​​Dear Colleagues and Students

AIR CONDITION SYSTEMS ON CAMPUS

Loadshedding is part of our daily lives at home or work and will continue to impact our operations when at work for the foreseeable future. Our working spaces become uncomfortable to work in without power and air conditioning. Buildings on campus that have backup power will have limited electricity supply for emergency plugs and lighting, and there will be the following impact on air conditioning systems while backup power is being used: 

Air condition systems are designed, so the HVAC plant/equipment cools air to a predetermined temperature. At the same time, air handling units draw outside air (fresh air) into the system, which mixes with the cooled air to ensure that the air quality meets SANS standards. Regarding Occupational Safety and Health, there needs to be a specific percentage of fresh air drawn into the system where HVAC systems cool facilities. Backup systems are not designed to run lifts, HVAC systems, and the like during a power outage, so during loadshedding the following will happen with an air conditioning ducted system:

All HVAC plant/equipment which cools the air will switch off.

Only air-handling units which generate fresh air into the air conditioning system will continue to run. This ensures minimum fresh air in the building is maintained per SANS standards. The fresh air drawn into the working spaces is at the temperature of the outside air. Once loadshedding is over and the HVAC system restarts, the cooled air will take a while to reach the pre-set cooling temperature.

There is no control over the individual wall, window, and split unit, but it would be preferred if these could also remain off during loadshedding. We rely on all to help us with these issues. We appreciate each individual's understanding and cooperation.

Kind regards

Nicolette van den Eijkel

Chief Director: Facilities Management

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