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Juny 30 - Micro Control Systems Offers Hanbell Compressors

Micro Control Systems Inc. (MCS), Florida, USA and Hanbell Precise Machinery Co., Ltd., Taiwan, have joined together to offer high-quality screw compressors for refrigeration and air conditioning markets. As a North American distributor of Hanbell compressors, Micro Control Systems specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative control solutions that provide maximum compressor efficiency and reliability.
MCS has a product line which also includes a wide variety of peripheral devices to complement our controllers including temperature, pressure, humidity and current sensors, as well as custom support software for Windows-based PC's that allow the user to monitor and interact with the controller from anywhere in the world.
Founded in 1994, MCS is committed to provide practical solutions for the industries needs and to be both a leader and partner in the effective use of microprocessor controls.
Founded in 1994, Hanbell specializes in the design and manufacture of semihermetic twin-screw compressors for the applications of air conditioning, refrigeration storage and heat pump. Their professional manufacturing facilities and superior technological expertise assure MCS to offer its customers the finest quality and excellent service.
Hanbell Compressor Line
Hanbell offers a wide selection range from 27 to 568 tons of refrigeration for use with various refrigerants such as R22, R134a, R404A, R407C, etc.
RC Series 27 to 182 Tons - Eight models (RC10 ~ RC17) are available in this tonnage range featuring internal oil separators. High efficiency, very quiet operation, compact and low-profile design.
Also available are RC Series o 159 to 329 Tons - Four models (RC18 ~ RC21). The same RC Series includes three more models (RC22 ~ RC24; 315 to 568 Tons), designed specifically for commercial and industrial applications.
RL Series o 25 to 60 HP - The RL series feature five models (RL10 ~ RC24) designed specifically for low temperature commercial and industrial applications.
For the different working conditions as water-cooled, air-cooled, refrigeration, cold room, thermal storage...etc with different refrigerants, there are lots of various built-in volume ratio (Vi=2.2, 2.6, 3.0, 3.5, 4.8)offered for customers' applications.

Juny 29 - Hitachi Establishes JV Company in Nanjing

Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co. established Nanjing Hitachi Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd. in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, jointly with Nanjing Machinery and Electronics Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. to expand the industrial inverter business in Chinese market.
Demand for industrial inverters in Chinese market is estimated at about 30,000 million yen in 2002, and predicted to grow at the rate of higher than 10%.
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems intends to expand its share in Chinese market by attentively meet the cus- tomer needs through the new company.
The new company is the first manufacturing facility in China for Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems.
In future, the new company will expand its lines of business to cover electric controls now treated by Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems.
The capital is US$3.3 million (70% invested by Hitachi Industrial Equipment Co. and 30% by Nanjing Machinery and Electronics Industry (Group) Co.). The new company manufactures industrial electric controls centering around inverters and related products.

Juny 28 - Fujikoki Expects e-Valve Sales Expansion

Fujikoki expects that demand for the company's e-Valves will expand, because energy saving standard will become severe from 2004 and higher efficiency ACs will be required. Fujikoki's Typical e-Valves One year ago the company established Suzhou Fujikoki, a fully invested subsidiary company, which has been producing drain pumps from November 2002. To meet the increasing demand in China, the company is also planning to produce other controls. Recently, it has become a trend to centrally control plural indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Because of excellent controllability, Fujikoki's e-Valve can precisely respond to up to 500 pulses in collaboration with an AC maker which develops software for control model. Additionally, since there is a growing trend toward utilization of natural refrigerants in view of environmental issues, Fujikoki expects that demand for e- Valves for "Eco Cute" water heaters using CO₂ as refrigerant may increase.
In the case of packaged ACs (PACs), it is difficult to expect a sizable increase in demand unless economy becomes brisk. However, RAC market remains stable at 6.5 million units level, considerable growth of e-Valve sales can be expected.
Fujikoki intends to secure results at least comparable to those in last year.

