Building better air conditioners
Southern European countries experience very hot summers. This places high demands on the air conditioning systems, particularly during heat waves. The winters, while relatively mild, still require some amount of heating for both homes and businesses. Currently, the most common solution is a single unit, often positioned in a window. This is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. More importantly, these units generate a heavy load on the electricity resources. They also employ coolants that are harmful to the environment, such as CFCs and HCFCs. These chemicals are being phased out of use as part of the international response to the ozone hole. A research effort funded through the ENV 2C Programme developed an improved solution to this problem. The consortium prepared a pre-commercial prototype of a new reversible air-to-water heat pump. The pump is substantially more efficient than its predecessors in terms of energy consumption. It also employs propane, a more environmentally friendly coolant that is widely available throughout Europe. Part of the research led to an enhanced methodology for evaluating heat pumps. This includes a detailed model with a user-friendly graphical interface. These tools can be exploited for further heat pump research. Another important advantage is that until now such heat pump technology had to be acquired from outside the European Union. The new product will reduce the dependence of European manufacturers on American and Asian suppliers. The research partners are currently carrying out a promotional campaign to advertise the new heat pump. The campaign includes publications in appropriate journals and presentations at relevant conferences. The advanced technology can help Europeans become more energy efficient as a Union and self sufficient as manufacturers.
