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APRIL 2021 · VOLUME 20.2
RRP $14.95
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Let there be
light
Can UV-c stop COVID-19?
F E AT U R E 22 A P R I L 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
Excellent
adventure A new world-class facility in Melbourne has redefined
specialist HVAC vocational education and training by simulating
and replicating entire systems commonly found in today’s buildings.
Sean McGowan explores the HVAC Centre of Excellence
at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus.
FE ATURE
The HVAC Centre of Excellence is the Balancing and commissioning is critical STRONG INDUSTRY
outcome of a collaborative initiative to the performance, energy efficiency
created through a partnership between and safety of buildings.” SUPPORT
Holmesglen Institute and peak industry The AMCA was involved in the
body the AMCA (Air Conditioning and As well as ensuring those in the HVAC
development of the Refrigeration
Mechanical Contractors’ Association) industry have the knowledge and skills
and Climate Control Centre of
with the input and support of HVAC required to meet the daily challenges they
Excellence (RCCC) at Box Hill TAFE
businesses and the Victorian government. face when working, the HVAC Centre
(see Ecolibrium March 2016). It therefore
of Excellence also helps to promote the has long known the benefits that a
Purpose-built, it is the first training industry by demonstrating a bright and
facility of its kind to offer applied cutting-edge facility can deliver to both
exciting career pathway. apprentices and post‑trade students.
learning.
“School leavers are faced with countless So, when the concept of a HVAC Centre
“Through exposure to a simulated ‘live’ career choices, meaning that building
system, the Centre builds students’ of Excellence at Holmesglen received
and construction companies are not strong industry support – including
skills quickly in what would take years only competing amongst themselves
in the workplace,” says former AMCA that from equipment suppliers and
for talent, but with other sectors that mechanical services contractors –
executive director, Sumit Oberoi. offer the types of technology-centric consultation began on what such a
He says the Centre and its integration of career opportunities that appeal to facility would need to look like.
latest technologies such as energy‑efficient younger workers,” says Oberoi.
systems and building information “The AMCA and Holmesglen have
“Having such an advanced facility gives enjoyed a strong and collaborative
modelling (BIM) software reflect us an opportunity to demonstrate the
contemporary industry practices. relationship over many years,”
types of career pathways that exist, says Oberoi. “The strength of this
“The Centre is the only applied including things such as balancing and relationship comes from our regular
balancing and commissioning learning commissioning, digital design and BIM, roundtables, which provide an open
centre in the world to our knowledge,” modelling and the optimisation of energy forum for both parties to raise issues
Oberoi says, “and will make an performance using sophisticated building and workshop solutions. And over
important contribution to our industry. monitoring systems.” time, we both realised that in order to
improve training outcomes significantly,
Balancing and commissioning
we needed a facility where students can
can be demonstrated in a have access to the latest technologies and
contextualised environment. apply their learning in an environment
that replicates the types of challenges
they face in real buildings.”
But it was not until funding was
made available through the Victorian
government’s Workforce Training
Innovation Fund, and Regional and
Specialist Training Fund, that the
Centre became a reality.
Drawing on the experiences and
knowledge of industry members,
the needs of both employers and their
staff were identified. Valuable insights
into the types of technologies, systems
and training delivery methods that
would ensure the Centre developed
the skills required of today’s dynamic
marketplace were also sought.
“The HVAC Centre of Excellence
was designed to meet the training
and development needs of both
Holmesglen apprentices and
students, as well as those working
in the mechanical services sector,”
says Ross Digby, Holmesglen’s Dean of
Building, Construction and Engineering.
To determine how the Centre could fulfil
industry training needs, a roundtable
committee with representatives from key
stakeholder groups was established.
24 A P R I L 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE This group identified the specific training needs of the industry, as well as an appropriate pedagogy. They also provided forecast demand planning and determined skills shortages. “As an industry, we provided feedback on the effectiveness of training provision, which provided Holmesglen with the information they needed to develop creative training solutions using the teaching and learning capabilities of Holmesglen,” says Oberoi. The AMCA and Holmesglen also drew on existing relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. This ensured the Centre would contain the latest technologies, and could apply them within a simulated environment. THE WHOLE KIT AND CABOODLE The HVAC Centre of Excellence The facility provides access to the latest technologies and applies is located within Building 2 of learning in an environment that replicates real-world challenges. Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus.
FE ATURE
The facility features cutting-edge
equipment and technology in a
simulated environment that replicates
the technologically advanced and
environmentally efficient mechanical
services systems found in today’s
climate‑controlled buildings.
These technologies have also been
combined with the latest learning delivery
platforms, including augmented reality.
“It has the capability to simulate a
wide range of HVAC scenarios that a
mechanical services tradesperson would
encounter in their role,” says Digby.
“Indeed, many may never even encounter
some of the more specialised scenarios
that can be simulated in the HVAC
Centre of Excellence.”
