THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF AIRAH AUGUST 2019 · VOLUME 18.7 RRP $14.95

PRINT POST APPROVAL Ecolibrium NUMBER PP352532/00001

Cool runnings Refrigeration innovation at SA’s purpose-built park. COVER FEATURE The fast and the curious

A new, purpose-built motorsport park in has not only consolidated the state’s long-held involvement in the sport, but is also home to the first commercial trial

of an innovative CO2 refrigeration solution, as Sean McGowan reports. COVER FEATURE

A 100-room hotel is located in the four-storey pit building.

Considered one of the most significant Combined with the group’s other retail says Glaciem’s managing director, developments in Australian motorsport and property interests, Peregrine’s Julian Hudson, M.AIRAH. history, at operations consume a large amount “Peregrine’s commitment to Tailem Bend – an hour’s drive south- of electricity. Many of the sites’ sustainability meant the corporation had east of – is a state-of-the-art, refrigeration systems are also exposed already begun an internal process aimed purpose-built facility catering for all to the HFC phase-down. motorsport disciplines. at reducing overall energy costs across its OTR operations. And as Glaciem As well as hosting a second Australian AN ALTERNATIVE has a proven track record of providing Supercar Championship event on the PLATFORM innovative, energy-efficient cooling world-class motor racing circuit this solutions – as well as being SA-based – In 2016, Glaciem Cooling Technologies month, The Bend also features circuits it seemed a natural fit.” for drift, karting, rallycross, , – a senior industry partner of UniSA rally/off-, 4WD adventure – approached Peregrine to explore an Hudson says the original brief was to and driver training. alternative refrigeration platform for dramatically reduce onsite electricity the OTR sites. consumption, future-proof against The on-track facilities at The Bend are changes to the use of synthetic “Due to the significant increase in the complemented by a central Welcome refrigerants, and offer redundancy price of energy in South Australia, Centre and 100-room hotel located in in the event of power outages. the four-storey pit building, as well as more and more businesses are a caravan and camping tourist park. turning to renewable energy as a But it was during these discussions way of controlling their energy cost,” that Peregrine’s latest venture, An airstrip suitable for light aircraft and helipads for fast commuting between Adelaide and the park The Bend Motorsport Park are also being built. boasts several circuits. Developed and primarily funded by the , the main motor‑racing circuit was completed in April 2018, with other precincts following suit in the months since. The Peregrine Corporation is South Australia’s largest privately owned company, with annual revenue of more than $2 billion. A key part of the group is its On The Run (OTR) operations, with over 135 sites across South Australia.

32 AUGUST 2019 • ECOLIBRIUM COVER FEATURE

The facility was identified as an ideal candidate

for a trial of DP-CO2 refrigeration.

The Bend Motorsport Park, was platform on a large, greenfield site,” the commercial kitchen, dining rooms identified as an ideal candidate for Hudson says. “And The Bend – and hotel. a commercial trial of Glaciem’s new being under construction at the time For Peregrine, the ability of the proposed refrigeration platform, Dew-Point Carbon – ticked these boxes.” system to meet the group’s sustainability Dioxide‑only (DP‑CO ) refrigeration. 2 The system was designed to be installed objectives while addressing life-cycle “We were looking for an opportunity to within the pit building to serve the costs and mitigate environmental risks install this newly developed technology 10m² freezer and cool rooms used by were key to the project proceeding.

THREE ALGORITHMS ADVANCED CONTROL FORECASTING ALGORITHM (ACFA) There are three algorithms used to operate This algorithm was developed under Glaciem’s research and the refrigeration system at The Bend. development project with ARENA. The algorithm takes into account variables from a range of live data feeds including:

