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September 30 - US DOE and ARI Discuss Energy Efficiency Standards

In a meeting on June 9, the US Department of Energy (DOE) disucssed they plan to implement 13 SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) Final Rule in relation to the overturning 12 SEER Final Rule and how the implementation applies to niche markets. The Department announced that standards levels, effective January 2006, will follow the levels on the below chart.
The DOE also discussed minimum efficiency levels for niche products and determined that: Small Duct High Velocity Equipment must meet 13 SEER. However, due errors by the Department, manufacturers of this equipment were encouraged to petition the office of Hearings and Appeals for exception relief." the case of through the wall, split and single package systems, the levels from 2006 through 2010 are 10.9 SEER/7.1 HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for split systems and 10.6 SEER/7.0 HSPF for single package equipment.
2010, this equipment must meet a SEER/7.7 HSPF as well.
Single package and non-weatherized products meeting the definition of space constrained" products standard must meet 12.0 SEER/7.4 HSPF in 2006. Finally, on the question of ductless splits, the Department determined that this equipment is not necessarily space constrained, therefore requiring manufacturers to meet a 13 SEER standard by 2006. However, the Department did acknowledge that certain ductless models might be "space constrained." If a manufacturer determines that such a model meets this definition, these models would need to only meet a 12 SEER by 2006.
Since the meeting, ARI has written to the DOE to express concern that the process currently envisioned by the Department for designating "space constrained products" - that of self certification - is inadequate and could result in products incorrectly being classified as meeting this definition. Our industry will continue to work with the Department to develop a more precise definition as well as a more specific, publicly available process for determining a product as "space constrained." Even with the explanation above, the Department's determinations can be quite confusing. Copies of the Department's presentations at these two meetings can be found on the Government and International Affairs Department section of the ARI website.

September 28 - 2004 Purdue Conferences Held

The 17th International Compressor Engineering Conference and the 10th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conferences took place July 12-15, 2004 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Approximately 500 attendees from 30 different countries attended these conferences. As usual, the Compressor Conference included many sessions on specific compressor technologies (reciprocating, rolling piston, scroll, screw, centrifugal, and linear compressors) and issues related to compressor design and reliability (noise control, vibrations, gas pulsations, lubrication, wear, valves). In addition, there were several sessions that focused on new and existing applications of compressor technologies, including uses in transcritical carbon-dioxide cooling cycles and automotive air conditioning.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference covered a wide range of topics, including advanced refrigeration and air conditioning technologies (e.g., transcritical carbon-dioxide cycles), heat transfer/exchanger issues, modeling (steady-state and transient), automated fault detection and diagnosis, electronics cooling, and lubrication and noise issues.
A total of 215 papers were published in the combined CD-ROM proceedings with 104 in the Compressor Engineering Conference and 111 in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference.
The conferences included a keynote address on the opening morning of the conferences and plenary sessions each morning of the remaining three days. The keynote address was titled "Ozone Depletion and Global Warming: Advancing the Science" and was presented by Dr. David Fahey, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
The Organizing Committee chose to use some new venues on the Purdue campus and the downtown area in Lafayette. The short courses were held in the new Jerry S. Rawls Building which is a state-of-the art building connected to the Krannert School of Management.
Other changes were that the Reception was moved to a new hotel in downtown Lafayette rather than being held at the Union Ballroom. The Wednesday and Thursday Plenary sessions were panel disscussions. Wednesday's session featured 5 panel members from various countries and organizations discussing CO2 technology. Thursday's Plenary session featured speakers from ARI, ASHRAE and IIAR on HVAC&R for the Future.

September 26 - Carrier China to Set Up Regional Hqr. in Shanghai

The Shanghai Government recently granted Carrier China certification to officially set up its regional headquarters in the city. Mr. Allan Jones, President of Carrier China Operations, received the certificate from Mr. Han Zhen, Mayor of Shanghai during a ceremony held in Shanghai on June 18.
The regional headquarters of Carrier China in Shanghai will incorporate Carrier's business in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.
As the world's largest HVAC and refrigeration manufacturer, Carrier was the earliest foreign air-conditioning investor in China. It established the first joint venture in Shanghai as early as 1987.
In cooperation with its Chinese partner - Shanghai Electric Group and Qingdao Haier Group, Carrier China has developed into a total of nine operations with 31 sales and service offices and nearly 2,500 employees in the country.
Carrier's air-conditioning and refrigeration products have always been leading the local market.
"With Carrier expanding its investment in China, Shanghai is becoming more important for Carrier's business in China," said Mr. Jones. "Five of the nine company operations in China are in Shanghai. The set-up of Carrier's regional headquarters in the city will be conducive to further cooperation with Carrier's local strategic partners in an effort to serve Chinese customers more effectively."