An in-house team at Holmesglen
provided building services engineering
and design for the Centre. Building
services specialist A.G. Coombs was
Exposure to simulated systems
also engaged to provide direction and
builds students’ skills quickly. input into the design as well as carry out
the installation and commissioning of
26 A P R I L 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
FE ATURE
equipment and systems used for training.
This equipment includes fully operational
air handling units, variable-volume
boxes, ductwork systems, chillers,
boilers, pumps, valve arrangements,
an energy-recovery ventilation unit,
heat exchangers, chilled beams, hydronic
and underfloor heating systems and
various air conditioning split systems.
“All equipment was sourced to suit the
design at a minimal cost to the project,”
says Peter Staedler, project manager
at A.G. Coombs.
“The mechanical services industry
suppliers and manufacturers were
outstanding in providing equipment and
services at no cost, or at minimal cost.”
The installation was designed to fit within
the existing footprint of the building,
with all equipment deliberately exposed
to provide access and full view to staff,
students and trainees.
The mechanical services industry suppliers,
“The location of the air-cooled manufacturers and contractors provided equipment and services at nil or minimal cost.
chiller, buffer tank and heating water
FE ATURE
Every piece of equipment is fully operational and controlled by the dedicated building management control system (BMCS).
generator were the most challenging,”
says A.G. Coombs technical support
manager Paul Chasteauneuf.
INDUSTRY WISH LIST
“We had to work around providing When the concept of the HVAC Centre the industry. Recognising the growing
an aesthetic façade, an existing of Excellence was first broached in involvement of the industry in many
external staircase and access cover.” 2014, the AMCA Technical Committee pharmaceutical, scientific laboratories
approached the NEBB Australia and healthcare facilities, it was decided
Every piece of equipment is fully to incorporate a clean room with
(National Environmental Balancing
operational and controlled by the fume cupboard so that the operation,
Bureau) Victorian chapter for ideas on
building management control system design and set‑up of similar systems
how the facility could best help the
(BMCS). The full installation can be featuring pressure isolation could be
industry provide a pathway of transition
viewed from within the training room, demonstrated.
between mechanical plumbing,
with students and trainees able to follow
commissioning and engineering of “The challenge was to provide
the controls strategy and operation of
mechanical services work. training for individuals to make the
equipment from individual terminals.
In response, A.G. Coombs’ Paul connection between the engineering
The installation of equipment has been design and what the system
Chasteauneuf, who is also technical
placed so that it is either easily accessible committee chair for NEBB Australia, actually does or can do in the field,
from the floor, or from a safe working as well as colleagues from the NEBB as well as the limitations of field
height via a 1,200mm platform ladder, Victoria committee, put together a wish measurement and understanding
for hands-on learning. list of equipment and requirements.
how different equipment interacts
with a single system.”
To provide minimum air conditioning “During the process we realised the
requirements to the facility, much of opportunity to create a facility to
“Therefore, the facility has been
the building’s existing mechanical educate a broad range of trainees and
aimed at a wide range of individuals
services system was retained. professionals in all aspects of building
including engineers, drafting
This standalone system provides the professionals, mechanical and
mechanical systems,” he says.
opportunity for the separate, training electrical installation personnel,
equipment to be turned on or off as As part of this process, the NEBB project managers, controls
required for demonstration purposes, committee considered the current technicians and service and
without impacting the indoor technologies and the future needs of commissioning personnel.” ❚
conditions of the space.
28 A P R I L 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M
BIM IN PRACTICE technicians and drafting trainees,”
says A.G. Coombs project draftsman
Building information modelling (BIM)
Stuart Knipe.
software was utilised in the development
of the Centre, with a 3D model The Centre’s BIM laboratory provides
produced in Revit 2017.2. a glimpse into the future of digital
deliverables, with a 3D interactive model
The choice of this drafting platform
illustrating the size and scope of the
enabled mechanical services equipment
facility, as well as allowing the viewer
and systems technology within the
to investigate various items of plant
Centre’s learning laboratory to be
and equipment via the use of tags.
documented and made visually
comprehensible for future students Each tag provides detailed technical
and users of the training facility. information about the asset as well
as operational and maintenance
“The new facility provides
information.
numerous education opportunities
to complement a wide variety of The Centre also utilises augmented
new and experienced participants reality so that students can hold devices
involved in the air conditioning and over pieces of equipment to play a video
mechanical services industry, including explaining its usage, installation date
mechanical plumbers, commissioning and the last date it was serviced.
AWARD WINNER
The HVAC Centre of Excellence won
the CIBSE Building Performance
Award 2020 for Learning and
Development. The plaudit was
in recognition of the vision and
commitment of the AMCA and
Holmesglen in developing the facility.
“The Learning and Development
award is especially significant
because it recognises the impact
that the Centre will have on
improving building performance,”
says Sumit Oberoi, formerly of
the AMCA.
“As we grapple with ways to
transition towards net-zero buildings
and a low-carbon economy,
increasing our workforce’s ability
to deliver more energy-efficient
and higher performing buildings
is absolutely critical.”
And according to Ross Digby
from Holmesglen, the award also
recognises the leadership role of
Victoria’s HVAC industry.
