
This will enable selected exhibitors to engage with a young and enthusiastic cohort of students who have an interest in a career in trades, https://www.arbs.com. au/2024mathsgaine/
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, anybody handling or recovering compressed gases must have had suitable training and hold an Approved Filler Test Certificate. Some refrigerants currently used in New Zealand such as propane and butane are flammable and hazardous substances under the HSNO Act. Read more.
If you are a technician using non flammable refrigerants then an A1 and an A1 practical is sufficient. But if you are a technician using flammable refrigerants (A2L) then you will need to complete both A1 and A2/A2L theory and an A2/A2L practical.
An additional course has been introduced by RLNZ to reinforce learning and provide added support for filler calculations
RLNZ has been reviewing the results from both the A1 and A2/L theory components, practical assessments and gathering feedback from participants regarding their learning experiences and challenges related to cylinder calculations. By listening to participant feedback, RLNZ can effectively address any remaining gaps of difficulty and enhance the overall learning experience.
The data collected has now shown that there is a lack of understanding of the calculation methods and formulae.
RLNZ is being proactive in providing more resources to help reinforce learning and provide additional support to participants who may be struggling with the concept. Supplementary material such as an instructional video, practice exercises and reference guides are provided in an additional course “Refrigerant Approved Filler Calculations”.
There are three parts to the course:
1. Cylinder overfilling prevention and safety
2. Learning tools
3. Fillers calculations test
The fillers calculations test provides a randomized bank of questions that you can attempt as many times are you like. There is no pass or fail – just simply learn and practice!
The course will encourage participants to actively practice cylinder calculations both during the course and in their own time. This proactive approach will likely lead to improved outcomes for participants and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Approved Filler courses. If
REFRIGERANT APPROVED FILLER CALCULATIONS
REFRIGERANT APPROVED FILLER CALCULATIONS
www.rlnz.org.nz
Aaron Hawes
Lee Todd
James Grainger
Samuel Scorringe
Member Milestones
10 Years
Mark Turney
Phil Mohan
30 Years
Andrew Beattie
The annual Southern golf day brought together various sectors of the trade, from refrigeration to heat pumps, with representatives ranging from consultants to contractors. This year there was a twist in the awards, with separate categories for teams containing members of IRHACE (Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers) and teams without.
The first-place winners were initially tied between Carlett Electrical and Gavin Lowe Airconditioning. To break the tie, a putt-out was conducted, with Carlett Electrical emerging victorious by a narrow margin of about 4 inches over the Gavin Lowe Airconditioning team. As a reward, Carlett Electrical received barbecues generously sponsored by Central Heating NZ. Second place was awarded to Gavin Lowe Airconditioning, while third place went to McAlpine Hussmann.
A competitive and enjoyable event for all involved, with the added excitement of the putt-out to determine the ultimate winner.
I think we were all waiting with bated breath to see what the weather gods had in store for us on the Sunday we’d planned for the golf, as it had been raining quite heavily the Friday before. So, to see just a light wisp of cloud on the morning of the tournament was fantastic! Temperatures weren’t expected to go above 18ºC for the day so no one was going to bake, and sunscreen requirements would be kept to a minimum.
We had 21 teams of four planned and with some shortfalls, and Milan from SimPro turning up from Auckland and Paul Crawford from Greymouth, we eventually made 20. All parts of the trade were represented from refrigeration and heat pumps, to consultants and contractors. I think everyone was excited to be there on the day, and the positive feedback I’ve received indicates everyone had a great time.
A shotgun start was held, with teams all starting at the same time off all the tees. A couple of the par-5s had two teams start, one after the other.
I think the most nervous person on the course for the day was me! And maybe that came across with the prize giving at the end of the day. It’s a first for me, but probably not the last, and given my predecessor Evan has fifteen years doing this, I don’t think I did too badly.
We switched things up this year with the awards and opted to provide a First Net Placing for teams containing IRHACE Members, and a First Net Placing for teams without IRHACE Members. On reading out the firstplace winners, we had a tie between Carlett Electrical and Gavin Lowe Airconditioning! So, a putt-out was conducted, Cartlett Electrical getting one over on the GL Air team by about 4 inches and winning the barbecues kindly sponsored by Central Heating NZ. Second place went to GL Air, and third to McAlpine Hussmann.
First Place Net for the team without IRHACE members was a far simpler proposition and went to Filters Direct team 2, with prizes sponsored by Eurotec. Second and third placegetters were HPAC team 1 and Patton Refrigeration, who coincidentally took out the Best Team award as well due to their flamboyant Flintstone outfits.
Second-place getters received bluetooth speaker sets from Panasonic, and third-place getters got vouchers from Refspecs and Patton Refrigeration. A little ironic that Patton’s prizes came from their competition…
Longest Drive went to Andrew Whitehead from Team Smooth-Air and Closest to the Pin went to Baptiste Hilly from HPAC, but he was playing for Carlett Electrical on the day – I’m positive (he told me so) that there was some ribbing at the office in the morning…
The most contentious award for the day was the Dick of the Day award. A number of stories were noted, and more were found out after. I wish I’d known about Piersons Romeo who was hitting on the golf cart girl (my daughter); I might have given it to him… But other stories were provided with David Brown Contractors providing the majority of them. It went to their young fellow Logan in the end for teeing off at the ladies tees and being caught in the act! But maybe it should have gone to Tim for tampering with the scores while we were out having a putt-off, or to their team 2 for playing Stableford rather than Ambrose… I wonder…
I’m sure everyone went home full having had breakfast, lunch AND dinner. And a number opened a few cans on the way around, too! A big thank you to Tegel for providing the chicken for the barbecue, the Kaiapoi Golf Club Restaurant (Tasteful Affairs) for putting on the meals, and to the Kelly brothers John and Allan for the barbecue cooking again.
