Air Conditioning
Articles tagged with Air Conditioning
Unique analysis shows air-con heat relief significantly worsens climate change
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
China can meet its rapidly growing cooling demand without heating the planet
A new study shows that China can significantly limit its cooling-related climate impacts by transitioning to cleaner refrigerants and adopting high-efficiency cooling technologies. This integrated approach could phase down cumulative HFC consumption by 12.6 Gt CO2e from 2022 to 2060, avoiding up to 0.015°C of global warming.
Measuring movement creates new way to map indoor air pollution
Researchers developed a new way of measuring indoor air pollution by analyzing human movement, showing elevated levels of pollutants during occupied periods. The study provides a new approach to designing healthier indoor spaces, combining Birmingham's air-pollution expertise with radar-based sensing and optimization techniques.
Air conditioning in nursing homes and mortality during extreme heat
A case-crossover study found that air conditioning in nursing homes reduces mortality among older adults during extreme heat. The study suggests that AC provision may be crucial for preventing mortality in congregate care settings.
Detailed map of US air-conditioning usage shows who can beat the heat — and who can’t
A researcher at the University of Kansas has created a comprehensive map of US air conditioning usage, revealing regional disparities in access to cooling systems. The dataset provides valuable insights for public health officials, urban planners, and policymakers to identify areas lacking adequate cooling and inform energy efficiency ...
Study: As temperatures and humidity rise, so do emergency room visits for heart conditions
High humidity exacerbates extreme heat's negative impact on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart-related emergencies by six times. Researchers analyzed over 340,000 emergency room visits in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding a significant association between high heat and humidity levels.
Hannover Messe: Smart materials offer sustainable cooling and heating solutions for homes, cars and industry
Researchers from Saarland University are developing novel air conditioning technology using elastocaloric effect, which can cool and heat more sustainably than current systems. The aim is to commercialize the technology within five years.
Lower access to air conditioning may increase need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Making a difference: Efficient water harvesting from air possible
Researchers have developed a liquid moisture adsorbent that can efficiently harvest water from the air at near ambient temperatures. The technology, which uses random copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, has the potential to provide clean drinking water in arid regions and during disasters.
Raise the roof: How to reduce badminton birdie drift
Research in Physics of Fluids suggests that a barrel roof with a single ventilation opening can minimize badminton birdie drift. The study recommends playing high-stakes games on such courts to mitigate wind drift, which has been a contentious issue in tournaments.
Using a fan and wetting the skin reduces risk of deadly cardiac strain in hot and humid weather
Researchers found using a fan with skin wetting reduces heat-induced cardiac strain in older people in hot and humid conditions. However, in very hot and dry conditions, fan use had an adverse effect, while skin wetting alone was effective in reducing heart work.
The changing geography of “energy poverty”
A study by MIT researchers reveals that households in the US South and Southwest are struggling with energy costs, particularly air conditioning needs, as temperatures rise. The current federal program, LIHEAP, does not fully match these trends, with southern states receiving relatively less funding.
Study evaluates impacts of summer heat in U.S. prison environments
A new study by MIT researchers identifies characteristic in prison facilities that exacerbate an incarcerated person's vulnerability to summer heat. The findings highlight the need for policymakers and community leaders to address this growing concern, particularly as climate change worsens heat-related risks.
Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
Thermochromic material could make indoor temperature control more energy-efficient
Researchers at Rice University developed a thermochromic material that outperforms existing varieties in terms of durability, transparency, and responsiveness. The new polymer blend significantly enhances energy efficiency for indoor space cooling, potentially reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Lehigh University is a core institution of new $26 Million NSF Engineering Research Center
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
Researchers develop highly efficient heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator
A novel bypass configuration eliminates temperature matching constraints, achieving energy flow field synergy and significantly improving efficiency. The system outperforms existing HDTRs, comparable to double-effect absorption refrigerators.
Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.
New air purifier design with innovative foam technology promises virus-stopping performance and zero waste
Researchers at the University of Bath have invented a new form of high-performance air purifier that uses FOAM3R filter technology, promising zero harmful waste. The purifier features a unique, mouldable foam structure that captures contaminants and viruses with high efficiency.
Air conditioning has reduced mortality due to high temperatures in Spain by one third
A study published in Environment International found that air conditioning reduced heat-related mortality in Spain by up to 31.5%, while heating systems contributed to a decrease of 50.8% in extreme cold-related fatalities. However, the effect may be attenuated by an ageing population.