“This award is not only recognition
for Holmesglen and the AMCA …
but it is also recognition for
Victoria’s HVAC industry,” Digby
says. “We are a world leader in the
ongoing training and development of
the existing and future tradespeople The facility features equipment and
and technician in the sector.” technology in a simulated environment
The HVAC Centre of Excellence that replicates the technologically
was also a finalist in the ARBS 2020 advanced and environmentally efficient
mechanical services systems found in
Industry Awards. ❚
modern climate-controlled buildings.
FE ATURE
COMMISSIONED
The HVAC Centre of Excellence has been designed for use by a wide range of industry
professions including engineers, draftspersons, mechanical and electrical installation
personnel, service and maintenance technicians, project managers, controls technicians
and commissioning professionals.
Commissioning professionals are particularly catered for, given their integral role in the
efficient operation of mechanical services equipment.
“Commissioning of modern environmental systems is heavily dependent on good
design, drafting, project management and installation of systems,” says A.G. Coombs’
Paul Chasteauneuf.
“In order to provide the best energy, performance and serviceability outcomes for
building owners, it is important that all stakeholders work together and have good
understanding of the systems.
“We believe that the Centre provides the opportunity for all stakeholders to either
learn or improve their knowledge and understanding of building environmental
systems as well as a place to share their knowledge to improve the industry.” ❚
A P R I L 2021 • ECO L I B R I U M 31FE ATURE
The AMCA believes this hi-tech
learning environment will maximise
learning outcomes.
To cater for Holmesglen’s Certificate IV
in Engineering Drafting program, the
facility offers the opportunity for teaching
and performing site measuring tasks and
point cloud scanning technology training
away from the “red tape” and restrictions
of a building site.
“Trainees gain valuable knowledge about
the various components that make up a
system, receive basic technical instruction
in relation to equipment operation, and
identify how a drafting model compares
to an as-installed system,” says Knipe.
ROLL IN/ROLL OUT through the creation of balancing The new HVAC Centre of Excellence
and commissioning scenarios. at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus
The HVAC Centre of Excellence
opened in late May 2019.
features a range of roll in/roll out “It is critical that learners are exposed
skids with pieces of equipment built to live systems when they are building It has accommodated several hundred
specifically for apprentices and their skills,” says Digby. students to date, while Holmesglen has
tradespeople to be able to repair, hosted a number of industry events.
“It enables them to contextualise and
dismantle and maintain within the safe Several NEBB practical exams have
apply their underpinning knowledge,
working environment of the facility. also been conducted in the Centre.
understand and apply the order of
Balancing and commissioning can also work to be undertaken, and enable the In his role as AMCA national president,
be demonstrated in a contextualised development of workplace skills such as A.G. Coombs Group managing
manner, and tradespeople and students teamwork, delegation, documentation director Russell Telford says that the
are able to apply their learning and time management.” Centre has been designed to meet the
rapid advances of the HVAC industry.
He says it’s ready for the changes
PROJECT AT A GLANCE to skills required by both qualified
technicians and new entrants.
The personnel ▲ Ductwork: Ductmakers “The AMCA has committed to
▲ Electric duct heater: developing and growing partnership
▲ Architect: Therm Elect Element arrangements with TAFEs to address
Crosier Scott Architects these challenges,” Telford says.
▲ Energy recovery unit: Air Change
▲ Building services: To this end, he says key themes have
Holmesglen Institute ▲ Fans: Fantech
been identified for industry and
▲ Client: ▲ FCUs: Temperzone VET collaboration. These include
Holmesglen Institute ▲ Filters: Airepure the establishment of a culture
▲ Electrical contractor: of re‑investment between VET,
▲ Fire dampers: Holyoake
Victorian Electrical Services industry and government; a renewal
▲ Fume cupboard: Lab Systems of focus on quality industry-led
▲ Mechanical services contractor:
A.G. Coombs ▲ Hydronic heating: Reece outcomes; and the elevation of
the status of apprenticeships by
▲ Independent commissioning agent: ▲ Insulation (duct and pipe):
Mulgrave Insulation
communicating how they lead to
A.G. Coombs
a sustainable career pathway.
▲ Pumps: KSB
Critically, the partnership between
The equipment ▲ Split systems: Reece, Panasonic, Daikin
the AMCA and Holmesglen remains
▲ Sub-metering: Reece ongoing. This ensures the Centre
▲ AHUs: GJ Walker
▲ Tools: Milwaukee, Blackwoods continues to be responsive to the
▲ BMS: Alerton needs of employers and adapts to
▲ Underfloor heating: Reece
▲ Boilers: Automatic Heating changes in market demand as required.
▲ VAV boxes: Celmec
▲ Chilled beams: Reece “This Centre is a tremendous example
▲ VC dampers: Celmec of strategic industry and employer
▲ Diffusers: Holyoake, Metalflex
and Shapeair ▲ VSDs: Danfoss engagement with the training system,”
(Source: A.G. Coombs)
Oberoi says. “It will serve the industry
well for years to come.” ❚
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