The organisers of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show in 2014 have announced that the website is now live.
Those who are planning to visit and exhibit at the show are now able to visit the website where the latest news if the event will be updated. It is the only event that is just dedicated to air conditioning and refrigeration and it will be held at the NEC on the 11th to the 13th of February 2014.
If you want to receive regular updates about the exhibitors, technology launches and attractions then you can sign up through the website.
The show that will be held in two years’ time is being backed by the Institute of Refrigeration, the British Refrigeration Association, the Federation of Environmental Trades Associations and the Building and Engineering Services Association.
At the launch event that was held earlier on this year there was a total of 3492 attendees. Jane Thorpe is the event director and she said, “We are delighted with the excellent support for the show, both by the industry and the trade’s professional organisations.
“The 2014 event will be even bigger and better, providing unrivalled networking opportunities and enabling visitors to get up to speed with the latest developments across the refrigeration and air conditioning scene.”
Those who visited this year have made some huge equipment purchases which shows the benefits of this event and the buying power it brings.
Chemical engineers in Zurich have done research into a roof mat that could possibly replace air conditioning units in the future. This is because the mats essentially make the building sweat causing the temperature to be lowered, the same as humans.
The study was conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and they believe they have found simple solution to lowering room temperatures. It works because the mat is made from special polymer PNIMAP. This means when it is exposed to heat above 32 degrees the mat shrinks releasing the water absorbed from rainfall. This has been proven to reduce the surface temperature of a building by 15 degrees.
This seems like a great idea but so far this has only been tested on a very small scale but according to their statistics the mat could save you up to 60 per cent in energy.
In theory this could work but in practice, what if the temperature inside your house was 31 degrees and you had replaced your air conditioning unit with one of these mats? Nothing, there would be no way of cooling your house down in this stifling temperature because the mat only works at 32 degrees and above.
Over the last few days, we are all aware of the heavy rainfall that has hit most of us. However, in the North they are preparing for even more flooding than they are already experiencing as the most intense September storm since 1981 hits.
Having said this, the amount of flood warnings are declining from the Environment Agency although there are still 68 standing. On top of this there are some less serious flood warnings, 110 in total around the country. This is in advance of the predicted 4 cm of rain that is going to fall within the next 24 hours.
Those living next to the River Ouse in Yorkshire are preparing for higher water levels and protecting their houses.
The beginning of the year saw some of the wettest months in 100 years, and then followed by a rather damp summer. I think it is fair to say we were all hoping for an Indian summer but it seems 2012 will be known as the year of the umbrella (or sandbags). Looks like we won’t need to turn our air conditioning units on as frequently after all. However, it is essential to keep them well maintained in preparation and hope for next year.
It is not just the North that is expecting these heavy rainfalls. The South and the Midlands may also encounter flooding.
So far since Sunday, 400 homes have been flooded meaning that hundreds of people are having to take refuge in temporary accommodation.
Pretty much all of us have seen the glasses that get darker to sunnier it gets well now this technology could be moving to windows which will hopefully be able to do the exact same thing.
The technology is called glass architecture and scientists are hoping this will help many organisations save on their use of energy by up to a fifth. This is a great thing, especially as everyone is trying to be more environmentally friendly and also save some money in the current economic climate.
According to researchers at De Montfort University this window technology can be operated by a button. It is currently being tested in two office buildings.
The technology has been developed by SAGE Electrochromics and it works because the glass is covered with a ceramic coating. As a result of this is can change the level of tint required when it comes into contact with a small electric voltage.
Those looking into this technology are thought to be the first to investigate whether the system changes how employees use the air conditioning when their office becomes too hot.
Dr Birgit Painter is co-ordinating the project has said, “Window blinds that are typically used to control daylight are often left down so that occupants lose the benefits of daylight and views – this is known as “blinds down, lights on” syndrome. Electrochromic glazing could address this issue, as well as reducing reliance on electric lighting and air conditioning.
“The windows can be controlled manually or automatically, with the control settings tailored to the application. And unlike blinds, the glazing still gives the occupants a view outside.”
