Register now

Technical Stage

The irhace Technical Stage is designed to bring together professionals from across the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors. With a core focus on energy efficient solutions, the event provides a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing current projects and technical expertise. It serves as a vital space where cutting-edge advancements are discussed, and the future of energy efficiency in HVAC&R is shaped.

Not just an event; it’s a convergence point for thought leaders and industry professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on energy consumption and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, extend equipment life, or contribute to a greener future, this event is poised to provide actionable insights and foster collaborations that drive the industry forward.

10:30 am - 11:00 am
Tue 15 Jul

Implementing H1/VM3: Enhancing energy efficiency in commercial HVAC systems

Explore how the H1/VM3 verification method, part of the New Zealand Building Code, drives improved performance in commercial building services. This session provides insights into the scope of H1/VM3, key compliance requirements, and practical strategies for integrating energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to align system design with sustainability goals, reduce operational costs, and support NZ’s broader climate commitments

Darren Gear

Simx

11:00 am - 11:30 am
Tue 15 July

Keep it down! Acoustic control for a noisy world

The presentation will cover the vital role of noise control in modern infrastructure design, drawing on real-world examples to illustrate how acoustics can be integrated across different environments. We’ll cover the fundamentals of sound and how it behaves, as well as the emphasis on acoustics in sustainability frameworks like LEED, BREEAM and Green Star. We will provide insights into some of the advanced tools and techniques used by acousticians today such as 3D modelling. Finally, we will provide some case studies and end with a Q&A.

Sandeep Manilal

NCS Acoustics

11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tue 15 July

The Future of Domestic Hot Water Heating

New inverter hot water heat pumps deliver high energy efficiency with a COP of 5.4 and may use the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant. Designed with lower, safer operating pressures, these systems improve reliability and safety, making it a sustainable and smart solution for modern hot water needs.

Roger Lee

Realcold

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Tue 15 July

How H1/VM3 impacts on the demand for folded galvanised ducting

H1/VM3 5.2.1 of the Building Code specifies the R levels of thermal insulation required for rigid ducting in commercial building over 300m2, consented since Nov 2021. The practicalities of insulating and installing traditional folded galvanised steel rigid ducting to H1/VM3 requirements are challenging. PIR panel ducting has become far more attractive than it has in the past. Discover how do Galv and PIR compare?

Ian Barker

Smooth-Air

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Tue 15 July

Planned Preventive Maintenance for Energy Efficient HVAC Systems

The presentation is about effective maintenance processes that optimize capital plant lifespan, manage corrosion and ensure energy efficient plant operation for the planned lifetime of the equipment. Optimising the balance between Opex and Capex expenditure is key to effective delivery of energy efficient comfort to the building occupants. The cheapest maintenance contract is not necessarily the optimum solution for either the building owner or the tenants. Ticking boxes on the maintenance form and filter cleaning alone does not deliver a useful or complete maintenance.
A deep dive into this subject.

John Greaves

Black Diamond Technologies

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Tue 15 July

VAV Systems for Energy Efficiency

Overview of Why Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems. Review of VAV terminals and VAV diffusers available. Covering VAV terminals Single Duct, Dual Duct, Fan Assisted and Induction Terminals together with Thermal and Electronic VAV Diffusers overview. Discuss disadvantages and advantages of each system and benefits, showing energy savings over traditional CAV systems.

Dion Froes

Shapeair

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Tue 15 July

NZ’s product stewardship scheme for refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases

Cool-Safe is NZ’s product stewardship scheme for refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases (HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs, HFOs). With regulations expected in late 2025, this creates shared responsibility between technicians, manufacturers, importers, and retailers to reduce environmental impact of refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases. The Cool-Safe team will discuss what the sector might expect going forward under a regulated scheme and what incentives are available to responsibly destroy your refrigerant.

Janine Brinsdon

Megan Dinsdale-Jones

Cool-Safe

10:30 am - 11:15 am
Wed 16 July

The Hidden Costs of Power: Boosting Efficiency and Protecting HVAC Infrastructure with Active Power Factor Correction

Join ebm-papst AU&NZ as we showcase real-world applications, best practices, and the latest advancements in APFC for high-performance, sustainable HVAC solutions. Power quality is a critical factor in the performance and efficiency of HVAC&R systems. This presentation explores the benefits of Active Power Factor Correction (APFC) in modern fan technology and its impact on system reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. We will break down the fundamentals of power factor, explain the difference between passive and active correction methods, and demonstrate how APFC enhances motor-driven systems by reducing losses, improving voltage stability, and lowering energy costs.

Thomas Heine

ebm-papst A&NZ

11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 16 July

Efficient Indoor Air Quality

This presentation explores the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in supporting health, comfort, and productivity, especially as people spend over 90% of their time indoors. It highlights key IAQ parameters such as PM2.5, CO, CO₂, and humidity, with a focus on the 40–60% optimal humidity range. The discussion covers the health risks of low humidity, airborne pathogen transmission, and lessons from COVID-19. Attendees will learn strategies like CO₂ monitoring and mechanical ventilation to improve IAQ and energy efficiency.

Mark Jones

Eurotec

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Wed 16 July

Energy efficiency in industrial refrigeration

For many businesses, refrigeration systems use large amounts of electricity, which significantly contributes to operating costs. Improvements to operating equipment have the potential to reduce energy use by up to 40%, whilst simple improvements in operational practices can reduce energy use by up to 20%. The EECA Guide is aimed at helping improve the energy efficiency of medium to large-scale industrial refrigeration systems, such as cold stores and process chillers.

Don Cleland

Massey University - School of Built Environment

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Wed 16 July

Efficiency of Dew point Control and Integrated Reheat

Dew point control reduces humidity efficiently but may overcool. Waste heat from refrigeration racks can reheat air, though its availability isn't guaranteed. Integrated hot gas reheat captures heat from dehumidification and uses it to warm supply air, improving comfort and efficiency without requiring extra energy input. Hear from Temperzone's Marc Harris on supermarket examples which includes the recent Pak N Save Highland park project.

Marc Harris

Temperzone

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Wed 16 July

Optimizing HVAC Systems with CFD for precision and efficiency

Gain a comprehensive overview of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and its significance in HVAC system design. Join Holyoake's Pouria Aghajannezhad and explore how CFD can be applied to existing and new design, and the benefits, requirements and cost of using CFD in HVAC systems.

Pouria Aghajannezhad

Price Holyoake

Get in quick!

BUY TICKETS

Proudly supported by

Partnered with

Exhibitor Prospectus

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name