Introduction
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) invites applications for the 10 days Refrigeration Course. These ten days course combining theoretical and practical activities is designed to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills in Refrigeration.
A 10-day refrigeration course offering a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical principles and hands-on skills required to work with refrigeration systems.
2 x One Week Modules + ONLINE
In-Person
[email protected]
Basile Seburikoko
Programme Dates
Course Fees
Attendance is currently FREE for all course dates.18th August - 23rd September 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus, Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply by email to [email protected] before 21st July 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by August 4th, 2025
Training on campus split over 2 weeks:
- 1st week commencing 18th August 2025
- 2nd week commencing 19th September 2025
Course Description
It covers fundamental concepts such as the vapor compression cycle and heat transfer, while familiarizing participants with essential system components, including compressors, condensers, expansion valves, and evaporators. Trainees gain practical experience using industry-standard tools like manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, leak detectors, and training rigs. The course also covers key procedures for system installation, refrigerant charging, evacuation, and routine maintenance. In addition, it provides a solid grounding in electrical basic, alongside critical training in safety protocols, proper refrigerant handling, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Who Should Apply?
This course is ideal for individuals working with refrigeration systems, including:
- Refrigeration and HVAC technicians
- Cold room installers and operators
- Technical supervisors and maintenance personnel
- Facility and operations managers
- Students pursuing refrigeration or HVAC Training.
Syllabus Outline
The 10-days Refrigeration Course will cover the following key topics:
- Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the cold chain (Theoretical)
- How the refrigeration system works (Theoretical/Practical)
- Major system components
- Refrigeration cycle
- Superheating and subcooling
- Cutting and brazing (Theoretical/Practical)
- Introduction
- Practical implementation
- Refrigerants (Theoretical)
- Classification
- Ozone Depletion Potential and Global Warming Potential
- Drop-in replacements
- Temperature glide
- Pressure-enthalpy charts
- Why use natural refrigerants
- Refrigerant material compatibility
- Refrigerant counterfeiting
- Environmental effects of refrigerants
- Strength and tightness testing of brazed systems (Practical)
- Tools for monitoring and maintaining refrigeration systems (Theoretical/Practical)
- Leak testing and reduction of leak potential (Theoretical/Practical)
- Charging and recovery of refrigerants (Practical)
- Safety, risk assessment and best practices (Theoretical)
- Safety of systems (EN378 / ISO 5149 – pressure, electricity, flammability, toxicity) (Theoretical)
- Safety on small systems (Theoretical)
- Safety drills (Practical)
- Practice on the use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Simulate emergency scenarios
- Heat loads in refrigeration systems (Theoretical)
- Types of heat loads
- Efficiency of the insulation system
- What can be done to minimize the heat loads
- International Cold-chain Energy Efficiency model
- Simulation using the International Cold-chain Energy Efficiency model (Practical)
- Troubleshooting of refrigeration systems (Theoretical)
- First stage – visual inspection
- Second stage – system testing and component evaluation
- Third stage – adjustment and performance evaluation
- Pressure-enthalpy charts for refrigeration troubleshooting (Theoretical)
- Plotting pressure-enthalpy charts
- Using pressure-enthalpy charts (and refrigerant saturation tables) for troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting on the training rig (Practical)
- Community cooling hubs (Theoretical)
- Electrical testing (Practical)
- Preventive maintenance (Theoretical/Practical)
- Control systems (Theoretical/Practical)
- Overview of how control systems work
- Temperature and system probes
How To Apply
Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- A cover letter addressed to the Academic Head, ACES, stating your motivation for attending the training
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short responses (maximum 150 words each) to the following questions:
- What experience do you have with refrigeration systems?
- What specific refrigeration-associated challenges do you hope to better understand through this course?
- Do you have any dietary requirements or mobility restrictions that you want us to be aware of? (This will be treated confidentially to support your attendance.)
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
Refrigeration Course (10 days) Course Application – [Your Name]"
Join us and embrace your learning journey to become a refrigeration expert!