DEW-POINT MODE ▲ National Energy Market (NEM) price Based on R&D carried out, the most efficient modes ▲ PV generation for operating the dew-point cooling were identified. The software takes into account the humidity ratio and ▲ PV forecast dry-bulb temperature of the air, and proceeds to select ▲ Site electrical loads the operating mode for the medium‑temperature system. ▲ Thermal load CONDENSING TEMPERATURE CONTROL ▲ Compressor COP. A floating condenser temperature algorithm was also developed Control of the PCM TES (phase-change material thermal energy as part of the R&D. storage) is enacted based on the combination of expected load, expected renewable energy generation, and most importantly, “For any given ambient temperature there exists a highest efficiency point between the COP (coefficient of performance) the expected cost for imported energy as compared to the of the compressor, and the amount of fan power required,” expected price paid for any exported energy. says Julian Hudson, M.AIRAH. “The ACFA compares the price of energy and then ‘suggests’

Based on the mode selected, the CO2 condensing temperature a sequence of optimal control modes for each 30-minute is automatically adjusted to this point. interval,” says Hudson. “This algorithm can be used on any refrigeration system,” “ACFA is not site-specific, and can be used in any situation he says, “and is not site-specific.” where you have renewable energy and TES.” ❚

AUGUST 2019 • ECOLIBRIUM 33 COVER FEATURE

With plenty of sun available, the system takes advantage of onsite solar PV power generation.

RESEARCH DELIVERS the primary refrigerant for the When the TES requires charging, the MT medium‑temperature system, which CO system cools the HTF to -9°C, which As a senior industry partner of UniSA, 2 cools a heat-transfer liquid, HC30. in turn freezes the -6°C phase-change Glaciem has conducted research and material (PCM). But when the TES is development targeted towards the “CO was selected to demonstrate 2 required to discharge, the MT system is HVAC&R sector over many years. the advantages of using dew-point cycled off, and the energy stored in the (or indirect evaporative) cooling in Among its more recent projects have TES is used to cool the cool room and high ambient conditions,” says Hudson. been the maximisation of solar PV to condense the LT CO cascade system. “This is particularly salient given 2 with phase-change material and Peak power consumption is therefore summer daytime temperatures in thermal energy storage (PCM TES) dramatically reduced. in conjunction with ARENA, and Tailem Bend regularly exceed 45°C.” The system also takes advantages of a project with the Australia-India The low-temperature (LT) side of the onsite solar PV power generation, with Strategic Research Fund that seeks to system is a CO cascade system, and the 2 algorithms developed that optimise the enhance the shelf life of dairy milk medium-temperature (MT) side is “more All units generation of this renewable energy. This available for using PCM TES and renewable energy. or less” a standard CO -only system. 2 offers a “hedge” to users exposed to spot The system installed at The Bend Hudson says the difference between market electricity pricing fluctuations. registration integrates two key Glaciem the two sides of the system is that a technologies: the aforementioned But to enable the MT system to heat‑transfer fluid (HTF) is circulated DP‑CO refrigeration system, and operate sub-critical, even in ambient now 2 between the two LT and MT loops to PCM TES, which provides end users temperatures above 45°C, it has been enable the CO systems to exchange heat with highly efficient energy storage. 2 designed with the addition of indirect with the thermal energy store (TES). “Each component, on its own, represents evaporative cooling installed in series a significant technical advancement for The HTF performs several functions. with its main condenser. AIRAH-accredited the industry,” says Hudson. “But when coupled together, they are well placed to leave a measurable and CLOSE COLLABORATION long-lasting legacy as they de-risk Professional certificate end-users of refrigeration from two One of the UniSA researchers involved of close collaboration between UniSA of the key issues facing the industry – in The Bend Motorsport Park project, and Glaciem,” Professor Bruno says. Professor Frank Bruno, M.AIRAH, the HFC phase-down and Australia’s “The system uses technology developed from the Future Industries Institute, in HVAC&R Fundamentals commitments under the Paris at UniSA over the past 10 years, and says the partnership between UniSA Climate Agreement.” our capability in refrigeration, air and Glaciem was key to making the conditioning and solar, to deliver the Online fundamentals training for the HVAC&R industry The combined DP‑CO2 and PCM new cooling system possible. TES refrigeration system deployed at world’s most efficient, air-cooled CO2 “The first commercial system is a result refrigeration system for hot climates.” ❚ The Bend operates entirely on natural For full individual course outline visit refrigerants. R744 (CO2) is used as www.airah.org.au/PCHVAC_R 34 AUGUST 2019 • ECOLIBRIUM COVER FEATURE

The Park caters for a variety of motoring activities, including hot laps in high-performance vehicles.

e

www.fantech.com.au

36 AUGUST 2019 • ECOLIBRIUM

TITAN

ECO

Ø Ø

S S

4 2

E E

. .