The world’s biggest air conditioning company Daikin announced last month that they will be acquiring their rivals Goodman Global as they look to expand into the North American Market. The deal is costs around $3.7 billion. This means they will add a “strong fourth pillar” to their operations which are currently in Japan, China and Europe.
Goodman focuses on North America because is the world’s largest market for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The chief executive at Daikin, Noriyuki Inoue has said, “Most systems in this market are ducted-style, a segment where we have little presence.
“Goodman and Daikin can enjoy a complementary relationship by having more channels in the market to offer Goodman’s market-leading ducted products and Daikin’s existing products.”
Although this seems like a great move for the company, investors are less than impressed. This is because their shares have fallen by 3.53 per cent and the deal is going to change the size of Daikins balance sheet greatly. This is because it is being financed by debt and cash on hand. If regulators approve the deal then it is set to be complete by the end of the year.
Kelly Hoppen, interior designer has fallen out with her neighbours after her air conditioning units were causing too much noise in her home which is worth £6 million.
The problem she has encountered is that she didn’t apply for planning permission and she has placed the garden and in her newly built basement. As some are outside they noise is disrupting neighbours who have complained to Kensington and Chelsea council.
One of Kelly Hoppen’s neighbours said, “This is causing some upset. People who live on this street are wealthy and used to getting their own way and they feel that their peace and quiet us at stake.
Someone in her profession really should have known they needed planning permission before installing these units, which make a sort of rumbling noise.”
In response to the incident a spokeswoman for Ms Hoppen has said, “The moment the problem was flagged up it was dealt with straight away. We are working with the council to resolve the situation.”
The plan for the new units is to house them in a cabin at the back of her garden so they can’t be heard by her neighbours, although many are complaining about this too.
Seven years after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, it looks like the people here are going to have to face Isaac.
The tropical storm reached hurricane strengths earlier on yesterday as it had winds of 80mph when it hit the cost less than 100 miles away from New Orleans. Today it has hit land again near Port Fourchon with the winds still of the same speed.
Isaac is a category one storm and although it isn’t as powerful as Katrina was there is a threat of flooding to the coasts of four states, with torrential rain and high winds.
Since Katrina hit there have been significant improvements to water defences in New Orleans which should stop another situation of the same scale.
Many people have decided to leave to find some safety although there has been no formal evacuation order. This is a result of Katrina, people just won’t risk it. However, some residents in Louisiana have been told to leave.
This means leaving behind, homes that will be boarded up to protect what is inside including air conditioning units. It could be expensive to replace them on top of everything else that may get damaged.
The mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu has said, “Do not let this storm lull you into complacency- that would be a terrible mistake.
“We have dodged one bullet in the sense that this is not a category three storm but a category one at this strength from 85mph to 100mph winds with a 125mph gust is plenty big enough to put a big hurt on you.”
Air conditioning units that were fitted in a school gym that athletes were using for training have been taken away.
The gym they were using was that of Rokeby School in Newham and those who worked and attended to school new how hot the gym could get with some students having actually fainted because of the heat! One teacher said they could only teach for 15 minutes at a time because the temperatures were so high.
Teachers at the school are angry at LOCOG for removing the units especially since they are promoting the idea of a “legacy.” They had agreed to install the air conditioning so volley ball teams could train but when the teams left, so did the units.
The school offered to pay to keep the air conditioning so they weren’t left with a sauna of a gym but LOCOG removed them anyway.
LOCOG said the reason why they removed the units was because the term times did not fall during the hottest months of the year and were therefore unnecessary. They also said that because they had hired the cooling systems that they were not in a position to sell them to the school. According to the spokeswoman the school did get a new floor that was paid for by LOCOG.
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines are slowly being rescued after deadly floods ripped through the capital, Manila and other areas close by.
Volunteers are being requested to help supplies to be distributed amongst the people as there are close to 300,000 currently in emergency shelters.
A month’s worth of rain fell in just two days and has claimed 19 lives as landslides and floods caused the capital to hault to a complete standstill.
