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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 […]
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ProSafe filters for food and pharma process industries
Camfil Airepure has released the ProSafe range of filters, designed to comply with safety, traceability and control demands within the food processing and life science industries. The company says the filters are manufactured with materials that comply with European Food Contact Regulation (EC) No 1935:2004. Camfil’s ProSafe filter range is purportedly free of toxic chemicals […]
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New digital manifolds from Testo
Testo has released a new crop of fully digital manifolds with protection class IP 54 and functions suitable for various measuring tasks. The new digital manifolds also come in multi-purpose kits. The Testo 550s and Testo 557s are smart digital manifolds with Bluetooth and 2-way or 4-way valve block. They feature a large graphic display, […]
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REHVA launches online COVID-19 course
The Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has launched an online course for the safe operation of buildings and HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online course takes around 8 hours to complete and covers key topics on how to resume activities, safely operate buildings, and use densely occupied indoor […]
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Vale ozone pioneer Paul Crutzen
Dutch scientist Paul J. Crutzen, who earned the Nobel Prize for chemistry for his work understanding the hole in the ozone layer, has died. Credited with coining the term “Anthropocene” to describe the geological era shaped by humankind and its impact on climate change, Crutzen died on January 28. He was 87. Crutzen was the […]
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Building Confidence reforms open for comment
The Australia Building Codes Board (ABCB) is has released three discussion papers on responses to the Building Confidence Report (BCR), and is looking for input until February 28. The BCR was published in 2018 and identified significant problems with the compliance and enforcement systems for Australia’s building and construction industry. In response, the Building Ministers’ […]
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Design competition looks at adapting empty buildings
An Australian design competition based around tackling major issues facing the construction sector has issued a new challenge this year: adapt and reconfigure empty buildings. Established in 2020, the Fleetwood Challenge Cup is an inter-university, cross-disciplinary team competition which aim is to uncover the next generation of built environment professionals. The competition is developed by […]
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Young Aussies tackle sustainable living
The Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), in partnership with Orica, has developed a remote learning module that focuses on sustainable housing. The module was designed for the STELR (Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance) education program and teaches secondary school students to design a low-energy home. ATSE Chief Executive, Kylie Walker, says the sustainable housing education kit is […]
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National search for engineering and technology champions
The International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS) has established two annual communications prizes to find compelling technological and engineering innovations. The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) is a founding member of CAETS, and is searching for technological scientists and engineers who are involved in ground-breaking work and are also […]
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Australian researchers develop ‘green’ ammonia
Researchers at the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales have found a way to make ammonia production “green” – using only air, water and renewable electricity. The breakthrough has implications for refrigeration, as well as for fertiliser production and energy storage. For more than 140 years, ammonia has been a popular […]
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Flame-proof industrial switch and gauge
The Dwyer Series AT-3000MR/MRS, an ATEX/IECEx approved Photohelic switch and gauge, incorporates a flame-proof aluminium enclosure that protects the device for use in hazardous areas commonly found in process or industrial applications. The multi-purpose 3000MR/3000MRS Photohelic device, contained in the Series AT-3000MR/MRS, is designed for monitoring pressure, vacuum, and differential pressure. Solid-state switches allow for […]
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Biden signs orders to ratify Kigali – and more
US President Joe Biden has set the wheels in motion for his country to finally ratify the Kigali Amendment for the phasing down of HFCs. It was announced among a raft of measures aimed at addressing climate change. Via an executive order, Biden directed his administration to prepare to send the Kigali Amendment to the […]