We must acknowledge all the sponsors who made this possible. Without them, we wouldn’t have had the prizes, the drinks, the coffee cart or the meals. If you can, please make sure you support them.
And from me, a huge thanks to all the people who helped organise the event – particularly to Andre Van Dyke, Rodger Wyatt and Martin Lightfoot. None of this would have happened without them and all the work they conducted behind the scenes. To Charlie, Lisa and Emma, thanks for your help on the day with the carts and refreshments. The biggest thanks must go to all those who turned up and made this all worthwhile. Hopefully next year I’ll have conquered some nerves, and the prize will go a little smoother. See you then!
Complete results are below however we didn’t record the name of the chap who received the Hacker award.. our apologies, let us know and we’ll add it to the next issue.
Complete results list below.
Note Beattie Aircon combined with Cali Comfort.
In the HVAC&R industry we use standards in our work everyday. But how do I know which ones to use?
Determining which standards to use in the HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry can depend on various factors such as the specific type of project, geographical location, industry regulations and client requirements.
CCCANZ has identified the most relevant standards to use in our industry and provides this its members with the HVAC&R collection in their Standards NZ Online Library. This contains over 133 standards that can be considered for the specific requirements of your project or work.
We continually review and add standards to the Online Library in such areas as quality management, environmental management, IT essentials and workplace health and safety.
As a CCCANZ member, you become part of a community of companies in New Zealand that prioritise responsibility towards customers and strive for the respectability of their trade. The member companies cover various sectors related to HVAC&R, including refrigeration, ventilation, HVAC mechanical services, heat pumps, suppliers and manufacturers. Additionally, CCCANZ has affiliate members representing training, government, and other business activities.
By joining CCCANZ, you gain several benefits. Firstly, you have greater access to resources and information related to the HVAC&R industry. This can include updates on industry trends, best practices, technological advancements and regulatory changes. Staying informed allows you to stay ahead in your field and make well-informed decisions for your business.
Furthermore, being a member of CCCANZ provides you with opportunities to connect and network with other industry professionals. This can be through events, conferences, workshops or online platforms where you can exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. Building relationships within the community can lead to potential business collaborations and partnerships.
Lastly, as a CCCANZ member, you benefit from the collective strength of the organisation. CCCANZ promotes guarantees and warranties to back quality products and workmanship, which enhances your reputation as a responsible and reliable business in the HVAC&R industry. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets you apart from others in the market.
Overall, being a CCCANZ member offers you a platform to enhance your professional development, expand your industry knowledge and establish valuable connections within the HVAC&R community in New Zealand.
Deputy Chair of CCCANZ Brendan Clarkson wrote to David Seymour about the lack of a national register for people in trade to issue producer statements for compliance with the building code. The current system requires you to complete eight separate application processes and a separate set of fees. In his reply, David Seymour talks about regulation sector reviews and how it will provide a platform for the government to speak with businesses and organisations affected by specific regulations. The HVAC&R industry looks forward to contributing to these reviews.
In this month’s issue we hear from three of our members:
Superheat Electrical have partnered with Simple Green New Zealand to support its sustainability goals and reduce its environmental impact.
Heatwave Mechanical talks about projects on clean rooms and laboratories.
Temperzone has released their Service App for technicians which integrates with all the company’s products.
In these difficult times it is important to manage your cashflow and how to create a cash flow forecast. Business New Zealand has several resources for companies so that you can plan for growth and avoid financial trouble, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUZ63PYLtPI
Please reach out to find out more about CCCANZ and feel free to give me a call on 021 533 447.
We welcome our newest CCCANZ member Ice Tech who specialise in industrial and commercial refrigeration, HVAC and mechanical services, and packaged liquid water chillers. Contact Andrew Wilson, office@ice-tech.co.nz or phone 09 947 0170.
In a bid to see a national register of Producer Statement Authors controlled by MBIE or a similar government department for people in trade to issue Producer Statements for compliance to the building code, Brendan Clarkson has written to Hon David Seymour, Minister for Regulation. Here we share Brendan’s letter, and the response he received.
Hi David,
Congratulations on your success in the Election and you forming a Department of Regulation.
I am Director of an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Company here in Auckland, and also Deputy Chairman of Refrigeration Licencing NZ and a Board Member of the Climate Control Companies Association New Zealand, both industry organisations.
One of the biggest issues we have in our industry is there is no National register for people in trade to issue Producer Statements for compliance to the building code. We must apply to every council via their own application procedure to become Producer Statement Authors and now there are 8 different council groups. Its 8 separate application processes and separate set of fees. This is so we can issue Producer Statements for compliance to the Building Code.
The same goes for us to become Independent Qualified Persons who do the yearly compliance (Building Warrant of Fitness), we must apply to 8 separate councils to become a IQP inspector.
Can this please be changed so that it becomes a national register of Producer Statement Authors and controlled
by MBIE or similar Government Department reducing the compliance and regulations, making it simple and all working to the same set of rules, instead of individual council’s rules.
Below is a list of the council working groups that a company Build Networks advised us on that we must apply to become a PS author or IQP.
https://www.buildingnetworks.co.nz/registrars
This Producer Statement and IQP registration is a massive overhead in time and in money, keeping us registered with the 8 council groups, for building compliance, when it could be a national register controlled by a national body. Some have three-yearly renewals like Auckland Council and others like Wellington Council have yearly renews.
This does not only apply to our trade of Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning, but Electricians for Emergency Lighting and several different trades associated with Building compliance.
If you would like more information on the above, please contact me.