Across the Philippines two million people in 30 cities and across 16 provinces have been affected.
A report published by the Government’s disaster management agency has said, “Of the above total affected, 11,079 families/538,445 persons are currently served inside and outside evactuation centres.
Cash, canned food, bottled water, medicines, clothes. Blankets and hygiene kits are to be donated and can be given to various organisations that are helping with the relief efforts.
Benita Ramos is the head of the country’s disaster response agency said that the floods may become worse. “It will take a few more days to recover, assuming the rain stops now.”
The executive assistant to Social Welfare Secretary Corazib Soliman, Sheila Alinsangan and she have said, “The situation is very dynamic, we need more people to help out in this massive relief effort.”
Although here in the UK we have been rather disappointed with our summer and not being able to turn on our air conditioning units to escape the heat, this terrible natural disaster puts it all in perspective.
As we all know by now, this has to be one of the wettest summers we have experienced for a long time. However, things don’t look like they are about to brighten up anytime soon.
For the rest of August it is predicted to be sunshine and showers again, so don’t put away your raincoat or umbrella away anytime soon. In the north it looks like it is going to be more rain than in the rest of the country.
If we are to see any sunshine this summer it will be the south that gets the full benefit but rain is still likely during the rest of the month.
The good news is that there are no weather warnings around the country which means that August is already shaping up to be a better month than June.
Many are still finding use for their air conditioning units though as these constant sunny and rainy spells are causing the air to become muggy and uncomfortable. Remember to make sure your air conditioning unit has been properly serviced in case the summer suddenly bursts forwards and we are overwhelmed by a heat wave.
Even if this isn’t the case it is essential to make sure they are properly maintained especially with a few cases of legionnaires disease reported over the last few weeks.
If you are managing to escape the wet weather here in England let us know below or on Twitter.
The organisers of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show in 2014 have announced that the website is now live.
Those who are planning to visit and exhibit at the show are now able to visit the website where the latest news if the event will be updated. It is the only event that is just dedicated to air conditioning and refrigeration and it will be held at the NEC on the 11th to the 13th of February 2014.
If you want to receive regular updates about the exhibitors, technology launches and attractions then you can sign up through the website.
The show that will be held in two years’ time is being backed by the Institute of Refrigeration, the British Refrigeration Association, the Federation of Environmental Trades Associations and the Building and Engineering Services Association.
At the launch event that was held earlier on this year there was a total of 3492 attendees. Jane Thorpe is the event director and she said, “We are delighted with the excellent support for the show, both by the industry and the trade’s professional organisations.
“The 2014 event will be even bigger and better, providing unrivalled networking opportunities and enabling visitors to get up to speed with the latest developments across the refrigeration and air conditioning scene.”
Those who visited this year have made some huge equipment purchases which shows the benefits of this event and the buying power it brings.
Roof Mat, Thing of the Future?
Chemical engineers in Zurich have done research into a roof mat that could possibly replace air conditioning units in the future. This is because the mats essentially make the building sweat causing the temperature to be lowered, the same as humans.
The study was conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and they believe they have found simple solution to lowering room temperatures. It works because the mat is made from special polymer PNIMAP. This means when it is exposed to heat above 32 degrees the mat shrinks releasing the water absorbed from rainfall. This has been proven to reduce the surface temperature of a building by 15 degrees.
This seems like a great idea but so far this has only been tested on a very small scale but according to their statistics the mat could save you up to 60 per cent in energy.
In theory this could work but in practice, what if the temperature inside your house was 31 degrees and you had replaced your air conditioning unit with one of these mats? Nothing, there would be no way of cooling your house down in this stifling temperature because the mat only works at 32 degrees and above.
Intense September Storm
Over the last few days, we are all aware of the heavy rainfall that has hit most of us. However, in the North they are preparing for even more flooding than they are already experiencing as the most intense September storm since 1981 hits.
