Articles tagged with Air Conditioning
Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
Researchers developed a low-cost, non-electric cooling technology using a polymer film that can cool buildings in metropolitan areas during the day. The tech achieves this by exploiting spectral overlap between atmospheric window and thermal radiation emitted by buildings.
Researchers discovered that adding an organic solvent to common water-based turbulent heat exchange systems can boost their capacity to move heat by 500%. This approach achieves 10 times more improvement than other methods, revolutionizing heat exchange in HVAC and large-scale applications. The additive is non-corrosive, non-flammable,...
Scientists at KIT and UoT have proposed a method to produce synthetic fuels from CO2 and water using compact plants in buildings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 'crowd oil' concept could replace significant fossil fuel usage for mobility, with potential CO2 savings of up to 30% of Germany's kerosene demand.
A study by IIASA estimates large gaps in access to essential space cooling, particularly in India, SE Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Filling this gap would require a 14% increase in global residential electricity consumption.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers provides an integrated framework to identify neighborhoods that would benefit most from green roofs, aiming to reduce temperatures and alleviate heat-related climate impacts. The study found that green roofs can help populations most vulnerable to heat exposure.
A new study forecasts up to 1,000 additional deaths annually in the Eastern US due to elevated air pollution from increased air conditioning use. The study suggests transitioning to clean energy sources like wind and solar power to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed smart windows that can change light permeability with a button press, while also harnessing solar heat. These 'large-area fluidic windows' offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and daylight regulation.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that natural habitats play a vital role in helping species resist heat stresses caused by climate change. For example, mussels and seaweed form habitat for coastal species, providing 'ecological air conditioning' that keeps them cool.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-tech mirror-like optical surface that can cool flowing water to below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The system has been tested and shown to reduce energy consumption by 21% in commercial buildings.
The NIST study identified 27 low-GWP fluids, but all are at least slightly flammable, posing a challenge for replacing current refrigerants. The findings highlight the need for trade-offs in selecting replacement refrigerants, considering factors like safety codes and environmental impact.
A recent UBC study found that directing building air handling units through a snow dump can reduce summer air-conditioning bills. The study's results show promising potential for this type of system to be used in large buildings and institutions.
Researchers found that human ancestors had impaired nasal air conditioning, but their pharyngeal cavities could compensate. This led to the diversification of early Homo and their ability to explore Africa's more severe climates.
A new study projects that Manhattan's climate will resemble Oklahoma City's by the end of this century due to climate change. The study found that heating and cooling usage will decrease in Northern states and increase in Southern states as temperatures warm up.
A new study predicts that increased air conditioning adoption will lead to significant increases in energy consumption and strain on energy infrastructures worldwide. The authors call for action now to develop more energy-efficient and affordable air conditioners for poorer populations.
The Visio.M project creates a subjectively pleasant climate for passengers in the most energy-efficient manner. The system uses Peltier elements to heat or cool seats directly, reducing waste heat and improving comfort.
Researchers use existing IT infrastructure to monitor office occupancy and adjust temperature controls, reducing energy waste. The approach involves analyzing network addresses and device activity to estimate user locations, enabling more efficient heating and cooling systems.
Engineers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a model to maximize energy savings and CO2 reductions by using solar power for heating and cooling. The system, which can be installed in large office blocks, can provide air conditioning or heating according to daily needs.
Researchers developed a DESICCANT-ENHANCED EVAPORATIVE (DEVAP) system that works in any climate and achieves comfortable cooling while saving 40% to 80% of the energy use of conventional air conditioning systems. The system uses micro-porous membranes to separate desiccant from air, enabling efficient dehydration and cooling.
Researchers have developed a mathematical tool to assess the thermodynamic behavior of Mediterranean courtyards, finding that they can be up to 9°C cooler than outside in summer. This allows for energy-efficient designs without sacrificing sustainability.
A WSU study suggests chain hotels are more likely to adopt energy-efficient light bulbs, train staff to reduce waste, and educate guests on water conservation. This trend may give independents a competitive disadvantage in attracting customers. Hotels can save up to $6.75 per day by implementing greener practices.
Researchers have developed a smart window system that can inexpensively switch between summer and winter modes, saving air conditioning costs in the summer and capturing free heat from the sun in the winter. The new technology uses a polymer, counterions, and methanol to create a stable, robust, and tunable smart window.
A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new adsorption technology that makes carbon a key material in green heating products, reducing domestic fuel bills and CO2 emissions. The technology can create heat pumps that are up to 20 times smaller than previously possible, with potential savings of 30% or more.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses sensors to monitor refrigerant temperature and estimate the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioning system, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. The new method could be easily integrated into automotive and household air conditioners.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new cooling system that can improve the energy efficiency of diesel engines by using waste heat. The system has shown improved efficiencies of 20-30 percent in situations where cooling is needed, and may be used to provide air conditioning or electricity.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
An analysis of US city-specific weather data reveals that global warming will lead to more deaths in summer due to extreme temperatures. Deaths from all causes are known to rise when temperatures go up, and heart attacks and cardiac arrests are more likely when it is very cold.
A new energy-saving method has been developed to reduce the cooling-related demand for electricity in small office buildings. The approach involves running air conditioning at cooler-than-normal settings in the morning and then raising the thermostat to warmer settings in the afternoon, resulting in a 25-30% reduction in peak electrica...
Researchers create DOAS system that separates fresh air supply from cooling and heating functions, reducing carryover of recirculated air and eliminating damp spots. This approach could save $2 per square foot in new construction and reduce operating costs by up to 60-70%.