SERIES 3

The new Intabloc inverter heat pump range is here. The range includes 9KW, 12KW and 18KW in single phase and 24KW in three phase. All have the environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant, quieter fan and improved performance. All models are reverse cycle with Monobloc construction for easy installation. All models have an inbuilt controller with WiFi capability. Contact Comfort Heat Australia to discover more.

www.comfortheat.com.au / www.inta o.com

The researchers were quoted as saying precooling can be more beneficial if the surplus PV generation during the day is used to pre-cool the building instead of importing electricity from the grid, mainly because the feed-in tariff (FIT) paid for rooftop PV generation is lower than current retail electricity prices.

TRIED AND TESTED AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS WITH A SMART TWIST

Fujitsu’s General Lifestyle wall mounted reverse cycle air conditioner range features the Japanese company’s proprietary anywAiR technology, which comes with ducted controller and Wi-Fi control that is operated through the anywAiR app.

This, the company says, allows users to control their air conditioner from wherever they are, either inside or outside the home, using a smartphone, tablet, or voice command when available. The smart technology can be used for new systems as well as older units as the technology is compatible with air conditioning systems up to 10 years old if it operates with a wireless remote control and infrared technology.

But it’s not just about the high tech. Chemicals still play an important role in HVAC efficiency, and as we well know, some of the gases from HVAC include carbon dioxide and methane, both of which play havoc with our environment.

In addition to making air conditioners more efficient, there’s also a pressing need to replace the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants that most air conditioners still use. In fact, HFCs are 1,000–3,000 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas that slowly leak into the atmosphere and escape when air conditioners are decommissioned.

This is one reason why Fujitsu General says that it is focused on lowering its global warming potential by developing more advanced refrigerant chemicals.

So, while refrigerants play a vital role in how an air conditioner works, with the most common being the R410A refrigerant, Fujitsu General’s air conditioners under 9kW come with R32 refrigerant, which is claimed operates with a 67 percent lower ‘global warming potential factor’ whilst still maintaining peak unit performance.

The 100 Percent Renewable Grid Coming To A Home Near You

According to Renew Economy, there have been simulations of a 100 percent renewable electricity grid for Australia, including some ground-breaking studies from Beyond Zero Emissions, the University of New South Wales and the ANU.

The results of this modelling could have an important impact on how and where we use our HVAC systems.

This is just as well as according to the International Energy Agency, there are around 1.6 billion heating, ventilation, and air HVAC units globally.

By 2030 – a mere seven years from now - it is estimated that this number will grow to nearly 5.6 million.

As noted by Emily Underwood writing in Scientific American, HVAC companies are now in a dilemma as to whether they should focus their efforts on finding the climate-friendliest refrigerant, or on reducing their product’s electricity use?

For example, an air conditioner using a standard HFC refrigerant would have to use 6.4 times less electricity than the baseline unit. In contrast, a unit that uses a refrigerant with zero potential to contribute to global warming would need to be only four times as efficient.

Whichever path is chosen by the world’s HVAC makers, it is a given fact that new air conditioners alone won’t be sufficient to stave off the ravages of climate change — other measures, such as building with better insulation materials than glass and concrete, are also needed and doubly fast.

However, if history is any indication, as Underwood writes, “the fastest route to transforming how we stay cool will be a combination of innovation, competition, and regulation. And speed is essential, as the stakes of the global cooling race are not just comfort, but survival.”

In other words, global HVAC makers have an open path and a clear goal in front of them –now it’s just a matter of reaching it.

SUPPLIERS ABB architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/abb-australia Big Ass Fans architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/big-ass-fans-australia Comfort Heat architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/comfort-heat-australia Automatic Heating Global automaticheating.com.au Fujitsu architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/fujitsu-general-aust-pty-limited

Gyprock Perforated Plasterboard range is now available in 19 designs offering more stocked choices than ever before. With more square and round perforation sizes and cluster designs, plus exciting new hexagonal alternatives, designing breathtakingly beautiful acoustic ceilings and walls has never been more exciting.