Juny 27 - "Eco Cute" CO₂ Heat Pump Water Heaters

Electric heat pump water heaters "Eco Cute" using natural refrigerant (CO₂) are a highly efficient water heating system and are drawing greater attention for its technology. Featuring this epoch- making technology, "Eco Cute" is highly expected its promising future in the field of water heaters whose heat sources are usualy oil, gas or electricity.
"Eco Cute" appeared to be a very attractive product amidst the situation where both government and industry do a lot for environmentally friendly products conducive to CO₂ reductions responding to Kyoto Conference for Prevention of Global Warming.
Because of its high efficiency, government subsidy was introduced for "Eco Cute" from October 2002, so that its diffusion will be accelerated further from 2003 onwards. Although the initial cost of "Eco Cute" is somewhat higher compared to conventional electric water heaters, the running cost is only about a fifth. Moreover, "Eco Cute" has attained high energy efficiency (COP above 3.0) by applying the heat pump principle, thus drawing attention as an appliance which can greatly contribute to the global environmental protection.
"Eco Cute" Business Being Expanded
The housing industry is paying attention to "Eco Cute" as a promising new energy solution business, taking positive steps towards its full-scale diffusion.
Since the introduction of government aid in October 2002, "Eco Cute" business has already been steadily expanding.
By employing the same principle as that of heat pump air conditioner (AC), CO₂ heat pump water heater efficiently absorbs heat from the open air and efficiently heats water. CO₂ refrigerant exhibits high performance, capable of heating water up to 90°C without affecting 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 1,000 Units (Trade source) Forecast for Eco Cute Market '05 '04 '03 '02 2001 Prospect Forecast the environment much. "Eco Cute" has by far larger capacity than conventional heat pump water heater using fluorocarbon (capable of heating water up only to 60°C). Just like a heat pump AC, it has an outdoor unit (heat pump unit), and by compressing the refrigerant in the compressor, it absorbs heat in the open air efficiently, transfers heat to the hot water storage tank to heat water.
At present, there are three makers producing heat pump units: Denso, Daikin and Sanyo. Denso supplies most to other manufacturers on OEM basis.
Daikin is making all-out effort to expand own brand units, while partially supplying its units on OEM basis.
Similarly, Sanyo is trying to expand "Eco Cute" business by preparing a wide variety of units which will form the core product line over mid-/long-range perspectives.
These makers are endeavoring to strengthen "Eco Cute" business as part of so-called full electrification business.
When using low cost late-night electricity, the running cost can be reduced further.

Juny 25 - Shanghai Hitachi Succeeds at CR 2003 in Beijing

Shanghai Hitachi Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd. (SHEC), a major maker of compressors for ACs in China, enjoyed a big success at China Refrigeration 2003 held in Beijing from April 9 to 11 by means of extensive publicity offensive.
Situated near the entrance of main hall, SHEC booth stood out with very sharp design and coloring full of modern sense, so as to convey to visitors the company's intention to always develop excellent technology. Mr. Xu Zhihai, Marketing Product Office Director, kindly accepted JARN's interview.
SHEC exhibited a wide variety of compressors including the following ones at its booth which was visited by some 2,000 people for three days

• R410a DC inverter compressor o Compressor for dehumidifier
• High-performance compressor for 5,000 BTU class ACs for North American market
• R410a constant-speed compressor
• DC inverter compressor for rate metal motor
• New-type 1.5 hp SL series compressor
• New-type SH series compressor for tropical use
• Double roller TH series compressor

