Australian Antarctic Division

Williams Refrigeration has provided specifically engineered refrigeration cabinets to the AAD

Understanding the role of Antarcticain the global climate system is one of the roles of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) within the Australian Antarctic Program.

A primary area of study involves Algae, also known as phytoplankton. Algae is vitally important in the ocean’s food chain, with each litre of sea water containing about a million phytoplankton. It is also largely responsible for absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, the principle greenhouse gas, from the Southern Ocean.

As such an important component of Antarctic sea life, Algae is, unfortunately, also very sensitive to change, thus making it an important area of research.

For many years now, Williams Refrigeration has provided specifically engineered refrigeration cabinets to the AAD for their laboratories.

Trevor Bailey, AAD’s Laboratory Manager explained, “The Williams cabinets are used in various experiments such as growing algal and snow algal cultures to study the effects on the environment of human habitation and climate change”.  

The Williams cabinets incorporate special temperature monitoring and alarm systems as well as unique features such as Grolux fluorescent lights which promote the process of photosynthesis.  Used at stations at Tasmania, Davis, Casey and soon to be used atMacquarieIsland, the Williams ‘Algae’ cabinets will continue to be part of the ongoing research within the Australian Antarctic Division.

Download the case study here