The good oil about coils
Temperzone is the only Australian air conditioning manufacturer building its own coils. But there’s nothing new about that. In fact, Temperzone was founded as a specialist coil manufacturer back in 1956. More than fifty years later, the company remains an innovator in coil technology – and the reasons for ‘going it alone’ remain as powerful as ever.
The coil is one of the major parts of any air conditioning system and its design and construction can have a major affect on the performance. Temperzone design, construct and test all coils in house. They have been doing so since 1956 when founder Eric Kendall pioneered the local production of heat transfer coils for local manufacturing and industrial processing applications to replace European sourced coils. Soon, the new business expanded and Temperzone started manufacturing complete air conditioning units.
Temperzone’s Sydney-based Production Manager Dave Clayton says that in-house coil production gives Temperzone a major advantage in the key areas of quality control, production lead time, design flexibility and production of equipment for high ambient applications.
Coil design and production is critical for air conditioning units in the Australian Market. “A smaller coil might do the job most of the time," says Dave, “but at Temperzone, we believe that the unit should be capable of performing at peak efficiency in high ambients when you need it most. When you get consistent ambient temperatures in excess of 40º C, Temperzone’s larger coils will maintain efficiency when the compressors on many other units have ramped down."
In-house coil production delivers certainty of supply of this critical component. Dave Clayton says that “ unlike companies relying on coils from China or other Asian counties, Temperzone can control the supply chain more effectively, which in turn shortens lead times for Australian consumers."
"In house coil production has another important advantage... ...It means we have the ability to produce one off special units for specific installations. There are any number of reasons why an ‘off the shelf’ solution might not work – including temperature extremes and corrosive environments – and we have the flexibility to solve the problems internally."
Dave went on to say “Without doubt the most important advantage of in house coil production is the complete quality control it gives. The whole reputation of Temperzone has been built on the exceptional quality of our equipment."
Pioneers in protection
It’s not just Temperzone’s one off special units that can deal with tough conditions. With so much of Australia’s population concentrated on our coastal fringe, Temperzone engineers were determined to take a lead in protecting coils against corrosion. That’s why all Temperzone Split System Outdoor Units and the outdoor coils of Packaged Rooftop Units have an epoxy coated coil.
Harsh environments aren’t restricted to mining towns in the red centre or waterfront villages.
“Many everyday environments are surprisingly tough... ...The effects of salt laden sea air, smog and sulphurous air can all adversely affect the working life of even the best equipment. While coastal, heavy industrial and geothermal regions stand to benefit most from epoxy coating, the vast majority installations will have some gain as salt laden sea air travels far inland."
Dave points out that Temperzone pre coats the fin material with epoxy rather than dip the whole coil unit. He also says the heat transfer ability of the coil is unaffected by the epoxy coating. “In fact," he says, “The efficiency of the coil is retained over a longer period of time, due to the greatly reduced rate of coil corrosion.”
Dave also says that the hydrophobic qualities of the epoxy coating ensure water quickly runs off the outdoor coil. “This helps the unit to retain efficiency when the system is on heating cycle in damp conditions."
Benefits for every stakeholder
Temperzone’s advanced coil technology, including innovative epoxy coating, benefits everyone who comes into contact with the product.
“For the end user – the occupier of the building – the benefit is that the air conditioner performs to optimum efficiency for a longer period, maintaining comfort levels and reducing running costs," says Dave Clayton.
“The building owner benefits too, as the overall life of the air conditioner is extended, increasing value for money and resulting in an improved return on investment.“
“Specifiers benefit too. They can confidently recommend a product with long term proven benefits."
Interestingly, it all goes back to the company’s earliest days when it opened its doors as a specialist coil manufacturer. You can’t help thinking that the late Eric Kendall would be very proud of the products bearing the Temperzone name today.