Juny 23 - Japan Sun Oil and Cognis Agree on Sales and Marketing

Japan Sun Oil will market Cognis Ester Refrigeration Lubricants to the Asia Pacific Market Japan Sun Oil Company Ltd. (JSO), and Cognis Corporation have signed an exclusive sales and marketing agreement - formalizing the established business relationship between the companies. As a part of agreement, JSO will market synthetic polyol ester (POE) refrigeration base stacks and lubricants produced by Cognis. Cognis will contribute ester base stock technology, production, and intellectual property rights to the partnership.
"JSO has a long history of supplying high quality refrigeration lubricants to the Asia Pacific market. They have extensive application and formulation know-how, excellent OEM relationships, and renowned sales and supply network," comments Achim Pfeiffer V.P. Synlubestechnology for Cognis, "The Mr. Hiroshi Iguchi (left), CEO of JSO shaking hands with Mr. Achim Pfeiffer, Vice President, Synlubestechnology, Cognis combination of our two companies for the Asia Pacific market is extremely complimentary, taking advantage of our strengths and core competences." Comments Hiroshi Iguchi, President and CEO of JSO, the Asian subsidiary of Sunoco Inc., "We are very pleased to formalize our relationship with Cognis and partner with a powerful global technology and production leader, recognized for providing high quality products. Both companies can now maximize the value added for our customers in the Asian market." Cognis has produced POEs for over fifty years starting with jet engine turbine lubricants in the 1950's, and has produced refrigeration POEs since early 1990's when the product line and intellectual property was developed. Sun Group operates 3 blending plants in Japan, China and Thailand, and has over 20 sales and technical experts operating out of 4 main sales offices in the Asia Pacific region.
Scott R. Gustafson, newly appointed Market Manager for Cognis Refrigeration Lubricants, will be the primary Cognis contact to JSO. States Gustafson, "This agreement and relationship with JSO demonstrates our commitment to the Asia Pacific market. We will continue to build on our position and excellent relationships through JSO."

Juny 22 - Matsushita Holds Opening Ceremony for Showroom in China

Guangzhou Matsushita Air Conditioner Co., Ltd. (GMAC) held an opening ceremony of its showroom opened in Shanghai on March 21.
A total of 82 attendants included Mr. Yao Guoqi, Chief Secretary of Committee of Housing Central Air-conditioning of Shanghai, 60 representatives of 29 client companies, and 21 persons related to Matsushita.
By entrusting the showroom operation to an advertising agent which is a professional of proposal-type showroom operation, it is aimed to offer high-grade presentation and operation.
Main Exhibits Starting with inverter multi, duct, ceiling cassette, floor and wall-mounted ACs, the showroom will add housing equipment/appliances (including kitchen related equipment) other than ACs, thereby becoming a general housing equipment showroom.
Features Conventional showroom is often annexed to a suburban factory or sales center, exhibiting only an all-round lineup without focusing on selected target users. In contrast to this, Matsushita's "N-Site" which is the industry's first showroom opened by Japanese maker operating in China focuses on users or dealers. Serving as a strategic center for proposal-type solution business, N-Site can allow visitors to see actual products, make presentation by software for explaining functions, allow visitors to confirm an image after product installation, and make quick estimation according to the contents of each proposal, thereby meeting respective customer needs.

Juny 21 - New MHI Centrifugal Chillers

Highest COP Achieved
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has succeeded in developing a centrifugal chiller achieving the world's highest level COP:6.4 as a chiller using HFC-134a. Having attained the level up 5% over COP:6.1 of the previous NART series. MHI will market this new AART series from this month.
The higher efficiency (up 5%) has been realized mainly by improving the compressor's vane wheel, adopting the vaned diffuser which rectifies the refrigerant gas flow thereby helping the efficiency improvement, and optimizing the heat exchanger performance.
The company intends to sell 150 units/year by lining up 12 models ranging in chilling capacity from 350 RT (ton of refrigeration) to 4,000 RT.
HFC-134a is refrigerant whose ODP is zero, capable of reducing CO2 emissions, while reducing the yearly power consumption sizably (down about 25% compared to the predecessor model), thereby contributing to the global environmental protection.
Centrifugal chillers are used for air conditioning of buildings, factories, etc., ice thermal storage, district heating/cooling, etc. Japan's top centrifugal chiller maker, MHI has so far supplied many units used for building air conditioning, factory processes, district heating/cooling, etc. MHI has also released NART-I series, an inverter driven version of conventional NART series. By subjecting the main motor to variable speed control, incomparably high efficiency operation with COP:17.8 has become possible when the inlet temperature of cooling water is 13°C.