2 4

R R

T T

t t

o o E E 7 7 M M . . 3 3 COMPLEX CHALLENGES Identifying a cost-effective refrigerant with high efficiency to charge the PCM LESSONS FROM THE store proved challenging to the research team. Synthetic refrigerants were ruled REFRIGERATION ENGINEER out due to their environmental impact Julian Hudson, M.AIRAH, managing Having partners like Peregrine and long-term sustainability performance. director of Glaciem Cooling Corporation that are fully invested This left natural refrigerants only, with Technologies, shares some of the in new technology, and assistance lessons from the installation of this from state and commonwealth CO2 adopted, Hudson says, due to non- toxic and non-flammable properties. leading-edge refrigeration technology governments, is key to getting industry at The Bend Motorsport Park. to accept new technologies. But because CO2 systems have low efficiencies in ambient temperatures above Collaborative research between Minimising the amount of work that 25°C, the solution considered by Glaciem universities and industry leads to real needs to be done onsite by prefabricating and UniSA was to integrate indirect outcomes that benefit industry. offsite is extremely beneficial. ❚ cooling technology. This allows the system to operate in high ambient conditions. “To achieve this, the incoming air is The indirect evaporative cooling uses To allow the system to operate at indirectly cooled close to the dew-point existing technology – found in commercial sub-critical, an automatic bypass temperature of the air,” says Hudson. systems – which has been integrated in valve is installed around the high- series with the main condenser coil. “Tests show that with ambient dry-bulb pressure expansion valve, thereby air temperatures above 40°C, condenser “This integration turned out to be quite simplifying the cooling cycle. Hudson air inlet temperatures of below 20°C complex – particularly around the balance says from a pressure enthalpy diagram could be achieved, thereby allowing the between low condensing temperature and perspective, it is identical to a standard CO2 to condensate at 25°C.” fan power,” says Hudson. HFC DX cycle. The Wind of The Hunter Titan and ECO ranges will change how we think about HVLS fans. Fitted with a light weight, direct drive, permanent magnet motor, Hunter HVLS fans lower operating costs and ensure whisper quiet trouble free operation. Their cutting edge aerofoil blade design features a unique twist profile for each fan size that maximises efficiency and delivers a high volumetric flow rate. Engineered with the installer in mind, the Hunter Titan and ECO ranges are faster and easier to install. Hunter fans come with pre-installed studs, pre-wired down rods and pre-aligned mounting brackets. They feature industrial quality components and aircraft grade aluminium blades which make them suitable for the most demanding applications. Hunter Titan and ECO fans are available with BMS compatible network controllers. They are simple to use, easy to install to 7.3 MET to 7.3 MET and can control up to 30 fans. .2 RE .4 RE 4 S 2 S Ø Ø

To discover how the Hunter range will change your thinking TITAN ECO HVLS RANGE HVLS RANGE on HVLS fans, contact your nearest Fantech branch: 1 1 5 Y 0 Y T T Vic (H.O.): (03) 9554 7845 - NSW: (02) 8811 0400 - SA: (08) 8294 0530 Y E N Y E N

A R W A R R A A R W A R R A

NT: (08) 8947 0447 - QLD: (07) 3299 9888 - WA: (08) 9209 4999

W W A A

R R

R R

R R

A A

A A

E E

N N

Y Y

T T

5 0 Y Y

1 1

HVLS RANGE

HVLS RANGE

TITAN

ECO

Ø Ø

S S

4 2

E E

. .

