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October 31 - ASERCOM Energy Efficiency Award 2004

The presentation of the winners took place on occasion of the IKK-Exhibition opening ceremony in Nuremberg, Germany, on October 13, 2004 and the awards have been handed over by the Junior Minister of the Bavarian State Ministry of Environment, Ms. Emilia Mueller. The Award has been granted to Oxycom BV, Netherlands, and Volair BV, Netherlands jointly with Carrier Nederland.
The winning concept of the "ASERCOM Energy Efficiency Award 2004" is a so-called dew point cooling system, here the principle of evaporative cooling applies, using water. It is an indirect system because the added water is kept apart from the 'conditioned' air, and this air consequently keeps its original absolute humidity.
The two companies have developed and tested an innovative system, ready for market introduction, focussing on a highly efficient heat exchanger, enabling unusual low temperatures of the 'conditioned' air, below the out door wet bulb temperature. The system integrates ventilation and cooling and incorporates energy saving,
environmentally friendly aspects and reduced investment cost for specific applications. Depending on the customers' comfort demands, the dew point cooling system can also be used as a pre-cooler to reduce the energy consumption of a conventional air conditioning system and thus lead to a hybrid energy efficient system.

October 29 - Fedders Acquires Addison Products Company

Fedders Corporation, USA, announced on November 2, 2004 that it has purchased the assets of Addison Products Company, a division of Heat Controller Inc. Located in Orlando, Florida, the company, which will become known as Fedders Addison Company, manufactures and markets a broad line of air conditioning products primarily serving commercial and institutional markets. Key markets include supermarkets, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and other establishments that utilize Addison's rooftop packaged heating and cooling units, condensing units, heat pumps, air handlers, vertical packaged units and water source heat pumps, including a full line of 100% outside air units. Addison's sales for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2004 were approximately $21 million.
Commenting on the acquisition, Fedders Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sal Giordano, Jr. said, "The acquisition of Addison represents another strategic initiative on the part of Fedders to expand its business in the central air conditioning and heating market. The addition of Addison's products extends Fedders' existing commercial line from its Fedders Eubank division, which makes exterior wall mount packaged air conditioners and heat pumps for the school, wireless telecom and trailer markets. Together with Fedders Eubank Company, Fedders Addison will be part of a new business unit, Fedders Commercial HVAC."

October 27 - The ASERCOM Symposium 2004 - a Successful Event

This year the subject of the ASERCOM Symposium on the day before the IKK Exhibition started was: "Our Future in Europe: Climate Change - Environment Protection" An update of new EU and national directives and regulations highlighting the impact on the refrigeration and air conditioning market in Europe. The focus of the event was the F-Gas legislation related to the Kyoto Protocol, in particular the European and national proposals as well as recently enforced regulations. Reference was made to the emission reductions requested for fluorinated gases. Therefore "Containment" was one of the main topics of the presentations and papers that were used on changes and new aspects that have to be considered by industry, contractors and users. In addition, the use of natural refrigerants as alternatives was highlighted. Peter Horrocks of the European Commission gave an update of the F-Gas proposal and this was just two days before the Council of the Environment Ministers was to take its decision. The applications of the various refrigerants - fluorocarbons and their alternatives were presented by Hermann Renz (Bitzer).
On the other hand a paper given by Eberhard Wobst (ILK) demonstrated that the largest potential for CO₂ emission reductions in this market can be achieved by higher system energy efficiency.
In addition, most of the anticipated legislation requested system inspections for leakage reduction. In this respect, the European institutions propose essential requirements and mutual recognition for certification programs, with reference for both the companies and their personnel. Examples have been presented by Robert Berckmans (AREA) and Joop Hoogkamer (NVKL).
A panel discussion - chaired by Johannes Reichelt - has given the 180 plus participants the opportunity to comment on the papers and to get answers to their questions.

October 25 - ASHRAE Discusses Technical Assistance with Iraqi Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Iraqi engineers work to rebuild their country's roads, bridges, public buildings and houses, they are dependent upon technical information from 20 years ago.
To assist Iraq in obtaining the latest in technical information, including standards, ASHRAE recently hosted a meeting between four senior officials of the Iraq Ministry of Construction and Housing and representatives of major U.S. building codes and standards developing organizations and engineering societies. The meeting was arranged by the U.S. Commerce Department.
The meeting was held to provide the Ministry representatives with information about U.S. standards and for the participating organizations to learn how they might assist the Ministry in addressing its objectives in constructing and rehabilitating Iraq's roads, bridges, public buildings and houses.
"While the Iraqis' major focus was on civil engineering related standards and construction issues, they also talked about mechanical, electrical and plumbing standards," Larry Spielvogel, who chaired the meeting, said. "Most of the standards they use are American along with some British. Due to the political situation there and the embargo for the past 15 years, the latest information they have is from the 1980s."
Spielvogel is chair of ASHRAE's Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on Homeland Security.
Most of the participating organizations offered to provide access to their publications and information and to invite Iraqi participation in their activities, including standards development.
"As you might expect, there are still many hurdles, and the U.S. State and Commerce Departments offered their assistance in improving communications and relations," Spielvogel said.