Juny 20 - Fedders and Chinese AC Retailer Start J. V. Operations

Fedders Corporation, USA, a leading global manufacturer of air treatment products, including air conditioners, air cleaners, dehumidifiers and humidifiers, etc. and Suning Appliance Group, a nationwide appliance and electronics enterprise, headquartered in Nanjing, China, selling nearly one million air conditioners annually, commenced operation of their joint venture to manufacture split-type air conditioners in China.
Fedders has a 2/3 interest in the joint venture and Suning has a 1/3 interest. Other terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.
Mr. Zhang Jindong, Chairman of the Board and President, Suning Appliance Group, said, "Suning, a multi-faceted company and the largest retailer of air conditioners in China, has formed a strategic alliance with Fedders, a world famous air conditioner manufacturer. The alliance includes a joint venture of Suning's air conditioning factory. Suning has a very positive view of the future with Fedders and is confident of the transformation of its manufacturing base in China."
Commenting on the joint venture, Sal Giordano, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fedders Corp., said, "This joint venture represents a significant step in Fedders' strategic plan to expand our presence in new and existing markets by giving us the opportunity to penetrate the Chinese air conditioning market. Fedders looks forward to working with Suning, the leading seller of air conditioners in China."

Juny 19 - Sanyo Widens Scroll Condensing Unit Lineup

Sanyo Electric Co. intends to mount its condensing units with high-efficiency scroll compressors and self-diagnostic/communicating functions. By constructing a new series with high COP and reliability, they aim to differentiate all models, thereby accelerating the market penetration. They will also mount self-diagnostic/communicating functions on semi-hermetic units.
Last summer Sanyo launched a new side-flow type series of scroll cond.units (4 ~ 7 hp) incorporating new-generation C2 type scroll compressors plus self-diagnostic/communicating functions. While realizing further energy savings by means of C2 type high-efficiency scrolls and large condensers, the new series has also realized whisper-quietness due to microcomputer-controlled operation and newly developed propeller fan and fan control (below 48 dB for all models).
The company is also releasing scroll cond. units up to 10 hp which are standardly equipped with C2 type scrolls and self-diagnostic/communicating functions. As a step along this line, they will also launch scroll multi units in April, and also standardly equip semi-hermetic units with self-diagnostic/communicating functions. Starting from the coming summer, Sanyo plans to standardly equip all models with these functions within this year.
C2 type scroll is a new-generation compressor whose COP performance has been improved by 10% compared to the predecessor by adopting newly designed structures including the tooth form compression structure. Liquid injection control has higher reliability by stabilizing the discharge temperature by means of thermo-valve system which has been adopted in the multi type. The company has mounted C type scrolls on all scroll cond. units (28 models).

Juny 18 - The 22nd World Gas Conference Tokyo 2003

The 22nd World Gas Conference Tokyo 2003 was the first ever held in Asia .from June 2-5, 2003 at Tokyo Big Sight. The Conference is a forum for presenting research results and conducting discussions on a broad range of topics, including policy-related issues like how energy affects the environment and society as well as technical issues such as gas energy-related production, storage, transportation, distribution, and consumption.
The World Gas Exhibition was also held showcasing the latest technologies and products in energy and energy-related fields.
Participants at the WGC came from industry, government, and academia; they include representatives of international energy organizations; energy ministers from various nations; top managers of energy-related firms; researchers at private enterprises and research institutions; and engineers, etc.

