Global Update
GERMANY
ISRAEL
HFOS ON THE NOSE?
BRICK BY ICEBRICK
A new report from the German Environment Agency has raised more concerns about HFO refrigerants.
Israeli cold-energy storage company Nostromo has raised US$13.6m after commencing trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
HFOs have very low global warming potential (GWP), but research has identified issues with the chemicals they produce when they break down. The German report focuses on these chemicals, in particular trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
The company has developed an advanced ice-powered energy storage system based on its IceBrick-encapsulated ice cells. When electricity demand is low or there is a surplus of renewable energy, the system “charges” cold energy. It “discharges” the energy during peak consumption hours, relieving the grid from the high air conditioning electricity demands.
TFA finds its way into water bodies such as rivers and lakes through precipitation, and eventually into plants, fish, animals and humans. Although it has previously been classed as having very low toxicity, recent research has indicated it may impact health. It is extremely persistent and cannot be removed by current water-treatment technology. The researchers say the use of HFOs “must be regarded as problematic”. “If manufacturers and operators now change over to systems using natural substances with a low global warming potential, such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide or ammonia,” says German Environment Agency President Dirk Messner, “both the emissions of TFA can be significantly reduced and the climate can be protected.” ■
Nostromo has inked deals with the Hilton Beverly Hills hotel and retail operator Westfield to install systems onsite. ■
NORWAY
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
FISHY BUSINESS
Resident Brandon English arrived home to find his house unbearably hot, endangering the health of his sleeping young daughters. The family’s smart thermostat was installed several years ago as part of a new home security package. Many smart thermostats in the state can be enrolled in a program called “Smart Savers Texas” operated by a company called EnergyHub. In exchange for an entry into sweepstakes, electricity customers sign an agreement, the fine print of which allows companies to control their thermostats during periods of high energy demand. English unenrolled the thermostat as soon as he discovered the arrangement. “I wouldn’t want anybody else controlling my things for me,” he says. “If somebody else can manipulate this, I’m not for it.” ■ |
“Nostromo’s energy storage technology offers an innovative, highly-efficient, clean, sustainable, scalable and safe alternative to lithium-based storage,” says CEO Yoram Ashery.
USA
In late June, Houston residents reported that their homes had been much warmer than usual, even while running air conditioners. Some were blaming their home’s smart thermostat, which they say had been altered during a three‑hour “energy saving event” without their permission.
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The technology is said to be suitable for facilities that carry large electricity demands for air conditioning and cooling. Other benefits derived from shifting electricity demand during peak hours for air conditioning include the buildings’ ability to meet other energy demands, such as charging electric vehicles, without further infrastructure investment.
HVAC&R Nation
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www.airah.org.au/nation
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August–September 2021
Data centre firm Green Mountain has entered into an agreement to use waste heat from the DC2-Telemark centre at what reportedly will be the world’s largest land-based trout farm, in Rjukan, Norway. When fully operational in 2023, the waste heat will be used in the production of 9,000 tonnes of trout annually. “Although our data centres run on 100 per cent renewable hydropower, we do not like to waste the energy,” says Green Mountain’s Tor Kristian Gyland. “This project is a breakthrough example of circular economy – where the output of one company can benefit another, with an environmental benefit on top.” The two facilities will be connected via a pipe system. Heat exchangers will ensure the Hima facility can use the energy from the data centre water to obtain the correct water temperature for its recirculation aquaculture technology (RAS) solution. The same water, once cool, will then be returned to Green Mountain and reused to cool the data centre. ■