Less asphalt gives stronger trees in urban areas
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.
Money to burn: Wealthy, white neighborhoods losing their heat shields
A new study reveals that the protective effect of income has largely eroded in affluent neighborhoods over the past 40 years. This means that even if residents have more wealth, they won't be able to enjoy cooler temperatures as climate change worsens.
Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
How to build greener data centers? Scientists say crank up the heat
Scientists propose new temperature guidelines for data centers that may help reduce energy consumption and save money. Researchers found that raising the temperature to around 41°C could lead to significant savings, with some areas able to rely entirely on free-cooling, reducing energy costs by up to 56%.
Hot weather hits productivity – even in air-conditioned factories
A study by the University of Exeter found that hot weather reduces workers' productivity even in climate-controlled factories. Productivity dropped by 0.83% for every 1°C increase in outdoor temperature, resulting in a worker producing 22.6 to 33.4 fewer wafers.
New material captures coronavirus particles and could transform face mask efficiency
University of Liverpool researchers develop a new material that captures coronavirus particles with minimal impact on breathability, increasing efficiency by approximately 93%. The new material has the potential to be used in various applications, including face masks and air filters.
London has the fastest increase in cooling demand in the world, shows new model
A new model shows London's cooling demand grew by 5% per year between 1980 and 2022 as summers heat up, highlighting the need for preparedness and energy efficiency measures. The Demand.ninja model can also predict potential benefits of behavior change, such as reducing natural gas consumption and CO2 emissions.
WVU engineers study how to pull carbon out of building air to make methanol
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Science enabling heat and air conditioning for long-term space habitats is almost fully available
A Purdue University experiment is investigating how reduced gravity affects boiling and condensation, crucial for long-term space habitats. The research aims to provide data needed to answer decades-old questions about these phenomena in weightlessness.
A cool way to keep things cool: the electrocaloric effect
The electrocaloric effect (ECE) offers a cleaner and high-efficiency way of cooling without greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging ferroelectric materials, researchers can achieve low electric fields and scalable compressor-free systems.
Climate-friendly air conditioning inspired by termites
Researchers from Lund University developed a climate-control system inspired by termite mounds, achieving greater energy efficiency without carbon dioxide footprint. The structure facilitates indoor climate control through turbulent, dynamic, and variable airflow systems.
Study proposes simple low-cost solutions to improve thermal comfort in social housing
Researchers developed a pilot study to address the issue of thermal discomfort in social housing projects. They proposed replacing conventional windows with fully openable tilting windows, monolithic expanded polystyrene walls, and green-tinted tempered glass, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Balancing renewable energy systems in Saudi buildings
Researchers investigated the tradeoff between reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy supply in office buildings. They found that access to the power grid can mitigate the impact of weather variability, but extreme weather events increase battery storage costs.
Social media data sheds light on air conditioning interest
A new study uses social media data to understand global air conditioning adoption patterns. It finds that middle-aged, educated males and parents of small children tend to express higher online interest in AC. This research aims to improve climate change adaptation measures by identifying sociodemographic groups at risk.
Social media data provides first glimpse at increased popularity of air conditioning worldwide
New research using social media advertising data provides insights into the adoption of air conditioning units worldwide, particularly in heat-vulnerable regions. The study found that middle-aged, highly educated, married males, and parents with small children are more likely to express online interest in AC units.
Colorful films could help buildings, cars keep their cool
Researchers have developed a plant-based film that gets cooler when exposed to sunlight and comes in various colors, promoting passive daytime radiative cooling. The material can rival residential air conditioners in cooling power and has potential applications in buildings, cars, and other structures.
Extreme temperatures take deadly toll on people in Texas prisons, study finds
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that extreme temperatures in Texas prisons without climate controls lead to a 30-fold increase in heat-related mortality compared to the general US population. The researchers analyzed data from 2001-2019, finding that even small temperature increases elevate daily risk of death.
Clear window coating could cool buildings without using energy
Researchers have designed a transparent window coating that can lower building temperatures without using energy. The coating blocks UV and near-infrared light while transmitting visible light, potentially reducing cooling energy consumption by 31% in hot cities.
World’s whitest paint now thinner than ever, ideal for vehicles
Purdue researchers have developed a new formulation of the world's whitest paint that is thinner and lighter, achieving nearly the same benchmark of solar reflectance as the original. The new paint incorporates hexagonal boron nitride and voids of air, providing reduced weight and increased cooling capabilities.
