Mark Vender
Seeley International has become the first air conditioning manufacturer to join a new collaborative research centre (CRC) focused on clean energy – RACE for 2030.
The company formalised a partnership with other industry, research and technology partners to incorporate innovative air conditioning solutions into projects aimed at boosting energy productivity and demand flexibility, cutting energy costs and reducing emissions, for Australian homes, businesses and industries.
Seeley’s Executive Director of Imagineering Rob Gilbert says HVAC technology will play an increasingly critical role in the clean energy transition and that the company’s products are a natural fit with the RACE mission.
“We know that cooling is a huge component of a building’s energy demand, which multiplies during peak demand, especially during the hot, Australian summers,” says Gilbert.
“The major challenge in our clean energy transition will be to shape the energy load so that it aligns with the demand. As global demand grows for air conditioning and well-ventilated buildings, we cannot overstate the importance of clean, efficient HVAC technology.”
RACE partner Professor Frank Bruno, F.AIRAH, of UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, says he is proud to have the South Australian partner on board.
“UniSA has had a strong partnership with Seeley for more than 20 years and this initiative will enable us to continue to collaborate on exciting new projects,” Professor Bruno says.
“Since cooling and heating in buildings represents a significant portion of energy use and peak power demand, Seeley, as the only air conditioning and heating manufacturer in the CRC, will play an important role in ensuring the latest innovations are used for a secure, affordable, clean energy future.”
With COVID-19 forcing industry and governments to consider efficiency policies through the lens of health, Seeley noted that additional challenges and opportunities will be explored through RACE.
“The demand for air-conditioning will continue to grow strongly, as will the emphasis for healthier buildings,” says Gilbert. “Homes and businesses will be wanting to heat and cool 100 per cent outside air efficiently, rather than recirculating ‘rebreathed’ air.
“This is central to Seeley’s technology and our growth, and we are delighted to now be partnering with RACE and its network participants, ultimately to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits on a far broader scale.”
RACE for 2030 CEO Jon Jutsen has also applauded the alliance.
“We are delighted to have a really innovative company like Seeley on board the powerful RACE collaborative,” says Jutsen. “There are great opportunities for us to work together with our partners to improve energy efficiency, provide load flexibility and deliver better and more economical cooling solutions for consumers and businesses.”
For more information on RACE for 2030, click here.
Read the company profile of Seeley International on HVAC&R Search.
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