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Body heat powers new wearable device
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new wearable device that harvests energy from the wearer’s own body heat. Using an elastic material, the device can be worn like a ring, bracelet or any accessory that makes direct contact with your skin. It employs thermoelectric generators to convert the body’s internal temperature […]
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Condair shares advice on making buildings healthier
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rethink on the risks posed by viral transmission in buildings. Fresh air, temperature, minimum relative humidity and even sunlight are gaining greater attention as factors that can control the spread of viruses. Humidity specialist Condair has released a white paper entitled “Making buildings healthier” that provides an overview of […]
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Holyoake and Price join forces
With effect from March 1, Price Industries will acquire an interest in Holyoake Air Management Solutions to form a new independent business, Holyoake by Price. Holyoake Air Management Solutions says that the new company will continue to operate as an independent business. Incorporated in 1949 by Ernest H. Price, the Price organisation started out as […]
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Northern Territory to finally adopt Section J?
The Northern Territory government is considering adopting Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC), which will set out new energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings. The National Construction Code prescribes the minimum standard for buildings in Australia. Although it is a national code, each state and territory may decide whether or not to adopt […]
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Umow Lai fully integrates into Integral Group
Umow Lai’s Melbourne practice has taken the final step in joining the Integral Group brand. With the Sydney and Brisbane offices of Umow Lai having already been absorbed into the global operation, the rebranding of the erstwhile Victorian Umow Lai office – its national HQ – means the organisation previously known as Umow Lai will […]
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South Australia opens new ‘medi-hotel’ for COVID cases
International travellers in South Australia who test positive for COVID-19 infection are now being transferred to a hotel quarantine facility with upgraded ventilation systems and processes. The 72-bed Tom’s Court hotel in Adelaide’s CBD will mainly house new international arrivals, but rooms will also be available should there be any further cases of community transmission […]
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Beijer Ref acquires Australian HVAC distributor
Global refrigeration wholesaler Beijer Ref announced that they have acquired all the shares in Complete Air Supply. Complete Air Supply is a manufacturer and distributor of air conditioning supplies, including ducting and associated fittings. With 40 employees on staff, the company has an established sales distribution network with three branches in Queensland. Annual sales amount […]
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Mitsubishi Electric launches new floor console
Mitsubishi Electric has announced the launch of a new floor console that it says can heat rooms twice as fast as previous models. The MFZ-KW-VG is a slim, floor-standing air conditioner with RapidHeat technology, which uses advanced sensors with intuitive control logic technology. The heat technology automatically activates at start-up in low-temperature room conditions, blowing […]
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Differential pressure switch from Dwyer Instruments
The Dwyer Series AT-ADPS ATEX/IECEx-approved differential pressure switch incorporates a flameproof aluminium enclosure that protects the device for use in hazardous areas commonly found in process or industrial applications. The ADPS differential pressure switch contained in Series AT-ADPS is designed for monitoring pressure, vacuum, and differential pressure. Due to the unit’s dual-scale adjustment knob, the […]
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AMBA promotes polymer-based insulation to construction sector
Polyurethane insulation can help to create more energy efficient buildings, says the Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA). AMBA is an interest group of companies established to represent the use of polymers in the Australian construction industry. The Alliance is encouraging the sector to consider polymer-based insulation in the design of new houses and buildings, in […]
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Hotel quarantine outbreaks prompt ventilation review
The Victorian government is conducting a review of hotel ventilation and air conditioning systems amid an increase in COVID-19 cases linked to quarantine. The situation has raised further concerns about the suitability of hotels as quarantine facilities, and the role of airborne transmission in spreading the virus. The Australian hotel quarantine system has registered outbreaks […]
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Draft training units on VRF and fire and smoke control
New training units have been drafted for the electrotechnology training package and are open for comment. The two new units cover variable refrigerant flow (VRF) AC systems, and emergency lighting and alarm systems/fire and smoke control systems. Both will be included as an elective in Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration. The new unit of […]
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Fujitsu’s Australian-designed ducted controller
The anywAiR technology ducted controller from Fujitsu General Australia lets users control their ducted air conditioner via a touch pad in the home or remotely through a smartphone or tablet. The Australian-designed smart control device is compatible with Fujitsu General’s residential and light commercial ducted systems. Available as an option when purchasing a Fujitsu General […]
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ARC applauds world’s ‘greatest repair job’
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has highlighted the impact of the Montreal Protocol – and the work of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians in protecting the ozone layer and the environment. The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental agreement between 197 countries to phase out refrigerants and other substances that deplete the ozone layer. […]
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Engineering and defence leaders to talk at IWD 2021
Female leaders from Aurecon and the Australian Defence Force will share their success strategies in an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. As in previous years, IWD 2021 will be marked by global events that bring attention to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The occasion will also […]
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UK government confirms 2025 gas boiler ban
The UK government has confirmed a ban on fossil fuel heating systems such as natural gas boilers from new homes by 2025. The ban follows a response to an initial consultation on the Future Homes Standard, which was proposed as a green standard for new build homes. The response sets out broad proposals for ensuring […]
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Important advance in harnessing waste heat
Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Tōhoku University in Japan have successfully increased the electrical power per footprint of thermomagnetic generators. Scientists have long been trying to find ways to harness waste heat. Recently, there was increased interest in finding new thermoelectric materials. Many technical processes unintentionally release unused heat into the environment, […]
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Discrimination in the construction industry
A new report has revealed that women working in trades and semi-skilled roles in construction experience high rates of discrimination. The Victorian government commissioned the report from RMIT as part of its Women in Construction Strategy, which aims to increase participation of women in the construction industry. The study found that women perceive a lack of acceptance […]
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Report opens the way to better insulation in buildings
The Energy Efficiency Council and Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) are launching a research report to support an industry-led roadmap for healthy, comfortable buildings. Last year, the Energy Efficiency Council and ASBEC developed a research report to support an industry-led roadmap for quality control and safety in the installation of insulation in Australian buildings. […]
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ASHRAE presents to congressional hearing on COVID-19 safety
US engineering body ASHRAE has provided witness testimony in a congressional hearing on COVID-19 risks and response in transportation systems. Titled “Protecting Transportation Workers and Passengers from COVID: Gaps in Safety, Lessons Learned, and Next Steps,” the hearing examined COVID-19 safety gaps in the protection of US transportation workers and passengers. “Protecting the transportation workforce […]