September 24 - HVAC POLAND 2004, Warsaw, Poland
17 - 19 November 2004, Expo XXI, Warsaw, Poland

International Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Exhibitionion
In May 2004, Poland becomes a member of the European Union. The prospect of prosperity through membership of the EU has powered foreign investment, catalysed privatisation, transformed lifestyles, and changed spending patterns which has led to a surge in opportunities for external countries.
HVAC Poland 2004 will give manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment the platform from which to launch their products in this booming market.
A dynamic multimedia marketing campaign will ensure HVAC Poland meets and exceeds exhibitors' and visitors' expectations. All relevant media will be utilised to maximise exposure and create awareness in the market place.

September 22 - Energy Solutions & Thermal Storage Fair '04 in Japan

Under the cosponsorship of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), Heat Pump & Thermal Storage Technology Center of Japan (HPTCJ), and the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan, the Energy Solutions & Thermal Storage Fair 2004 was held from July 28-30 at the Tokyo Big Sight, being participated in bymore than 150 exhibitors. In the current situation where, faced with the reduction of greenhouse effect gas emissions as an important environmental issue, energy saving measures are drawing attention, those concerned are increasingly expecting the diffusion of the latest high-efficiency electric equipment and systems including heat pumps, and also effective utilization of renewable energy.
The exhibitors (about 160 including private enterprises and groups) gathered together to propose to users energy solutions rich with functionality, economy and harmony with an environment from both hard and soft aspects. As electric heat pump manufacturers, the majors - Daikin, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Melco), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Matsushita, Toshiba Carrier and Sanyo Electric Group - exhibited heat pump air conditioners (ACs), chiller-heaters, ice storage-assisted heat pump ACs, CO2 heat pump water heaters (ECO CUTE), and other products, while making various presentations concerning energy savings.
As for thermal energy storage, major construction companies such as Takenaka, Obayashi and Shimizu Corp. proposed various ice storage systems, while a major contractor proposed a geothermal energy system.
At a pavilion for electric space heating, floor heating systems, their materials and components, and IH cooking heaters for all-electric homes were drawing the attention of visitors.

September 20 - RAC Shipments Jump 60% in July with 1,367,000 Units

Room air conditioner (RAC) shipments in July accounted for 1,366,977 units, up a high 59.6% jump over the same month last year, according to the statistics by Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA).
The intense heat waves, which hit Japan Islands in July, boosted RAC sales centering around small leader models in 2.2 - 2.5 kW classes to such an extent that those models sold like hot cakes, resulting in such a remarkable growth in factory shipments.
RAC sales were growing at a rate nearly two times as high as in the same period last year, so that some manufacturers even increased their production to meet the explosive demand. While some makers produced RACs as scheduled, many models ran out of stock including small leader models. Therefore, it was strongly requested by retailers to supply these products, and some manufacturers increased their production. RAC sales at some stores showed a 2- to 3-fold increase over the previous year, thus picking up after a long decline.
In these circumstances, many RAC manufacturers revised their forecast for their yearly total shipments upward even to some 7.2 million units, far above the 6.6 million units predicted by JRAIA.
In July and August, manufacturers were very busy with meeting retailers' demand for the 2.2 kW models that obviously fell short in supply. However, it was difficult to meet the demand soon, since many manufacturers have shifted their production facilities overseas.
In the meantime, packaged air conditioners (PACs) have also been selling well for the last few months, and their shipments in July recorded 96,845 units, up 33.6% over the same month last year.

September 18 - Melco Mini-Split Awarded by U.S. Journal

The first Dealer Design Award was announced in The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, the leading trade magazine in the USA. In the HVAC Equipment-Commercial category of the Award Program, Mitsubishi Electric Corp.'s (Melco's) Mr. Slim Mini-Split air conditioner & heat pump became the Bronze Winner.
This may be an indication of ductless split systems being gradually recognized in the US market too. Although ductless split systems, which are called mini-split systems in the USA are increasing their share in the world markets other than the USA as important equipment, their shipments to the US are estimated at 100,000 ~ 150,000 units only, thus being negligible in the American room air conditioner/ unitary air conditioner market which is sized at around 13 million units.
In recent years, however, mainly the Asian makers are powerfully exploring the market, and it is expected for dealers, contractors and end users to deepen their understanding of ductless split systems.