Juny 17 - The 14th Earth Technologies Forum Held

The 14th Annual Earth Technologies Forum (ETF) was kicked off on Earth Day, April 22, with a Keynote Address from Ms. Linda Fisher, Deputy Administrator, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She addressed EPA's and the Bush Administration's role in addressing global climate change and ozone protection, the two issues addressed at ETF each year.
The Keynote Address and Plenary Session started at 8:30 am on April 22 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, USA. Over 175 speakers made presentations for the 3- day Forum that concluded on April 24.
Following the Keynote Address, the Plenary Session began with Mr. David Conover, Director of the National Climate Change Technology Initiative at the U.S. Department of Energy. He delivered a speech entitled, "Technology Approach to the Climate Challenge." Other Plenary Session speakers included Ms. Susan Solomon, Senior Scientist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and an official with the Intergovernmental Working Group on Climate Change (IPCC) who spoke about new science assessments on both climate change and ozone depletion.
Conference Sessions
The main agenda consisted of matters related to climate change and ozone layer protection. Presentations were made on various themes by officials from EPA, DOE and other organs related to the U.S. federal government, researchers from research institutes and academic circles, and also industrial circles in countries such as Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil and Japan. Issues related to the climate change included energy efficiency, energy savings, reduction of greenhouse effect gas emissions, emission right transactions, and heat island phenomena in cities.
Concerning the ozone layer depletion, performance comparison between fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon refrigerants, evaluation of CFC, HCFC, HFC and next-generation blowing agents, etc. were discussed.
The theme taken up by Japanese delegation was energy efficiency. Under the title "Energy Saving Technologies and Japan's "Top Runner" Energy Saving Regulation", the leader Mr. Yoichi Fujimoto and five engineers discussed Japan's activities for prevention of global warming and ozone layer protection, development of room air conditioners (RACs) and packaged air conditioners (PACs) using R410A, new products for energy conservation by HFC applications.

Juny 16 - Growing Air Purifier Market in Japan

According to shipment statistics compiled by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA), shipments (number of units) in January 2003 showed 43.3% growth over January 2002, and cumulative total shipments in fiscal year 2002 up by 46.0% growth.
The continuation of more than 40% growth is a favorable surprise to the industry's prediction. 2 Million Units Possible Although it was generally predicted that the growth rate of sales in the second half of FY 2002 would fall from the first half as usual years because the sales share in the first half usually reach around 70%. Since the sales show not much difference between the first and second half in growth rate, it has become increasingly possible for the yearly total to attain 1.9 ~ 2.0 million units level for FY 2002.
The highest peak of air purifier sales season comes in February and March when the largest amount of pollen diffuses in the air.
In the case of FY 2001, the share of sales (number of units sold) in February ~ March accounted for 37% of yearly total.
In FY 2002, the share of sales in January '03 reached 17.5%, up 6 points over FY 2001, that in October and November '02 was as high as 17% and 22.8%, thus being comparable to that in the pollen season in usual years.
Although some analysts predict that shipments will continue to grow at the current pace up to the end of March, it is difficult to make accurate prediction at this point of time. However, even when February ~ March shipments remain level with those in the preceding year, the cumulative total up to January has already reached 1.28 million units, so that the yearly total will reach some 1.8 million units.
Product Trends Those having especially contributed to the market expansion are models incorporating with the degerming ion technology, including those with features such as healing effect by negative ions or ultrasound (see Product News).
As for operational versatility, recommendable models include (1) those easier to operate due to adoption of an air monitor which visibly displays the present operational condition, degree of air pollution, etc., (2) those equipped with a sensor- aided automatic operational function, filter replacement sign informing the filter replacement timing, off-timer function, wireless remote controller, etc.
The sensor-aided automatic operation is especially recommendable as a sales point meeting the user needs.
Sensors mounted on the air purifier include an odor sensor (gas sensor) reacting mainly to odor, a dust sensor detecting dust, a body sensor (infrared ray sensor) sensing the human body as when coming in/out, and a photo sensor quickly reacting to the fire of a lighter when lighting a cigarette.
Actually, many of commercially available products incorporate only one or two ~ three sensors with higher precision.
There are of course units with advanced functions using one, two or three sensors. By sending information detected by these sensors to the control section, they perform fan speed control, automatic start/stop or other controls.
The odor sensor detects cosmetics, alcohol, spray, etc. The dust sensor reacts to particles of dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, steam from the humidifier, etc.
As for the deodorizing performance, tests on gas constituents such as ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid are carried out according to the testing method based on JEM1467 (JEMA standard).

