arbs 2008 goes bigger and better - airah€¦ · arbs 2008 goes bigger and better ... a year before...
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12 EcoLibrium® June 2008
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ARBS 2008 goes bigger and betterARBS 2008 had it all, and over the next dozen pages, EcoLibrium® will do its best
to show you just a glimpse of the highlights.
The text message has become a standard form of communication these days. So much so that it’s not really surprising that one of the best summaries of this year’s ARBS exhibition came in that form.
“I got a text from Mark Lowe of Triple M Mechanical which says it all: ‘ARBS is one of the few things in our industry that just keeps getting better’,” says exhibition chairman Allen Williams.
The full story of this year’s exhibition is, of course, a great deal more detailed than that. But as one-line overviews go, it’s very hard to argue with. Williams points out that this constant improvement doesn’t happen by accident.
“The reality is that a lot of work goes into analysing what the exhibitors and visitors want and then our strategies and operational plans are arranged to make that happen,” he says.
“We are always looking for the gaps and where we can do better and what innovations will delight exhibitors and visitors in Sydney 2010. To be fair we are lucky that the market is buoyant and that our exhibitors see ARBS as much a celebration of their own success as a fine showcase for their products and services.
“On the quirky side it is true that Sue (Falcke – exhibition organiser) and I get into a huddle early each morning during the show to discuss issues but it is not long before we are in ‘blue sky’ territory discussing ways and means to see how the next show can be better,” he says.
Willaims also cites the work of Falcke and her staff as one of the biggest factors in the show’s success, and the fact that the ARBS board provided a huge budget for marketing and promotion of the show.
According to Falcke, exhibition space at this year’s exhibition actually sold out a few weeks after it went on sale – well over a year before the exhibition opened its doors to the industry – and companies were still demanding space.
An additional 1500 square metres of space was added to the exhibition to accommodate this demand, and it too was quickly snapped up.
“Total space sold was a 40 per cent increase on the last exhibition in Melbourne in 2004, and a 24 per cent increase on space sold for the last ARBS (2006) in Sydney,” says Falcke. “This is astounding given that, historically, Sydney has always been a bigger show than Melbourne.”
“Over 6760 visitors attended the exhibition, which is a 25 per cent increase on numbers for the last Melbourne ARBS in 2004.”
Quantity doesn’t count for everything though – quality is, if anything, the bigger deciding factor in how successful an exhibition is. In addition to delivering the biggest shows, quality is also something ARBS excels at.
First, there’s the quality of the products being exhibited.
“In the past decade, the exhibition has built a reputation around the globe for the place to see state-of-the-art engineering, technologies, products and services for the heating, ventilation, refrigeration and building services industries,” Falcke says.
Second is the quality of the accompanying speaker program. Most of the seminars at this year’s exhibition filled in record time, and had to be moved to a larger theatre.
The centrepiece of the speaking program was two presentations by world-renowned futurist Dr Patrick Dixon. Dr Dixon gave the opening address of the show, providing his views on the challenges our industry is likely to face in the future and how we can adapt to them. EcoLibrium® managed to squeeze in an extensive interview with Dr Dixon, turn to page 26 to find out more.
His speech was also filmed and broadcast throughout the exhibition. For those that missed it, it’s also available in segments on YouTube.
Dr Dixon also gave a presentation for school children on the Monday afternoon of ARBS, which generated a lot of interested discussion among the audience.
Visitor numbersMonday April 21 2053
Tuesday April 22 2985
Wednesday April 23 1711
Total attendance 6749
ARBS chairman Allen Williams, speaking at the exhibition opening
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Seminars
Michael McCann of Energy Strategies took the podium on the afternoon of day one, discussing a topic of great relevance to exhibitors and attendees, as well as their clients: the introduction of reporting on refrigerant gas emissions for medium and large companies.
McCann ran through the implications of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act, which from July 1 this year will require around 700 businesses around the country, who operate systems with 100kg or more of synthetic greenhouse gas (including fluorocarbon refrigerants) to report annually on their direct gas emissions. The program will also be open to smaller organisations to participate in if they so choose, as part of their environmental improvement programs.
Associate Professor Mark Luther of Deakin University opened the speaking program on day two of the exhibition, discussing the real performance measurement of buildings. Dr Luther talked about closing the loop on how buildings are performing, as the greatest design in the world is really only as good as its end performance, and provided some great practical feedback for the audience
He was followed by David Solberg, president of HVAC Systems Technology USA, who covered the topics of energy and exergy performance. Much of the material he covered was new to the Australian audience, and people certainly left the presentation with a great deal to think about.
Victorian building commissioner Tony Arnel spoke at the chairman’s lunch on day two, discussing the issues of building regulation and its contribution to sustainability.
The final speaker on day two was Professor Derek Clements-Croome of Reading University, UK, who reviewed the lessons from the natural world that can be applied to sustainable buildings. His insights on how the process of designing sustainable buildings could be adapted were both insightful and thought provoking.