September 16 - CEATEC JAPAN 2004: Showing Japan's IT Brands

The IT revolution can be regarded as Japan's "Third wave,"following the agricultural and industrial revolutions. In the previous issue, CIAJ's Shigeru Ikeda advocated that "human ingenuity is alive and well in today's ubiquitous society."In this issue, he follows up on this idea by explaining the aim of CEATEC JAPAN 2004 to enhance worldwide understanding of "Japan-style"information technology (IT).
Now in the second year of its Three-Year Plan, CEATEC JAPAN is making great strides in transforming the exhibition from a Japanese forum to a global event. Our overriding aim is to enhance worldwide understanding of IT, Japan-style.
The organizer and the committee members of CEATEC JAPAN are working to increase the number of overseas exhibitors and visitors by forming alliances with major exhibitions in the United States and Europe, including International CES in Las Vegas and the IFA Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin. They want CEATEC JAPAN to become known not only in Japan, but also worldwide as the only way to learn about the trends of the future.
CEATEC JAPAN 2004 will offer an endless array of fascinating and interesting exhibits for all visitors, as well as conference programs including keynote speeches. There will be so much on display that visitors will not be able to experience it all in a single day. It is worthwhile to visit CEATEC JAPAN 2004 and see every aspect of Japan's IT industry.

September 14 - Carel Offers ir33: the New Generation Controllers for Refrigeration

Following ir32, one of CAREL's most famous and best selling controllers, the new ir33 is now available.
The top-of-the-range model characterizing the new series arouses special interest as it can be fitted with all the options available: infrared remote control, programming key, repeater display, high efficiency LED display, HACCP function, real time clock, RS485 serial port, second evaporator defrost management, without sacrificing the 4 control relays and the 115 to 230 Vac switching power supply. All obviously in the same dimensions as the current ir32 case! Another unique feature concerning this new series of controllers is the possibility to manage smart defrosts, optimizing the management of this function, with consequent energy savings.
Finally, one very important aspect involves the IP65 index of protection; the modern technology implemented by CAREL for the moulding of the plastic parts has allowed the protection gasket to be integrated directly into the front panel, without the need to add accessory components to the product that may create an unpleasant aesthetic and visual impact.
ir33 is not only a range of panel mounting instruments: at the next IKK - Hall 6, booth No. 106 - CAREL will introduce the new range of DIN rail mounting instruments thus offering interesting solutions and remarkable advantages for the electrical panel market.

September 12 - AGRAMKOW Opens Sales and Service Center in Shanghai

To better serve customers in the fast growing Chinese market, AGRAMKOW Fluid Systems A/S has opened the doors to its new Sales and Service Center in Shanghai. The office officially opened on 29 June.
China represents an exciting opportunity for AGRAMKOW. "We will open our office with a sufficient staff of sales and service employees," says Vice President Hans Jorn Petersen. AGRAMKOW already has the biggest installed base of charging and test equipment in China, and the company has been operating in the country for more than 10 years. Until now AGRAMKOW has sold systems through agents and partners on the Chinese market. "We have been very satisfied with our distribution set-up in China, and we will proceed with our cooperation in several areas" says Mr. Petersen.
"However, it is time for AGRAMKOW to be present locally with our own dedicated China organization, in order to get closer to the main players in the appliance manufacturing industries." AGRAMKOW's investment in China compliments its international strategy. The company already has its sales and service subsidiaries in Singapore, the UK and Brazil as well as service centers in the Philippines and India.
AGRAMKOW is also represented by alliance partners in over 20 other countries around the world.

About AGRAMKOW
AGRAMKOW designs, develops and markets charging systems, test systems and production line information systems that are deployed in leading manufacturing facilities around the world. AGRAMKOW has continually pioneered the development of new capabilities in response to the rapidly changing needs of the refrigeration appliance and air conditioning industries.

September 10 - Japanese RAC Shipments Jump 60% in July

Accoding to Japan Refrigeration Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) statistics, Japan's factory shipments of room air conditioners (RACs) including heat pumps recorded In July 59.6 % jump from last July with 1,366,977 units shipped.
Unlike the cool summer last year, a record-breaking heat wave hit Japan islands from June through July to August, boosting up RAC sales. Many manufacturers changed their original plans and increased the production; some raised the production level 2.5 to 3 times higher than the same period of the previous year, according to Japanese trade news.