Juny 15 - Daikin Features Aerotherapy with Photocatalyst Technology

"Aerotherapy" air purifiers from Daikin Industries are selling well. They feature powerful deodorizing and high dust collecting, and run very quietly.
Daikin emphasizes that in this pollen season, "Pollen Mode" exclusive for removing pollen works powerfully.
Hitachi Air Purifier (EP-5300K) Provides Negative Ions The three models are commonly carrying functions of 6-way air suction and generating negative ions to refresh entire room air. High quality materials containing polyurethane antibiotic agent are used for the models' appearances.
While featuring higher air purifying performance, the two high-priced models also have product advantages comparable to those of popular model, adopting flat panels which harmonize well with the interior.
Another feature of the two high-end models is adoption of bamboo charcoal filter which has been drawing attention recently as a powerful means to meet more deodorizing needs. Being very porous, bamboo charcoal has 3 times wider surface than that of ordinary charcoal and 10 times higher absorbency and also capable of deodorizing, dehumidifying and dechlorinating. The two highpriced models can exhibit 80% of total deodorizing power in only a minute after the start of operation by combining the charcoal filter with pelletized activated carbon filter coated with Hitachi's own iodine catalyst.
The top model EP-5300K has realized powerful, energy-saving and whisper- quiet operation by adopting PAM control which allows the inverter to exhibit its performance fully.

Juny 14 - MHI Air Purifier Features Bacteriolytic Enzyme Filter

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has released the new air purifier CT455D-S adopting "BIO HEPA" bacteriolytic enzyme filter which destroys bacteria/mold. MHI's New Air Purifier The bacteriolytic enzyme filter adopted for the first time in residential air purifiers in the industry was developed by MHI jointly with Nikki Universal. It is a core technology which is incorporated not only into air purifiers but also new room air conditioners (RACs).
The newly developed filter is such that its surface (filter paper fiber) contains bacteriolytic enzymes existing ordinarily in human and other living bodies, thus capable of totally exterminating fungi such as mold and bacteria adhering to the filter paper fiber. As such, it is an epoch-making technology.
Different from degerming (sterilizing) technologies applying mechanical forces through various means such as negative ions, plasma, photo catalyst and ultraviolet rays, the new filter applies natural forces as a new concept.
Bacteriolytic enzyme (a kind of hydrolytic enzyme) itself is harmless to the human body or environment. Since bacteria adhering to the filter cease to proliferate, the fear of secondary pollution has been eliminated. MHI has applied the technology which has so far been applied to commercial uses such as hospitals and clean rooms, to residential uses.
The main product CT455D-S effectively catches dust and odors by "BIO HEPA" filter and "Photo Regenerative Deodorizing" filter, powerfully destroying bacteria and mold, while creating a comfortable room environment by the high-performance negative ion generator.
The photo regenerative deodorizing filter decomposes odor constituents collected by activated carbon through the catalytic action of titanium oxide.

June 13 - Gree to Make Huge Investment in Phase-IV Project

From the beginning of this year, Gree's AC production and sales are reaching another peak, and the company has invested furthermore in production facilities. Recently, Phase-IV extension work has completed with 169,000 m² of site area and 213,000 m² of building area. According to the company's PR Dept., the newly constructed building is mainly used as production base and R&D center for RACs and commercial ACs such as GMV (Gree Multi Variable). By positioning this base as a center for research on state-of-the-art technologies, Gree has extended the production and R&D equipment for sheet metals, metal molds, etc. The new factory's production lines will be put to full-scale operation from September this year. With the completion of this new factory, Gree's yearly AC production capacity will be raised to some 4 million units and yearly sales of commercial ACs will reach 3,000 million yen. It will also become possible to supply the company's own AC components to overseas factories.
Gree is the only maker specializing AC production in Chinese AC industry. By strictly adhering to the quality-oriented management policy, the company has been recognized by Chinese consumers as the most reliable brand. By securing the substantial share in Chinese domestic market, the company is also endeavoring to expand overseas market outlets, and frequently exhibiting at major AC expositions in the world.

