Engineering Tech Talk Botswana: Fundamentals of Refrigeration Systems

Engineering Tech Talk Series

Engineering Tech Talk is an industry-led seminar series delivered by local engineering professionals, showcasing real-world knowledge and experience from professionals working within the region.

The series is designed to support local engineering communities by encouraging knowledge sharing and connection between professionals, students, and industry stakeholders. With hundreds of EIT students studying while working across the region’s engineering and industrial sectors, the series reflects EIT’s long-standing commitment to developing and celebrating industry-ready engineering professionals.

This session forms part of the Engineering Tech Talk series and focuses on practical approaches to improving maintenance performance and asset reliability in industrial environments.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
• Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub, Science and Technology Park, Botswana, Gaborone
• Cost: Free

Seminar Details

Effective HVAC maintenance requires more than routine servicing; it demands a clear understanding of system components, refrigerant behaviour, electrical wiring, and structured fault diagnosis. This session provides a practical exploration of the essential elements that ensure reliable and efficient refrigeration and air-conditioning performance.

The seminar will unpack key HVAC components and processes, with a focused discussion on refrigerant management, electrical wiring fundamentals, and systematic troubleshooting techniques. Drawing from industry-based experience, the session will demonstrate how a methodical approach to fault finding reduces downtime, improves safety compliance, and enhances overall system efficiency.

Attendees will gain practical insights into diagnosing common and complex system faults, interpreting wiring diagrams, handling refrigerants responsibly, and applying structured troubleshooting steps in industrial environments.

This session is ideal for technicians, artisans, and maintenance professionals seeking to strengthen their technical foundation and improve fault resolution efficiency in refrigeration and HVAC systems.

About the Presenter:

Bernard Ipotseng – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Artisan

With over 16 years of expertise in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems within industrial environments. Bernards background spans maintenance, fault diagnostics, and performance optimisation across complex plant operations.

Bernard has worked with BMC in refrigeration and DTCB in HVAC, and is currently based at Morupule B Power Plant, where he contributes to system reliability and sustainable maintenance practices. He specialises in identifying and resolving complex system faults, preventative maintenance planning, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and operational standards.

He holds an 52932WA Advanced Diploma in Plant Engineering and was awarded the EIT Academic Excellence Award (VET 2025). Bernard also earned a National Craft Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning with Distinction, along with a Certificate in Training of Trainers. Known for his analytical thinking, professionalism, and adaptability, he consistently supports improved system performance and operational efficiency.

Who is EIT?

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides practical education and training in engineering and technology, with most graduates in fulfilling and well-paid engineering jobs. EIT offers excellence across its professional development courses, and in its Australian internationally accredited diplomas and advanced diplomas, bachelor and master degrees, and a professional Doctor of Engineering. The engineering lecturers and instructors, most with considerable industry experience and a passion for teaching, are drawn from around the world.

The live and interactive online platform of learning (with access to remote and virtual labs) reaches students in over 160 countries. The degrees are also available on campus in Australia, using a blended approach to learning.

If you have any questions, please contact Precious at precious.maoko@eit.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.