October 23 - Kerosene and Electric Space Heater Market

The kerosene heater sales race has started. This year's fan-driven heater market is predicted to total 3.44 million units, remaining level with the previous year. In the current situation where stable demand can be expected for these heaters as a primary item in the winter season, major specialists such as Dainichi Co. and Corona Corp. are increasing their market share.
With 4 million units or more in 2004 as a peak, the market has continued to show a downturn, and the trade people predict it to remain at the level of about 3.4 million units. The diffusion of room air conditioners (RACs), all-electric homes and electric heaters is becoming a factor hindering the expansion of the kerosene space heater market. On the other hand, affected by the drops in unit prices due to intensifying competition, some home electric appliance makers have incurred a deficit in the kerosene heater business, thus giving it up quickly.
Since home electric appliance makers are likely to withdraw from the kerosene heater business, monopolization will proceed and the combined share of Dainichi and Corona is predicted to reach some 60%.
Electric Heating About 2/3 of the domestic heater market is occupied by kerosene space heaters with fan-driven heaters as a nucleus, and some 1/3 by electric heaters such as hot carpets, ceramic fan heaters, electric stoves and humidifiers. However, users are increasingly interested in electric heating, due mainly to the increasing air tightness of urban residences and the growing orientation towards "health, cleanliness, safety." Among the new products, models pursuing health and cleanliness and also models pursuing energy saving functions are drawing the attention of consumers.
Residences with more and more air tightness and heat insulation are increasing. Also, since condominiums prohibiting or limiting the use of gas/ kerosene heaters are increasing in cities, it may be said that the time is ripe for electric heating to be recognized again.
Demand for hot carpets and ceramic fan heaters, among others, is expected to grow firmly. In the case of hot carpets, there is stable demand sized at about 2.3 million units/year. A breakdown by size shows that 50% or more is occupied by those for 3.3 m2 room space, while 20% or more is occupied by those for below 3.3 m2 and above 5 m2 room space each. A breakdown by type shows that hot carpets which can be used in all seasons and those in piece with a cover are gaining popularity.
Growing Halogen Heaters Sales in electric stoves are growing noticeably. Especially, halogen heaters, for their quick heating feature, have rapidly expanded their market for the last several years, and demand for themis expected to reach approx. 2.75 million units this year.
Since halogen heaters are safe and versatile, demand for them is expanding centering on those for elderly and single dwellers. Moreover, since they are suitable for spot heating, they are convenient for use in a bathroom or nursery. Demand for add-on units is expected to increase considerably from those users who have experienced their excellent features through the last 1 ~ 2 years of diffusion.

October 21 - Mitsubishi Electric to Expand PV Production Capacity

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Melco) announced recently that it would expand annual production capacity of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules at its Nakatsugawa (Iida Factory, Nagano Prefecture) and Kyoto Works (Kyoto Prefecture) from 90MW to 135MW by April 2005, in response to a sharp increase in demand in the domestic and overseas markets. The company aims to establish a production system with an annual capacity of 230MW by 2006, and with this goal in mind, will be investing 3.3 billion yen in new equipment.
Recently, the PV market has been growing rapidly. Sales are expected to carry on increasing through 2004 as international activities aimed at reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions continue to raise environmental awareness around the globe. Total worldwide PV production in 2003 amounted to approximately 742MW, up 32% from 2002 (according to a survey conducted by PV News, USA). Japan is a major contributor, accounting for approximately 364MW of this total.
Mitsubishi Electric's PV sales during 2004 have been more than double those of 2003, thanks to the increasing popularity of the 'All Electric-Powered Home' and government subsidies in the domestic market, added to the greater demand in overseas markets, in particular Europe.
Having started the residential PV systems business in 1996, Mitsubishi Electric then opened the Nakatsugawa Works PV facility in 1998, where production of cells and modules began. A lead-free solder module production line, the first in Japan, was opened at the Kyoto Works in January 2003. Total annual production capacity was increased to 35MW in January 2003, to 50MW in September 2003, and then up to 90MW in June 2004.