June 10 - JARN Air Conditioner Special Edition Published

JARN published its Air Conditioner Special Edition dated May 25, 2003, which describes the world trends of room and packaged air conditioners based mainly on 2002 results in the countries and regions throughout the world.
This special issue will give very useful information of the world air conditioning markets to those people in manufacturers of ACs and the components who are engaged in marketing, planning, research and development of products/business and services in the industry.

June 9 - Daikin to Establish Plant in Czech Republic

The Board of Daikin Industries Ltd. has given its approval in principle for the establishment of a new factory in Pilsen, Czech. Beside the factory in Osteud, which concentrates on products with a high added value, Pilsen will produce products according to the concept of mass production. Pizen will start its production in April 2004 and will employ initially 105 employees.
Pilsen The headquarters of Daikin in Japan choose for the Czech Republic because of its central location in Europe. In this way the so-called lead times can be further decreased. Also the low labor cost in Czech Republic was an important issue. Daikin Industries Ltd. hopes in this way to increase Daikin?s competitiveness.
The factory in Pilsen will have a surface of 9,000 m² and will employ in the beginning stage 105 employees. The start of the production is scheduled for April 2004. Daikin Industries Ltd. will mainly concentrate in Pilsen on the production according to the concept of mass production.
Ostend Plant The establishment of a new factory in the Czech Republic will have no direct influence on the Ostend plant. A benefit of the Pilsen plant will be that the sales department of Daikin Europe will be able to use a more competitive product portfolio. Of course, there will also be opportunities to cooperate between the two plants. One example of the cooperation will consist of the delivery of cheaper parts from the Czech Republic for the final assembly in Ostend.

June 7 - Matsushita to Expand AC Production in China

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. intends to drastically expand the AC production in China. The company will raise the yearly production capability of its AC factory, Guangzhou Matsushita Air-Conditioner Co., Ltd. in Guangzhou from 1.09 million units in 2002 to 130 million units this year in order to expand its share in Chinese market, while strengthening exports to Japan, Europe, Russia and Middle East which were started from last year.
By expanding Chinese factory's capability to the size comparable to that of Malaysia factory which is largest in Matsushita Group, that company plans to produce 30% of its global AC production this year in China. In 2006 the yearly production capability of Chinese factory will be expanded to 2 million units by raising the productivity of existing production lines, and the factory will become largest in the group.
For Chinese market the company will sell 0.83 million units (up 0.13 million units over last year) out of 1.3 million units this year, thus raising the already top share among Japanese makers in Chinese market to 7.7%, up 0.8 points over last year, and chasing the local makers. The company also plans to increase exports to 470,000 million units, up 80,000 units over last year. To attain these goals, 2 more indoor unit assembly lines will be added to the existing 4 lines within this year. In 2004 a cell line will be introduced for production of large 3 and 5 hp ACs. By fully introducing a just-in-time system to secure materials, inventories of both finished and in-process products will be halved this year compared to last year. The company also plans to positively utilize outsourcing for works in addition to PC board installation and press work which were fully entrusted outside between 2001 and 2002.
The company intends to strengthen the production system of Guangzhou factory which is already producing about 300 models ranging from 250 wall-mounted and 6 floor-mounted type models to cassette, duct and multi type models.