Having said this, the amount of flood warnings are declining from the Environment Agency although there are still 68 standing. On top of this there are some less serious flood warnings, 110 in total around the country. This is in advance of the predicted 4 cm of rain that is going to fall within the next 24 hours.
Those living next to the River Ouse in Yorkshire are preparing for higher water levels and protecting their houses.
The beginning of the year saw some of the wettest months in 100 years, and then followed by a rather damp summer. I think it is fair to say we were all hoping for an Indian summer but it seems 2012 will be known as the year of the umbrella (or sandbags). Looks like we won’t need to turn our air conditioning units on as frequently after all. However, it is essential to keep them well maintained in preparation and hope for next year.
It is not just the North that is expecting these heavy rainfalls. The South and the Midlands may also encounter flooding.
So far since Sunday, 400 homes have been flooded meaning that hundreds of people are having to take refuge in temporary accommodation.
Tinted Windows Could Save on Energy Bills
Pretty much all of us have seen the glasses that get darker to sunnier it gets well now this technology could be moving to windows which will hopefully be able to do the exact same thing.
The technology is called glass architecture and scientists are hoping this will help many organisations save on their use of energy by up to a fifth. This is a great thing, especially as everyone is trying to be more environmentally friendly and also save some money in the current economic climate.
According to researchers at De Montfort University this window technology can be operated by a button. It is currently being tested in two office buildings.
The technology has been developed by SAGE Electrochromics and it works because the glass is covered with a ceramic coating. As a result of this is can change the level of tint required when it comes into contact with a small electric voltage.
Those looking into this technology are thought to be the first to investigate whether the system changes how employees use the air conditioning when their office becomes too hot.
Dr Birgit Painter is co-ordinating the project has said, “Window blinds that are typically used to control daylight are often left down so that occupants lose the benefits of daylight and views – this is known as “blinds down, lights on” syndrome. Electrochromic glazing could address this issue, as well as reducing reliance on electric lighting and air conditioning.
“The windows can be controlled manually or automatically, with the control settings tailored to the application. And unlike blinds, the glazing still gives the occupants a view outside.”
Daikin Aquires Rivals Goodman
The world’s biggest air conditioning company Daikin announced last month that they will be acquiring their rivals Goodman Global as they look to expand into the North American Market. The deal is costs around $3.7 billion. This means they will add a “strong fourth pillar” to their operations which are currently in Japan, China and Europe.
Goodman focuses on North America because is the world’s largest market for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
The chief executive at Daikin, Noriyuki Inoue has said, “Most systems in this market are ducted-style, a segment where we have little presence.
“Goodman and Daikin can enjoy a complementary relationship by having more channels in the market to offer Goodman’s market-leading ducted products and Daikin’s existing products.”
Although this seems like a great move for the company, investors are less than impressed. This is because their shares have fallen by 3.53 per cent and the deal is going to change the size of Daikins balance sheet greatly. This is because it is being financed by debt and cash on hand. If regulators approve the deal then it is set to be complete by the end of the year.
Interior Designer At War Over Air Conditioning Units
Kelly Hoppen, interior designer has fallen out with her neighbours after her air conditioning units were causing too much noise in her home which is worth £6 million.
The problem she has encountered is that she didn’t apply for planning permission and she has placed the garden and in her newly built basement. As some are outside they noise is disrupting neighbours who have complained to Kensington and Chelsea council.
One of Kelly Hoppen’s neighbours said, “This is causing some upset. People who live on this street are wealthy and used to getting their own way and they feel that their peace and quiet us at stake.
Someone in her profession really should have known they needed planning permission before installing these units, which make a sort of rumbling noise.”
In response to the incident a spokeswoman for Ms Hoppen has said, “The moment the problem was flagged up it was dealt with straight away. We are working with the council to resolve the situation.”
The plan for the new units is to house them in a cabin at the back of her garden so they can’t be heard by her neighbours, although many are complaining about this too.
Hurricane Isaac to Hit New Orleans
Seven years after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, it looks like the people here are going to have to face Isaac.