Rachael Clarke of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts discussed end use energy efficiency on the morning of day three. The topic is obviously a very relevant one to exhibitors and attendees of the exhibition alike. Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) have been in place for a range of air conditioning units for several years, however, the bar is constantly being raised and new products are in line to be added to the MEPS program – Clarke’s presentation on the future directions of the government’s end-use energy efficiency programs was both informative and very well received by the audience. n
Dr Patrick Dixon delivers his opening address Victorian building commissioner Tony Arnel speaks at the chairman’s lunch
What the exhibitors said:
“The wide range of displays showed once again that the building industry in this country is focussed on growth, and there were many overseas exhibitors keen to get in on the action.”
— Simon Bradwell, managing director, ebm-papst
“ARBS 2008 certainly met all of the expectations, being promoted throughout the industry in the pre-show build-up.”
— Anthony Piscopo, general manager building technology products, Siemens
Dr Mark Luther takes questions after his seminarDavid Solberg, international authority on energy and exergy, presents at ARBS 2008
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ARBS 2008 in photos
Daikin’s stand was highly visible in the centre of the exhibition hall. Also on display was the recently-acquired McQuay range of chillers.
ActrolActrol had a large and instantly recognisable stand at this year’s exhibition, which won them the show’s ‘best overall stand’ award.
On the stand there were a range of products on display, drawn from the dozens of brands stocked by the wholesaler.
New products included the Carel PlantWatch Pro system, Amprobe ultrasonic leak detector, new additions to the company’s evaporator and condensing unit ranges and R427 refrigerant, a replacement for R22.
Superior Air Solutions brought Moldman with them to help promote their Steril-Aire range of indoor air quality equipment.
Snowkey displayed its range of flake ice machines, with features including constant production (no defrost cycles) and suitability for use with R404A, R22 or ammonia.
Jeremy Stamkos from Enviroair shows off the capabilities of his company’s new duct cleaning robot.
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Bitzer Australia showed off its full refrigeration and air conditioning range, including its new transcritical CO2 system (above).
Denso showcased its range of MovinCool spot air conditioners.
Among the products on display at the Munters stand were the company’s range of commercial dehumidification and energy recovery units.
Carel displayed a range of control solutions, humidification products and more. One of the products taking centre stage was the company’s new PlantWatch Pro monitoring and supervision system, which features a large colour touch screen display and stores critical system data to aid HACCP compliance.
FujitsuFujitsu launched its new Airstage V series at ARBS 2008. The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system allows up to three outdoor units to be connected in series, for a capacity of up to 120kW, and for up to 48 indoor units to be connected to the one piping system.
The system also provides for real time monitoring over the internet, compressor rotation control to reduce wear and improve reliability, and piping runs of up to 150 metres.
The company also won the ‘best large custom stand’ award, and had its range of commercial and domestic air conditioners on display to complement the Airstage V.
The curtain is raised on Fujitsu’s new Airstage V series inverter unit.
(L-R) Bernie Bugdalski, Fujitsu General Australia director of product and project development, Fujitsu ambassador and former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, Fujitsu Racing driver Jason Bright, and Fujitsu General Australia managing director Etsuro Saito.
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Heatcraft stand.
Actron AirActron Air released its ESP Ultima ducted residential air conditioning system at ARBS 2008.
The system builds on the company’s previous offerings in the ESP range, and is effectively a “residential VAV system” according to national commercial business development manager Owen Ryan.
The system allows individual temperatures to be set in up to eight different zones and uses ‘variable fan technology’, which adjusts the airflow to each zone to match demand. This means that the system doesn’t need to “dump” excess airflow into unoccupied rooms and energy is saved as maximum airflow is only supplied when required.
The whole system is designed and built in Australia and is backed by local service support and spare parts.
On-stand demonstration of the new ESP Ultima system.
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Great interest being showed in the Energycore stand.
The James Harrison Centre appeal is dedicated to raising funds to set up a museum commemorating the achievements of refrigeration pioneer James Harrison — visit www.airah.org.au/JHM.asp for more information.
Holyoake’s stand was distinctive, and showed off the company’s range of air management solutions.
Some of the products on show at the Mechanical Piping Services stand (which won the ‘best shell scheme’ award).
ebm-papstebm-papst had its new range HyBlade fans on show.
According to the company, the fans were developed out of a desire to achieve the maximum possible airflow rating at the lowest possible noise rating. The fans feature aluminium supporting structures and glassfibre-reinforced plastic fan blades.
The design reduces the total weight of the fan, and also reduces noise levels through its “favourable damping characteristics”. Dimensions, mounting flanges and connections are shared with previous models to ease the retrofit process.
Diameters from 500 to 800mm are available.
One of the company’s new HyBlade fans.
Swissmech had a range of products on display, including humidifiers, controls, heat exchangers and heat recovery units.
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In addition to its air conditioning range, Panasonic had a Formula 1 simulator drawing punters to its stand. MTMG were showing off the Lakkey materials handling system.
