Danfoss Turbocor’s Conry Receives AIRAH’s Highest Accolade

BALTIMORE — Ron Conry, inventor of Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc., was named the winner of the James Harrison Medal at the recent Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Awards held Nov. 19 at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

Named after Australian refrigeration pioneer James Harrison, the award recognizes the highest levels of individual achievement in the Australian refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

Conry was the chosen recipient of this award in recognition of his pivotal role in developing a high-speed and oil-free centrifugal compressor.

“Ron is a worthy winner indeed of the James Harrison medal,” says AIRAH board member Sean Treweek.

“He designed from scratch a compressor that would meet all of the industry’s needs for the future, based on his own extensive experience in the field of chiller and compressor rebuilding and maintenance.”

Conry assembled a world-class international team with a brief to develop a centrifugal compressor that would be very efficient, operate at high speed, be oil-free, lightweight, quiet, without vibration, and fully integrated and cost-competitive.

Developed in Australia, Conry’s concept was then commercialized in Canada. Following the backing of a joint venture with Danish refrigeration giant Danfoss, the product that was subsequently developed has achieved global recognition. There are more than 10,000 Turbocor compressors in operation worldwide.

“I am honored and humbled to accept this award from AIRAH,” said Conry. “This project has been recognized all around the world, but receiving this award in my hometown is the most important of all.”

Conry flew to Australia with his family from his Florida base to accept the award. He expressed delight that a number of his international colleagues had secretly flown in to join in honoring him.

The James Harrison Medal was first presented in 1972 to Dr. James Vickery for his notable contributions to the science and practice of refrigeration in Australia.

Receipt of the award is based on the nominee’s notable contributions within AIRAH’s sphere of interest, commitment to ongoing achievement and excellence, and performance above and beyond that expected of the nominee’s position.

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Ron Conry, founder of Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc., receives the James Harrison Medal during the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Awards on Nov. 19 in Melbourne for his role in developing a high-speed and oil-free centrifugal compressor.