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Author: Mark Vender
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‘Critical commitment’ to low-energy buildings
At its meeting on November 22, 2019, the COAG Energy Ministers agreed to update the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings to cover existing buildings. The addendum is the second stage of the national plan for a trajectory towards zero energy (and carbon) ready buildings for Australia. It provides a suite of initiatives to improve the […]
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The new successor to R410A?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has given Honeywell’s new stationary air conditioning refrigerant R466A (also known as Solstice N41) the official designation A1 – non-toxic and non-flammable. The classification could be a key factor for manufacturers deciding which refrigerant to use in their systems in the medium-term. As a result of […]
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Hitachi Zone Controller
Hitachi has introduced Zone Controller, a proprietary solution equipped with a built-in 24V transformer to complement its ducted line-up. According to the company, the system improves user comfort and allows for greater energy savings. Zone Controller offers control of up to eight zones individually, connection of up to five temperature sensors with sensor assignment and […]
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Auto mechanic fined for illegal R134a cylinders
A Victorian auto mechanic has been fined after it was discovered he possessed 26 illegal disposable cylinders of the synthetic greenhouse gas R134a. According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, inspectors executed a search warrant on the mechanic’s business in April this year. During the search, they identified and seized approximately $2,500 of […]
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RAC to split from Electrotechnology?
Leading bodies in the HVAC&R sector have made submissions to the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) to establish a dedicated Industry Reference Committee (IRC) for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC). If successful, it would signal a new era for RAC training in Australia. The proposal was initiated by a unanimous vote of the Refrigeration and […]
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Registrations opening for ARBS 2020
Visitor registration for the ARBS 2020 trade exhibition opens on December 2. The event will be held in Melbourne from May 19–21, 2020, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The organisers are promising access to Australia’s most comprehensive display of products, innovations and services from the top HVAC&R and built environment suppliers in the […]
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Eight cooling solutions to save the world
A global coalition led by the government of India along with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) has announced the eight finalists of the Global Cooling Prize. The international innovation competition aims to promote the development of super-efficient and climate-friendly residential cooling solutions for homes. The finalist teams include some of the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturers, […]
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AIRAH Award winners announced
On November 14 at Doltone House in Sydney, more than 300 people from Australia’s HVAC&R industry – a record attendance for the event – put on their black-tie best for the AIRAH Awards presentation gala. AIRAH president Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH, opened the evening by reflecting on the underlying purpose of the awards. “I don’t know […]
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Low-temp, high-concept art
From early December, Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art will be home to a snowman. Created by leading Swiss contemporary artists and collaborators Peter Fischli and David Weiss, Snowman is part of the Water exhibition. The artwork is in fact an encased water system with controlled cycles of condensation, precipitation and freezing. The snowman itself is […]
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TAFE NSW inaugural awards night
This year TAFE NSW – Sydney Region Refrigeration Section hosted the annual student’s awards night at the Apprentice Restaurant, Ultimo. The organisers took advantage of this first-time event to recognise last year’s award winners too, as well as the 2019 WorldSkills Sydney region finalists. “The event showcases passion, dedication and commitment the students, teachers and […]
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AIRAH publishes salary survey
AIRAH has completed its survey of salaries in the Australian HVAC&R industry, and the mood of respondents is generally upbeat. In total, 491 industry professionals from every state and territory completed the survey. “The data in this report provides a comparative analysis of the survey responses provided by all participants,” says Dr David Iacuone, who […]
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Flammable future for split systems?
German development agency GIZ has published a resource guide promoting the use of R290 (propane) in split system air conditioners. The guide highlights the efficiency benefits and potential emissions reductions that propane offers, and addresses concerns about flammable refrigerants. Ultimately, it aims to encourage policy-makers to facilitate the market uptake of energy-efficient split systems using […]
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Finalist countdown for Global Cooling Prize
The Global Cooling Prize – a competition designed to spur development of a radically more energy efficient cooling technology – will be announcing its finalists at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on November 15. This event is being co-hosted by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI); and Mission Innovation. It will […]
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Solar expert coming to Canberra
Daniel Mugnier, chairman of the International Energy Association Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (IEA SHC), will be the keynote speaker at AIRAH’s Renewable Heating and Cooling Forum in Canberra on December 3. The one-day event will explore Australia’s renewable heating and cooling sector and where it is headed. This includes the latest developments in solar, […]
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Queensland tightens Cert II rules
The Queensland government has confirmed details of its new mechanical services licence framework, including the need for Certificate III qualifications to perform nearly all refrigeration and air conditioning work. The regulation incorporates feedback from the consultation period earlier this year, and confirms the goal of raising industry standards and accountability. “The licensing framework recognises that […]
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Buildings to the rescue for ERF
The federal government is searching for ways to give the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) a much-needed boost, and appears to see energy efficiency and the built environment as two areas with great potential. The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) – recently expanded and rebranded as the Climate Solutions Fund – is the centrepiece of the government’s […]
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Daikin releases Alira range
Daikin has announced the release of a new split system series called Alira. According to Daikin, the name was inspired by the reflective trim. The range will be available from early this month in nine models from 2.0kW to 9.4kW. “This new split system stays true to Daikin’s commitment of introducing a range of products […]
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Kirby launches Guardian range
Kirby has launched a new range of evaporators. According to the company, the Guardian range incorporates advanced engineering and innovative features to meet the future requirements of the refrigeration industry. The range is specifically designed for next-generation, low-GWP refrigerants, including R450A, R448A, R449A and R513A. Guardian evaporators feature the Series 9 coil design for additional […]
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Advice on flammables
Asercom, the European refrigeration and air conditioning components manufacturers group, has published a guide for the safe handling of components used in compression refrigeration circuits with flammable refrigerants. “The component manufacturers organised in Asercom have noticed a high degree of uncertainty among refrigeration and air conditioning specialists when dealing with flammable refrigerants,” says Asercom president […]
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simPRO roadshow coming to Australia
Job and project management software provider simPRO has scheduled roadshows around Australia to talk about end-to-end operations management and the simPRO can play in achieving it. “Join the simPRO team to discover how one comprehensive system can help you achieve complete business, job, project, asset and learning management,” says the company. “At this event, you […]