Measuring technology showcased at the Fluke stand.
Siemens stand.
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The staff from Coolbreeze rentals.
Richard Finocchiaro shows off some of the Chicago Blowers range on the Fans Direct stand.
Emerson Network PowerThe centrepiece of Emerson Network Power’s display at ARBS was the newly-launched Liebert PEX precision cooler for data centres.
The units have been in development for three and a half years, and the R&D was lead in Australia. The coolers use a backward-curved electronically commutated (EC) fan, which the company claims allows for 15-20% reductions in energy consumption. Other features include a high-efficiency scroll compressor and infrared humidifier.
All major components are fully accessible for service from the front of the unit, which means it can take up less space as there’s no need to allow room for service access around the unit. It is available in upflow (for in-room or ducted applications) or downflow (for raised floor applications) and direct expansion or chilled water configurations.
Also on display was the company’s iCom controller (which includes a ‘teaming’ feature to link units together and maximise efficiency, and standard Ethernet cabling), the Liebert XD precision cooler for high heat density applications and the Asco transfer switch range, which the company states is the only switch on the market certified to Australian standards and is capable of “peak lopping” – switching to generator power during peak tariff periods.
Managing director (Australasia) David Scott and national product manager (Australia and New Zealand) Mark Deguara with the newly-released Liebert PEX precision cooler.
A-Gas used the exhibition to announce the addition of high-purity nitrogen to its product range.
Fan range on show at the Ziehl-Abegg stand.
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Hybrid Wet / Dry
Cooling Towers
Closed Circuit Coolers
Evaporative Condensers
Ice Thermal Storage
Sales & Service call: 1300 134 [email protected] — www.balticare.com.au
Selection
Repair / Replacement
Installation
Maintenance
Muller Industries had its 3C cooler on prominent display at ARBS 2008.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries featured its new flat-panel wall units (with 5-6kW capacities) and mini-cassettes.
The Carlyle semi-hermetic condensing unit, built in Australia using an imported compressor, was on display at the Totaline stand.
Tools on display at the Stareast International stand.
Rod Eakins of Baron Insulation encourages visitors to stop and examine his company’s new line of AFT duct liners: a lightweight foil “superior vapour barrier (that won’t compromise) acoustic performance,” according to the company.
HitachiHitachi’s new ‘Ichiban’ high-efficiency air cooled chillers were the centrepiece of the company’s ARBS 2008 stand.
The chillers run on R407C, which according to the company allows them to provide similar cooling performance to R22 units, but in a more compact size than an equivalent R134a unit. Low-vibration screw compressors, designed for reliability, easy maintenance and high efficiency, are used in the units.
Capacity control technology also allows the units to make fine adjustments to the air conditioning load and eliminate unnecessary energy usage.
One of the company’s new high-efficiency air cooled chillers.
f e a t u r e
Hybrid Wet / Dry
Cooling Towers
Closed Circuit Coolers
Evaporative Condensers
Ice Thermal Storage
Sales & Service call: 1300 134 [email protected] — www.balticare.com.au
Selection
Repair / Replacement
Installation
Maintenance
Heat transfer product and service provider BAC Balticare.Mitsubishi Electric’s stand.
24 EcoLibrium® June 2008
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The next ARBS exhibition will be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre on April 12–14, 2010.
WorldSkillsNash Mason from the Hunter region is the winner of the 2008 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition.
The event, which was held over three days during ARBS, involved four project modules: air conditioning unit installation, refrigeration fault finding and repair, electrical fault finding and refrigeration cabinet system installation.
Eleven competitors from around the country, themselves champions at regional level, competed for the national title:• Luke Allen, Peer Training / Seasonair, Adelaide• Alan Logan, A Approved Air Pty Ltd, Brisbane• Adam Sipeki, Proactive Air Conditioning, Canberra• Nash Mason, Hastie M&H, Air Hunter• Robbie Flemons, Comsec, Illawarra• Neil Timmins, Data Aire Services, Melbourne• Leigh Coffill, Daikin Australia, Sydney – West • David Restuccia, Techni Temp, Sydney – West• Josh Hay, DJ Williams Refrigeration, Tasmania• Corey Field, Ford & Doonan Airconditioning, W.A.• Brendan Dorrington, SRA Commercial Refrigeration,
Western Australia The winners were:• Gold: Nash Mason, Hunter region – Hunter Institute of
TAFE – Hastie M&H Air• Silver: David Restuccia, Sydney-West region – South
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE - Techni Temp• Bronze: Leigh Coffill, Sydney-West region – South
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE - Daikin Air
Mason is now an eligible contender to join the Australian team, the Skillaroos, at the international Worldskills competition in Canada, 2009. In July, Nash will demonstrate his refrigeration skills alongside competitors from 53 other national categories at the WorldSkills National Competition in Sydney.
For more information, visit www.worldskills.org.au
Nash Mason receives the gold medal.
Adam Sipeki working on one of the tasks.
Accent Air stand.
Westaflex stand.