The tropical storm reached hurricane strengths earlier on yesterday as it had winds of 80mph when it hit the cost less than 100 miles away from New Orleans. Today it has hit land again near Port Fourchon with the winds still of the same speed.
Isaac is a category one storm and although it isn’t as powerful as Katrina was there is a threat of flooding to the coasts of four states, with torrential rain and high winds.
Since Katrina hit there have been significant improvements to water defences in New Orleans which should stop another situation of the same scale.
Many people have decided to leave to find some safety although there has been no formal evacuation order. This is a result of Katrina, people just won’t risk it. However, some residents in Louisiana have been told to leave.
This means leaving behind, homes that will be boarded up to protect what is inside including air conditioning units. It could be expensive to replace them on top of everything else that may get damaged.
The mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu has said, “Do not let this storm lull you into complacency- that would be a terrible mistake.
“We have dodged one bullet in the sense that this is not a category three storm but a category one at this strength from 85mph to 100mph winds with a 125mph gust is plenty big enough to put a big hurt on you.”
Air Conditioning Units Removed from School Gym
Air conditioning units that were fitted in a school gym that athletes were using for training have been taken away.
The gym they were using was that of Rokeby School in Newham and those who worked and attended to school new how hot the gym could get with some students having actually fainted because of the heat! One teacher said they could only teach for 15 minutes at a time because the temperatures were so high.
Teachers at the school are angry at LOCOG for removing the units especially since they are promoting the idea of a “legacy.” They had agreed to install the air conditioning so volley ball teams could train but when the teams left, so did the units.
The school offered to pay to keep the air conditioning so they weren’t left with a sauna of a gym but LOCOG removed them anyway.
LOCOG said the reason why they removed the units was because the term times did not fall during the hottest months of the year and were therefore unnecessary. They also said that because they had hired the cooling systems that they were not in a position to sell them to the school. According to the spokeswoman the school did get a new floor that was paid for by LOCOG.
Flooding in the Philippines
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines are slowly being rescued after deadly floods ripped through the capital, Manila and other areas close by.
Volunteers are being requested to help supplies to be distributed amongst the people as there are close to 300,000 currently in emergency shelters.
A month’s worth of rain fell in just two days and has claimed 19 lives as landslides and floods caused the capital to hault to a complete standstill.
Across the Philippines two million people in 30 cities and across 16 provinces have been affected.
A report published by the Government’s disaster management agency has said, “Of the above total affected, 11,079 families/538,445 persons are currently served inside and outside evactuation centres.
Cash, canned food, bottled water, medicines, clothes. Blankets and hygiene kits are to be donated and can be given to various organisations that are helping with the relief efforts.
Benita Ramos is the head of the country’s disaster response agency said that the floods may become worse. “It will take a few more days to recover, assuming the rain stops now.”
The executive assistant to Social Welfare Secretary Corazib Soliman, Sheila Alinsangan and she have said, “The situation is very dynamic, we need more people to help out in this massive relief effort.”
Although here in the UK we have been rather disappointed with our summer and not being able to turn on our air conditioning units to escape the heat, this terrible natural disaster puts it all in perspective.
A Very British Summer
As we all know by now, this has to be one of the wettest summers we have experienced for a long time. However, things don’t look like they are about to brighten up anytime soon.
For the rest of August it is predicted to be sunshine and showers again, so don’t put away your raincoat or umbrella away anytime soon. In the north it looks like it is going to be more rain than in the rest of the country.
If we are to see any sunshine this summer it will be the south that gets the full benefit but rain is still likely during the rest of the month.
The good news is that there are no weather warnings around the country which means that August is already shaping up to be a better month than June.
Many are still finding use for their air conditioning units though as these constant sunny and rainy spells are causing the air to become muggy and uncomfortable. Remember to make sure your air conditioning unit has been properly serviced in case the summer suddenly bursts forwards and we are overwhelmed by a heat wave.
Even if this isn’t the case it is essential to make sure they are properly maintained especially with a few cases of legionnaires disease reported over the last few weeks.
If you are managing to escape the wet weather here in England let us know below or on Twitter.