2 4

R R

T T

t t

o o E E 7 7 M M . . 3 3 COVER FEATURE The Future of HVAC 2019

also attracted interest from a supermarket During its inaugural summer group and national hotel chain. season, The Bend did not Conference have a single call‑out for In this way, the collaboration between refrigeration work. Glaciem and UniSA is achieving its objectives. AIRAH “These kinds of partnerships targeted at finding important solutions for real problems are part of what makes UniSA Australia’s university of enterprise,” says UniSA deputy vice chancellor of research and innovation, Professor Tanya Monro. “We want to deliver research that makes an impact, that meets industry at the coalface, and helps them to deliver great outcomes for the environment, for society and for business.” The Bend refrigeration project won the 2018 AIRAH Excellence in Refrigeration The application of this technology was research and development project. Award, and the 2017 Carbon Neutral developed with the assistance of Tech A low-cost, non-chloride based salt Adelaide Award for Applied Innovation. ❚ in SA – a South Australian government solution, it enables ice to be built up funding program. Research and directly on coils, thus eliminating the development was carried out at UniSA need for encapsulation, and reducing The Future PROJECT AT A GLANCE Mawson Lakes over an 18-month period. the overall cost of the TES tank. When used in the system installed at It has resulted in a worldwide patent, The personnel as well as the creation of a new The Bend, this new coil and dynamic of HVAC 2019 control algorithm. melt design increases the efficiency of ▲ Builder: Romaldi the TES system by allowing more of the ▲ Client: Peregrine Corporation 11–12 SEPTEMBER • BRISBANE PHASE CHANGE latent heat to be extracted, and thereby reducing the installed footprint. ▲ Data analytics: UniSA Ventures Although water in the form of ice has ▲ Funding (in part): Tech in SA Early been used in the HVAC&R industry Commercialisation Grant for many years to provide chilled THE CHEQUERED FLAG ▲ water at 6°C, the fact that ice melts at Over a year since its installation, Refrigeration contractor: Brisbane 0°C has seen its use in refrigeration the DP-CO refrigeration system at Glaciem Cooling Technologies 2 (sub‑contractors) applications limited. The Bend is considered a resounding success. It breaks new ground for the ▲ Refrigeration engineer: September 11–12 “A lot of research has taken place performance of CO systems operating Glaciem Cooling Technologies into chloride-based salt solutions for 2 in warm climates. refrigeration applications, but due to the corrosive nature of chlorides the PCM “The performance of the DP-CO2 The equipment is usually encapsulated within a ball,” system and control algorithms has met In a time of rapid change in the HVAC industry, this conference ▲ Compressors: Bitzer says Hudson. “This encapsulation brings expectations,” says Hudson. “In fact, is one of the few opportunities HVAC professionals have to hear about what several prohibitive aspects – namely cost the design and nature of the system ▲ Controls: Schneider and poor heat-transfer characteristics.” has proven to be extremely reliable.” ▲ Electrical panel PLC program: is happening at the leading and bleeding edge to make sure they stay up to date. Although researchers at UniSA had Such was the reliability of the Electric Solutions already overcome these issues by system during the summer season ▲ Indirect evaporative cooler: Seeley developing a -11°C PCM suitable for -6°C that The Bend was the only one of ▲ Integrated cooling system: Join AIRAH as we discuss the challenges, technology, process cooling, it was only suitable for Peregrine’s sites not to have a call-out Glaciem Cooling Technology use with an ammonia or R404A system. for refrigeration during the period. ▲ PCMs: Barbara Hardy Institute, and disruptive thinking affecting our industry right now. “We identified the need for a new “There have only been a couple of service UniSA PCM with a higher freezing point calls,” Hudson says, “and these have all ▲ PCM tank: Glaciem, AR Industrial because R404A has no real longevity been able to be reset through our remote due to its high GWP,” Hudson says. access software.” ▲ Pumps: Grundfos “And not everyone is comfortable ▲ www.airah.org.au/ThefutureofHVAC As well as now offering the Peregrine Sensors: IFM Effector using ammonia either.” Corporation with a tried-and-tested ▲ Thermal energy storage (TES): This led to the development of the -6°C platform to roll out across the OTR Glaciem, Sinobaron aor sonsor PCM by the Barbara Hardy Institute convenience stores in line with its Source: Glaciem Cooling Technologies at UniSA – as part of the ARENA sustainability strategy, the project has

38 AUGUST 2019 • ECOLIBRIUM