September 8 - Shinco Presents DC Inverter Upgrade Product

Recently Shinco Air Conditioner announced in Beijing that its patented DC Inverter air conditioner "Energy Saving King" has been officially introduced to the market. It is said that it is just because of the success of Shinco Air Conditioner at the Canton Fair that its DC inverter air conditioner "Energy Saving King" has won unanimous good comments. Shinco's DC inverter air conditioners that enter the European market have all reached the requirements of level A energy efficiency label.
"The specific explanation which we commit is: if users who buy Shinco's DC inverter air conditioner 'Energy Saving King' within the period of promotion activity find it does not save energy within the period of promotion activity after the air conditioner is installed (after supervisory inspection by the State approved authoritative organ and under the same working environment and the same power), we will surely let them return the machine and refund them two times the money they have paid." General manager of Shinco AC Mr. Wu Yong expressed "for a long time, our country's inverter technology has only rested on the low-level AC field, whereas the more technically advanced DC inverter is not discussed by domestic enterprises, the reason may be related to the wait-and-see attitude which Chinese enterprises always take toward new things, besides the reason of high doorsill and huge investment, while to make the inverter technology achieve a greater development, we must break through the limitations on existing AC inverter development and find out a higher-level springboard, DC inverter is a breakthrough. At present Shinco has roundly entered DC inverter times, and later we will go all out to introduce more energy-saving and more comfortable DC inverter ACs and will be fully devoted to R & D and sale of DC inverters, moreover, Shinco would like to provide exchange and cooperation for inverter technology with manufacturers who have a potential and are willing to disseminate DC inverter ACs using our own advantages, but this is only limited to the inverter control technology and support of related key components."

September 6 - HVAC POLAND 2004, Warsaw, Poland 17 - 19 November 2004, Expo XXI, Warsaw, Poland

International Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Exhibitionion
In May 2004, Poland becomes a member of the European Union. The prospect of prosperity through membership of the EU has powered foreign investment, catalysed privatisation, transformed lifestyles, and changed spending patterns which has led to a surge in opportunities for external countries.
HVAC Poland 2004 will give manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment the platform from which to launch their products in this booming market.
A dynamic multimedia marketing campaign will ensure HVAC Poland meets and exceeds exhibitors' and visitors' expectations. All relevant media will be utilised to maximise exposure and create awareness in the market place.

September 4 - TCL Launching Global Recruitment

After TCL group has completed the layout of its global industrial market, for example, cooperation with France's Thomson to form the world biggest color TV enterprise and signing a memorandum with France's Alcatel to set up a joint venture to produce and sell cellphones and provide service of related products, at present it is setting its eyes on the global personnel market. On June 2, at a big-scale news conference in Guangzhou, TCL's chairman and president Mr. Li Dongsheng announced the international personnel strategy of this group, and plans to globally recruit 2,200 medium and senior operations management persons and R & D persons with international background in this year to create an "international troop" so as to fully promote the "Dragon and Tiger" plan. People of this field said it is the first time for Chinese enterprises to launch such a big-scale and multi-level global personnel recruitment, it represents the crucial significance of personnel resources in the new round of competition.
"TCL's target is to become a worldclass enterprise with international competitive power. An international enterprise needs a lot of management teams and employees teams with international thinking and international operation experience.
Therefore, we will recruit suitable personnel within the global range." Said Mr. Li Dongsheng at the press conference, "TCL's cultural groundwork is a pluralized immigrant culture, when we are marching to the international market, immigrant culture can quickly make those people coming from different cultural background and different regions adjust to and adapt to TCL as soon as possible. To set up an international company in its true meaning, the localized personnel strategy of the international market must be taken into account and must be carried out. At present foreign employees in TCL account for 18% of its total population, within 3~5 years in the future, TCL will speed up its pace in localized value innovation to further improve the proportion of localized personnel within the global range." According to TCL's statistics, among the globally recruited personnel medium and senior positions account for about 40%, R & D personnel account for some 70% and personnel required for the TCLThomson project and mobile telecommunication account for 60%.

September 2 - Haier Wuhan's One Millionth AC Comes Off the Line

Recently the one millionth air conditioner of Haier Wuhan Company produced this year has come off the line.
This figure has already exceeded the last year's annual output of 973,000 sets and completed two thirds of the planned target of this year. The company principal predicted that according to present production speed, the annual output can be expected to exceed 1.5 million sets. Haier Wuhan was established in 1995, and was relocated as a whole to Haier Industrial Park in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone in 2002. From then on, its output of ACs has seen a many fold increase, and new products are continually emerging and the annual output could reach 2.5 million sets, thus Haier Wuhan has become an important production base of Haier Group in China.
The Wuhan AC industry represented by Haier Wuhan is rapidly becoming shorter and stronger. The Haier Wuhan Industrial Park, as the tenth industrial park of Haier Group in the world, is located at the center of Wuhan manufacturing base- Dunkou Economic Development Zone. Only a half year after the corner-stone laying on March 19, 2002, a modern industrial park has risen above the ground.
In March this year, Midea Groupbuilt a new ACs production base in Wuhan; in May, McQuay increased capital and expanded shares to establish a sole proprietorship AC company; On June 3, Midea and Toshiba Carrier signed a general agreement on AC business cooperation. And the shares of Toshiba Carrier will enter into the Midea's Wuhan base.

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