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AC based on air-cooled photovoltaic-thermal system
Scientists in China claim to have developed a photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) air conditioning system that uses an air-cooled condenser and a PV/T condenser combined in series. The research was published recently in Applied Thermal Energy, a technical journal. Researchers from Hebei University of Technology say they have designed the photovoltaic-thermal air conditioning system, whose novelty arises from using […]
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A.G. Coombs releases advisory note about net zero for FMs
Integrated building services provider A. G. Coombs has issued another in its series of informative guidance communiques or advisory notes. Aimed at facility managers, the latest is an exploration of net zero buildings. “The concept of ‘net zero’ is pivotal to any discussion regarding sustainability in the built environment,” the note says. “Despite its widespread […]
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Federal government launches energy-efficiency grants
Small and medium businesses across Australia can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and bring down emissions. The grants can be used for a wide range of activities, such as upgrading or replacing existing air conditioners with high-efficiency units, or replacing gas heating boilers with […]
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Europe votes to move away from fluorinated refrigerants
The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) has agreed to amendments to the F-gas regulation that will see bans on fluorinated gases in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment over the next five years. It signals a major move away from synthetic gases and towards natural alternatives. “We are making […]
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Daikin to expand Australian manufacturing operations
Daikin Australia has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations as part of a continued focus on local manufacturing, research and development. The project, due for completion by June 2024, will see the construction of a new 7,500m2 factory to complement the existing factory at Daikin’s Australian headquarters on Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW. […]
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Fast-track pathogen mitigation standard under development
ASHRAE has convened a project committee to develop an indoor air quality (IAQ) pathogen mitigation standard. The goal is to finalise the consensus-based, code-enforceable standard within six months. “The health and wellbeing of building occupants are crucial factors that must be considered during the design, construction and operation phases of the building process,” says ASHRAE […]
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Modular construction and prefabrication conference
The sixth Modular Construction and Pre-Fabrication ANZ conference, to be held as a virtual summit from March 27–29, will showcase the latest techniques and technology in modularisation and prefabrication. According to the organisers, modular construction now accounts for $4.5 billion of Australia’s $150 billion construction industry. The conference will highlight best practices from modular builders […]
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Employers’ gender pay gaps to be disclosed
Under a new federal government bill aimed at improving gender equity, the gender pay gaps for employers of 100 workers or more will be publicly disclosed. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), Australia’s national gender pay gap is 14.1 per cent. From May 2022, women in Australia earned $263.90 less than men each […]
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Online HVAC&R resource for Southeast Queensland
A new local resource site for the Southeast Queensland HVAC&R community has been launched: the HVACR Noticeboard. Founded by local mechanical engineer Wes Mergard, the HVACR Noticeboard has two purposes. First, it provides a central online meeting place for Southeast Queensland to support and showcase the work of local HVAC&R industry leaders, in the forms […]
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Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 comes to Melbourne
Melbourne will host the Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase 2023 on March 22. The Showcase is a mix of demonstrations, presentations and exhibitions. “The Building 4.0 CRC Annual Showcase profiles some of our current and completed projects,” say the organisers. “It’s an opportunity for partners and researchers to interact with one another, build relationships, see […]
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Harnessing heat pumps could deliver huge savings
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) and the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) have released a report that reveals the huge potential energy and emissions savings offered by heat pumps in Australia. Harnessing heat pumps for net zero: The role of heat pumps in saving energy and cutting emissions spotlights the critical role of heat […]
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Electrical control of passive radiative cooling
Researchers in Sweden have shown that electrical tuning of passive radiative cooling can be used to control the temperature of a material at ambient temperatures and air pressure. Passive radiative cooling occurs when thermal energy leaves an object in the form of infrared radiation. The amount they emit depends on its ability to absorb infrared […]
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Householders get free hot water in server cooling trial
UK company Heata is rolling out small but powerful servers that can be attached to home hot water heating systems. The servers get the cooling they need, and the householders who install them get free hot water heating in return. The installation works by fitting the server and a patented thermal bridge to a standard […]
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APCO seeks views on problematic packaging
Leading up to the 2025 deadline for Australia’s national packaging targets, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is seeking information on problematic packaging. The targets, to be achieved by December 31, 2025, are: 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging 70 per cent of plastic packaging being recycled or composted 50 per cent of […]
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Carel shares top sustainability tips at EuroShop
At the upcoming EuroShop trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, slated for February 26 to March 2, Carel will show how to improve the performance of refrigeration systems while reducing their carbon footprint through five main tools. Natural refrigerants – According to Carel, water loop systems are cost-effective and sustainable, as the risk of leakages is drastically […]
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Testo launches new range of compact instruments
Testo has launched a range of compact new measuring instruments into the Australian market. Testo says smooth and energy-efficient operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems can only be ensured by regular measurements of the relevant parameters. “With the new compact measuring instruments testo 417, testo 416 and testo 425, flow and volume flow measurement […]
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EAF lifter offers improved safety and efficiency
EAF Industries has developed a new mobile material lifter for use in many industries, including construction and the HVAC industry. The EAF lifter is designed to improve safety and efficiency, and generate times and cost savings onsite. The lift is self-contained and powered by rechargeable batteries. It operates using a hydraulic power pack and is […]
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Wagga Wagga set to host IICA Technology Expo
The Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation (IICA) is holding its first Technology Expo of 2023 in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday, March 1, from midday to 6pm. The IICA provides an open forum for members to build their networks and knowledge with various types of events and courses. “We’re heading to the region of Wagga […]
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AIRAH names Trish Hyde as new CEO
Following a detailed recruitment process, the AIRAH Board has appointed Trish Hyde to the role ofAIRAH Chief Executive. Hyde replaces Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, who announced his impending resignation late last year, but will help with the seamless leadership transition over the coming weeks. AIRAH President Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH, says Hyde’s passion for sustainability, proven ability […]
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Vertiv Liebert AHU for big heat loads, small footprint
Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has unveiled its upgraded Vertiv Liebert air handling unit (AHU). The Liebert AHU is a high-capacity, chilled water cooling solution designed to support high-density computing environments, while offering a more energy-efficient approach to heat management. It has a standard unit capacity of 300kW, and is now […]