Passive cooling system could benefit off-grid locations
A new passive cooling system developed at MIT combines radiative, evaporative, and thermal insulation to provide up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit of cooling from ambient temperature. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and extend food storage in off-grid locations.
A more environmentally friendly air conditioner
Researchers have developed a prototype device that could replace traditional air conditioners with solid refrigerants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The system uses pressure changes to cycle between solid and liquid states, efficiently cooling spaces without leaks.
Propane - a solution for more sustainable air conditioning
A new study suggests that using propane as a refrigerant in air conditioners could significantly reduce the global temperature increase from space cooling, with a potential decrease of up to 0.09°C by the end of the century. This is due to propane's low global warming potential score of less than 1.
Dynamic building facades inspired by marine organisms could reduce heating, cooling and lighting costs
A new 'optofluidic' system designed at the University of Toronto Engineering can enable buildings to save energy by dynamically changing the appearance of their exteriors. The system uses carefully controlled fluid injections to create a dynamic shading system, reducing the need for heating, cooling and lighting systems.
In a hotter world, air conditioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifesaver
As extreme heatwaves ravage the globe, scientists warn that only 8% of the world's poorest people have access to air conditioning. By 2050, 70% of the population may require AC, with 92% needed in India and Indonesia. This demands massive infrastructure upgrades to prevent lives from being lost.
Neighborhoods feeling the heat as medium density housing robs suburbs of street and garden trees
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
Optimizer tool designs, evaluates, maximizes solar-powered cooling systems
Researchers developed an optimizer tool to design and evaluate solar-powered adsorption cooling systems, achieving higher coefficient of performance with certain material combinations. The study focused on residential home cooling systems but aims to be extended to higher capacity systems.
New antimicrobial air filters tested on trains rapidly kill SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses
Researchers developed new antimicrobial technology for air filters that can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses in seconds. The treatment was tested on trains and found to be effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, including E. coli and C. albicans.
Machine learning offers shortcut to optimal HVAC operation
Researchers developed a machine learning method to create controls that balance building energy cost, comfort, and efficiency. The system can compute solutions at a fast pace, reducing the need for complex model predictive controllers.
New smart-roof coating enables year-round energy savings
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
A new study reveals the evolutionary reason why women feel colder than men
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
Strong sunlight powers passive cooling device
A simple cooling system utilizing passive solar energy and a specially designed salt can effectively cool food and living spaces without electricity. The system's two-step process involves dissolving salts in water to absorb energy, which is then regenerated using solar energy to evaporate the water.
Study provides suggestions for keeping classroom air fresh
A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.
Air conditioning unnecessary in majority of heatwave conditions globally
A new study challenges outdated public health guidance on fan use during heatwaves, proposing increased temperature thresholds for young healthy adults. Electric fan use can be recommended most of the time in most regions, except extremely hot and arid areas.
Cool and COVID-safe: How radiant cooling could keep our cities comfortable and healthy
A novel radiant cooling system combines special panels with natural ventilation to minimize disease transmission and save energy in cities worldwide. By increasing outdoor air flow rates, this alternative solution ensures building occupants remain comfortable and rooms are adequately refreshed.
Brazil: Air conditioning equipment days of use will double without climate action
A study found that Brazil's average air conditioning equipment days of use would increase by over 100% in a 4°C warming scenario, significantly impacting space cooling needs. The country's energy consumption and CO2 emissions are projected to rise substantially even in more optimistic future warming scenarios.
Airflow modeling suggests driving with all windows down safest to prevent COVID-19 transmission
Computational fluid dynamics simulations suggest driving with all windows down and the passenger seated as far possible from driver reduces transmission of simulated infectious droplets. The opposite scenario, all four windows up, was found to be the riskiest due to highest airflow velocity.
Keeping COVID-19 out of classrooms: Open windows, use glass screens in front of desks
Researchers found that opening windows increases particle exit by nearly 40% and reduces aerosol transmission between students. Glass droplet screens in front of desks also significantly reduced particle transmission.
Study supports airborne spread of COVID-19 indoors
Researchers linked an outbreak to a source patient who likely spread the virus through the air conditioning system, contradicting long-held assumptions about COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings support the importance of wearing face masks in indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
This 'Cold Tube' can beat the summer heat without relying on air conditioning
Researchers developed the Cold Tube, a system of rectangular panels that absorb heat radiation from a person's body, creating a cooling sensation. This technology can be used in outdoor spaces like summer fairs and public markets, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.