Prestigious award recognises scientific research and business development

A South Australian company that developed revolutionary low-cost air conditioning technology has been recognised for its achievements at the recent Australia Post-Australia Day Council Business Awards.

At the award presentation luncheon on Friday, July 3, guests were told that the technology, developed at the University of Adelaide and commercially realised by DADANCO Pty Ltd, is saving old commercial buildings that are "dying" from poor air conditioning, and may even influence the design of future commercial buildings.

Bill Mitchell, General Manager Australia Post, reading from the citation said the technology, which had been recognised in the scientific community, has extensive ramifications for building construction and commercial property maintenance industries.

"The patented DADANCO technology utilises the latest in Fluid Dynamics research to greatly improve the efficiency of induction air conditioners, common in many older commercial buildings, dramatically lower air conditioning noise, reduce maintenance and running costs, and lower environmental impact through reducing energy usage," Mr Mitchell said.

"In new construction projects, this efficiency translates into savings on ceiling space for ducting, allowing an extra floor to be constructed for every 12 planned, in the same building envelope, and reductions in plant room size by about half for the same air conditioning performance."

Mr Mitchell said that from a two-person start up company in 1995, DADANCO now has a turnover of more than $3 million each year with a current annual growth rate of around 500%.

In accepting the certificate, a DADANCO representative said DADANCO's first success, in 1995, was to retro-fit their newly-invented technology into each of the 557 ceiling-mounted units in Adelaide's thirteen storey Capita building in one weekend, reducing air conditioning noise by 5-10dB, and increasing the system's efficiency more than 30%.

Subsequent successes, which followed extensive research and development, include reducing the air conditioner noise level in an 8-floor Brisbane law court by 10 dB; and allowing a stalled Sydney building project go ahead by showing the developer how to gain an extra floor for the same building height using a new DADANCO system.

The technology is also being incorporated into the $25 million upgrade of 360 Collins Street, Melbourne where it reduced capital expenditure on services by around 50% and promises lower running and maintenance costs.

Recently-acquired projects will see DADANCO install their technology in the National Mutual Building, Auckland, New Zealand and the new United World College currently under construction in Singapore.

To meet the growing demand, DADANCO has established a manufacturing, distribution and sales facility for their new Starline products at Thebarton, Adelaide.

As well as exporting their technology to all Australian States, DADANCO has set up a joint venture company in Singapore and will soon expand to Eastern and Western Europe and the East Coast of America.

DADANCO's staff consists of a team of dedicated professionals with a wealth of knowledge in the design of air conditioning equipment. Our strong Research and Development Department ensures that the performance of all products is kept ahead of expectations without compromising consistency and quality within each product line.

The company's product range continues to expand through incorporation of our innovative technologies into new products, each of which is subjected to intensive testing and manufacturing standards of the highest quality.

DADANCO recently embarked on a $2 million 3-year research and development program that will see DADANCO employ more full-time research engineers to work on projects designed to further increase our STARLINE air conditioner efficiency and reduce energy usage.

The company's aim is to provide clients with the best possible solutions through innovative design and imaginative use of intellectual property.