Articles tagged with Heating Cooling and Ventilation
As climates become more extreme, traditional building designs are failing to keep people safe and comfortable. A new generation of architects is creating climate-ready buildings that can maintain comfortable temperatures independently from the grid, using local natural resources like sun, wind, and ground-sourced energy.
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.
A new study assesses indoor heat vulnerability for each single-family home in Austin, finding that 85% of homes would pose significant risk to an elderly person during a power outage. The city can now take a methodical approach to mitigating risk through cooling centers and home weatherization programs.
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.
The study demonstrates large NIR modulation using low-cost sodium electrolytes, comparable to lithium-based systems, with efficient heat-shielding performance. This breakthrough offers a practical solution for thermal regulation in diverse climate conditions.
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.
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 ...
A new study from Hanbat National University demonstrates how quantum reinforcement learning can optimize residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The technology reduces power consumption by up to 63% and decreases electricity costs by up to 64%.
A new study by Purdue University engineers warns that a nationwide switch to electric homes and vehicles could overwhelm the power supply, leading to increased risk of outages. However, key measures such as home insulation, equipment efficiency, and coordinated device operation can reduce costs by up to 40%.
The Copeland oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology has been recognized as one of the most significant innovations of 2025 by R&D World Magazine. This frictionless, oil-free compressor delivers improvements in full-load efficiency and is compatible with lower global warming potential refrigerants.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
A new approach harnesses radiant cooling to reduce outdoor temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The technique uses water-cooled aluminum panels and see-through, infrared-reflective thin polymer film to create a cooler space while maintaining visibility.
Purdue University engineers have found that household products like air fresheners and wax melts can release nanoscale particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. These nanoparticles are formed when fragrances interact with ozone, potentially posing risks to respiratory health.
Research in Physics of Fluids reveals that smokers seated farther from ventilation inlets experience lower levels of pollution. Body heat causes more absorption of cigarette pollution, suggesting empty spaces are the best to choose.
Scientists have developed a method to control heat transfer in graphite crystals, enabling efficient thermal management in electronic components. The discovery uses concepts from fluid dynamics to manipulate phonons, or quasiparticles that propagate through solid-state crystals.
Researchers have developed a new electrochromic film based on metal-organic frameworks that can quickly switch between transparent and colored states to block or allow sunlight. The film demonstrated reliable performance for over 40 hours and 4,500 cycles of switching.
Researchers developed a model to predict household energy costs with over 74% accuracy by analyzing passive design characteristics from Google Street View images. The model can help identify neighborhoods vulnerable to energy burden and pave the way for smart, sustainable cities.
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.
Researchers found that mixing heat with hair styling products can quickly change indoor air composition and increase VOC levels. The study estimated daily inhalation of one cVMS could reach 20mg per day, highlighting the need for long-term human health impact studies.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.
Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that maintaining an indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is associated with relatively lower rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Indoor conditions outside this range are linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
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.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants use wet cooling methods to dissipate waste heat, but this can lead to significant water loss. A new study developed a radiative cooling system with cold storage that reduces water consumption by up to 85% in hot regions.
Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.
A team of scientists developed an AI-based model to predict personal thermal comfort based on spatial parameters, achieving exceptional accuracy. The study highlights the importance of incorporating architectural features in models to reduce energy consumption.
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 study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A new study suggests that improved building energy efficiency can prevent up to 5,100 yearly premature deaths and up to 2,900 lives in the US. The 'optimistic' scenario envisions a 50% increase in appliance efficiency and 60-90% increase in building shell efficiency by 2050.
A team of engineers at Purdue University conducted a study using thousands of sensors in an office building to identify indoor air contaminants. They found that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air, with volatile organic compounds lingering even after occupants leave.
A 3-year initiative aims to develop an airflow control system based on AI sensors detecting human movement and air currents in the underground complex Santica. The goal is a 50% cut in energy and CO2 emissions.