June 5 - Peltier Effect Applied to Melco's Cool Incubator

Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co. has developed the "Cool Incubator" with Peltier element module for accurate temperature control to be applied to physicochemical and medical fields, releasing it recently. By utilizing Peltier element module, the company has made it possible to control temperature at 1^o notch across the control range from 3 to 35^o, while succeeding in ±0.5^o of high precision control of incubator's inside temperature distribution by means of microcomputer control & aluminum pentahedral natural convection system.
The company has commercialized an incubator, which is widely used in medical and biochemical experiment/research, food processing, meal-providing service, etc., as a compact unit capable of low temperature setting.
Because of Peltier element module, the "Cool Incubator" can set temperature at 1^o notch across the control range from 3 to 45^o (outside temperature 30^o).
Since Peltier system does not use a compressor, thus minimizing operating noise and vibration, it is ideal for incubation/preservation of substances affected by vibrations such as protein crystal. The inside does not dry when cooling, and the running cost is lower than that of refrigerator, the company points out as salient features.
The Cool Incubator's effective inside volume is 25 liter, rated voltage is 100V and rated power consumption is 98W.

June 3 - Midea Aims at Top Central AC Maker

Since 1999 when Midea, one of top Chinese AC makers, launched the commercial AC business, the company has been smoothly proceeding with development of new products. Called MDV (Multi Digital Variable) system, they are available in a wide range of series such as V, M, H and D. Thus, Midea has become a major center of commercial AC production.
In 2000, the company succeeded in developing the VRF (AC systems for multi-room buildings). The results of this R&D effort were highly recognized by Chinese government, and development of this technology was included as one of priority projects in China's 9th round of 5-year plan. Being encouraged by this, the company has been improving its applicability, thus expanding the lineup of commercial AC series/models.
Recently Midea held a meeting of nationwide commercial AC sales agents in Guangzhou, announcing business strategies for this year. (1) Maximize the scale of production while securing adequate profit; (2) Strengthen technological cooperation with Copeland and Toshiba Carrier to upgrade the product quality; (3) Strengthen the industry-university cooperative research.

June 2 - Chubu and Toshiba Develop Magnetic Cooling System

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. has announced recently that, jointly with Toshiba Corp., they have succeeded in developing a new-type magnetic refrigeration system. It has been compactly designed, while realizing high efficiency by reducing the driving power of permanent magnet and optimizing the magnetic circuit. In 2000 the company succeeded in developing a refrigeration system utilizing magnetic field changes for the first time in the world.
The current development is claimed to mark a great advance towards commercialization of magnetic refrigeration system. Recognizing this system as a prototype which can be utilized for either industrial or residential refrigerator, Chubu Electric and Toshiba intend to take steps towards earlier commercialization.
The magnetic refrigeration system utilizes a phenomenon in which heat generates when the magnetizing substance (which exhibits magnetism when the magnetic field is applied) is given magnetic changes, and temperature drops when the magnetic field is removed (magnetic calorific value effect). Since it features higher energy conversion efficiency and smaller environmental load compared to conventional gas refrigeration systems, it is drawing attention as a new refrigeration system capable of contributing to the prevention of global warming.

In 2000 Chubu Electric developed for the first time in the world a system which, by means of powerful magnetic field due to superconductive magnet, is capable of refrigeration at room temperature around 20~0^o. In October 2000 the company also succeeded in developing a system capable of cooling down to 0^o or below by reciprocating the system in the horizontal direction even in the weak magnetic field of permanent magnet. This reciprocating system generates a magnetic field 0.6 tesla in intensity by means of neodymium permanent magnet, using gadolinium alloy as magnetic action substance, water/alcohol as heat exchanging substance, and can deliver 40 W of refrigerating capacity.
Based on these R&D results, the currently developed new-type refrigeration system comes as a rotary driving system rotating the permanent magnet.
Because magnetic field changes are given to the magnetic action substance by rotating the permanent magnet, it has become possible to dramatically reduce the driving power. Due also to the optimization of magnetic circuit, 50% improvement in performance has been realized compared to the reciprocating system. Due also to the rotary symmetrical structure, the unit size has been made by about 70% compact compared to the reciprocating system, and also to about 1/20 that of magnetic refrigerating system using superconductive magnet. The new-type magnetic refrigerating system is 0.76 tesla in intensity of magnetic field and the refrigerating capacity is 60 W.

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