South Africa is unique in that it uses Variable Air Volume diffusers in the majority of its buildings that are air-conditioned with ducted systems. The alternative that is commonly used abroad is a combination of constant volume diffusers and VAV boxes. The advantage of VAV diffusers are their energy savings, comfort levels and flexibility. A study by an external engineering consultancy shows that VAV diffusers save 20% of an installations air-conditioning energy expenditure and 5% of the entire buildings energy bill. Unlike VAV boxes, VAV diffusers directly affect fan speed and hence energy used when they reduce the volume of air into the conditioned space. VAV diffusers are also able to maintain air movement and comfort levels while doing so.

Rickard uses industry leading controls to intelligently control its products and the latest Engineering tools to design them. They offer the client seamless integration into a buildings management system and unparalleled flexibility for building layout changes. Rickard offers further energy saving functionality through built in occupancy sensing that closes the diffuser and switches off the lights when the room is unoccupied.
The advantages of VAV diffusers and Rickards focus on innovation and quality has seen growth for the company into overseas markets. Rickard sees further potential in smaller buildings where energy saving is a deciding factor.

HISTORY

Rickard Air Diffusion (Pty) Ltd was established in Cape Town, South Africa in 1979 with a staff of only two. Today it is the leading producer of Variable Geometry VAV equipment and controls internationally.  The company is privately owned, managed and directed by its shareholders.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

In 1994 the company won the Safmarine Trophy for the best export performance in its class in the Western Cape region. Since then the company has seen consistent growth in this area. The company’s labour force, headed by fully-qualified engineering staff, is well trained, reliable and committed to produce the highest quality VAV diffuser equipment for which Rickard has become renowned.

PROJECTS

Since 1985 Rickard has actively promoted its products in many countries around the world resulting in the installation of its VAV equipment in such prestigious buildings as:

Angola: National Assembly-Luanda
Australia: Echuca Hospital-Echuca Victoria, Royal Rehabilitation Centre-Sydney, Yellow Pages House-Sydney
China: Movie City-Hong Kong
Egypt: Port Ghaleb Resort-El Qusier City
England-Birmingham: Rolls Royce offices
Israel-Tel Aviv: Ramat Gan Towers
Malaysia: Telekom Complex-Cyberjaya, AMD-Penang
South Africa-Cape Town: The Waterfront Mall, Old Mutual HQ, Portside, Cape Town International Airport, Oliver Thambo International Airport-Johannesburg, King Shaka International Airport-Durban, First National Bank-Fairlands
South Korea-Seoul: GT Tower, NC Soft, D-Tower, Yonsei Cancer Centre, Daelim D-Tower, LG U+ & New HQ, National Health Insurance Corporation
Thailand-Bangkok: Sathorn Square, United States Embassy, Bangkok Bank, K- Bank, Betagro Tower, King Power-Pattaya
UAE: Madinat Jumeirah Resort-Dubai
USA-New York: New York Times, Deloitte & Touche, George Washington University-Washington

Rickard Values