Laura Timberlake

September 6, 2019

Consultation on “smart” demand response

Regulations

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council has drafted a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for certain electrical appliances to be demand-response capable. The South Australian Government is leading the consultation under the Energy Equipment Efficiency (E3) Program. The consultation paper re-examined and updated the modelling that was undertaken in 2013/14, quantifying energy network peak cost […]

September 3, 2019

The Chill Challenge

News

Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB-USA) is launching the Affordable Off-Grid Refrigeration Challenge this month. Refrigeration is acknowledged as a key in social and economic development. But up to two billion people worldwide do not have access to reliable refrigeration. EWB-USA notes that refrigeration is a particular challenge because some people acquire electricity through “mini-grids” or […]

August 29, 2019

Best practice guide for coolrooms

Regulations

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is conducting a review of a best practice guide for energy efficient walk-in coolrooms and freezers. Walk-in coolrooms are those intended to store chilled or frozen foodstuffs and other perishable items. They are accessible by at least one door suitable for people to walk through. […]

August 23, 2019

An introduction to WUFI

Events and conferences

Prof. Dr Hartwig Künzel from the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany is holding an introductory session about WUFI. WUFI is an acronym for Wärme Und Feuchte Instationär, which means heat and moisture transiency when translated. Prof. Dr Künzel is holding the event to demonstrate how WUFI works as a moisture management tool. It is a family of software products […]

August 23, 2019

Residential rethink in NCC 2022

Regulations

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to investigate possible changes to the energy efficiency provisions, with an emphasis on residential buildings in the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). The ABCB has produced a scoping study to begin the process. The study outlines a […]

August 21, 2019

More awards for MHIAA

Business

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) has added another accolade to its trophy cabinet by taking out the 2019 Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customer Award. Receiving five stars for overall satisfaction, functionality, reliability, quietness and four stars for ease of use and value for money, MHIAA was the only brand in the air conditioners category […]

August 14, 2019

New minimum standards for large AC

Regulations

New greenhouse and energy minimum standards (GEMS) have been drafted for air conditioners above 65kW. They are open for public comment. There are currently no minimum energy efficiency requirements under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act for air conditioners over 65kW capacity to be sold in Australia. There are, however, requirements in the National […]

August 14, 2019

IoT – The Neurology of Building Operations

Events and conferences

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE ANZ) is holding a seminar series called “IoT – The Neurology of Building Operations” in Australia and New Zealand in September. The seminars will focus on how to use the Internet of Things (IoT) for better building operation. According to CIBSE, denser populations are bringing about the […]

August 12, 2019

AC in your pocket

Business

A Sony-affiliated startup has announced the Reon Pocket, a small Bluetooth device that can fit into a pocket and will cool and heat the wearer. Other companies and research teams are working on bringing heating and cooling to a wearable level, but the Reon Pocket looks like the first such product that could break into […]

August 7, 2019

Energy efficiency calculators ready for testing

Regulations

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released four energy efficiency calculators for beta testing. The calculators have been developed to help users with understanding and applying the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for the energy efficiency of façades, lighting, fans and pumps. The calculators include: Façade, Volume One Lighting, Volume One Fan Systems, Volume One […]