October 19 - Carrier Scores at Wembley, UK

Carrier UK has won the order to air condition the new Wembley Stadium in London. Carrier is supplying two 3100kW water-cooled centrifugal chillers and one 30HXC machine with a capacity of 1300kW to the new stadium, currently being built to replace the world famous 'Venue of Legends.'
When the new national stadium opens in 2006, it will be the largest stadium in the world, with every seat under cover. It will be versatile enough to stage a range of major events, including football (soccer), rugby league, concerts and athletics.
The stadium, which will have no obstructed views, will set new standards in sport according to Mr. Michael Cunnah, Chief Executive of Wembley National Stadium Limited. "We're building the greatest stadium in the world with levels of comfort better than fans have ever experienced," he said.
The stadium's impressive specifications include internal concourses up to 1km in circumference and more than 600 refreshment outlets. In addition spectators will be pleased to know that the facility will include 2,500 toilets. It will also have the comfort of air conditioning in most of its covered interior spaces.
In addition to cooling the athletes and the spectators, the Carrier units will provide chilled water for the cooling of all the administration areas, changing rooms, studios, hospitality facilities, restaurants and so on. The chillers will have an "international" aspect, as the compressors will be supplied to Carrier's Montluel, France manufacturing facility by the company's U.S. plant in Charlotte, N.C. Carrier Service will commission all the machines.
The design for all the seated capacity of 90,000, has the crowd protected from the elements by a sliding roof. The signature feature is a circular section 7.4 m internal diameter lattice steelwork arch. The 315 m span arch, rising to 133 m high, will be the longest single span roof structure in the world.

October 17 - Trane andTAS Ltd. Agree on Central Plant Sourcing

Trane and TAS Ltd., Houston, Texas, have announced a packaged central plant sourcing agreement. Under this agreement, Trane sales offices worldwide will act as sole and exclusive sales representatives for packaged central plants as manufactured by TAS.
The packaged central plant is a Trane EarthWise system designed around low chilled water and condenser water flow rates. It includes cooling tower, pumps, controls and exclusively utilizes Trane high-efficiency water-cooled centrifugal, helical rotary screw chillers, and absorption chillers, with all components skid-mounted. TAS is a pioneer in conceiving, developing, manufacturing and marketing unique packaged central plant products for use in large chilled water applications. TAS has developed this product over several years and they are a leader in this growing market.
TAS has fully implemented the ISO standards throughout its business processes such that their customers' requirements are met through TAS's sales, proposal, engineering & design, project management, purchasing, manufacturing and aftermarket service processes. This commitment to quality allows TAS to produce the high quality products and engineered solutions that meet their customers' needs while continuing to develop new products and solutions that can meet future expectations.
TAS has committed to a continuous improvement process utilizing the structure that the ISO 9001:2000 certification provides.

October 15 - Gustav Lorentzen Conference Held in Scotland

The 6th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Working Fluids took place in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 29-September 1, 2004. The Conference was run as a joint commission conference of Commissions B1 and B2 of the IIR with Commissions E1 and E2. It was perfectly organized by the UK Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) on behalf of the IIR.
Over 300 Delegates from 30 countries took part in this event.
The Chairman of this Conference was Robert D. Heap MBE, who is also President of the Science and Technology Council of the IIR.
Francois Billiard, Director of the IIR, welcomed the participants and gave remarks at the opening of the conference.
105 papers were presented.
In addition, 2 excellent keynote addresses were given at the opening session by:

• Dr S. F. Pearson: Glasgow - the home of refrigeration;
• Dr M. McFarland: Energy efficiency and the environment.

• Hydrocarbons: Daniel Colbourne
• Ammonia: Anders Lindborg
• Free cooling: John Fleming - D. Blackhurst
• Carbon dioxide: Andy Pearson

• Carbon dioxide (49 papers)
• Hydrocarbons (16 papers)
• Absorption systems (9 papers)
• Ammonia (8 papers)
• Ice slurries (8 papers)
• Air cycle (3 papers)
• Miscellaneous (14 papers)

• IIR Commission B1 meeting chaired by D. Gorenflo
• IIR Commission B2 meeting chaired by C. Bullard
• IIR Working Party on Refrigerating System Safety chaired by L. Rolfsman
• IIR Working Party on Ice Slurries chaired by M. Kauffeld
• IIR Sub-Commission D1 Refrigerated Display Cabinets chaired by S. van der Sluis.

October 13 - MHI to Test Huge Wind Turbine Generator
- 92 m Dia. Rotor, 2400 kW -

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will install Japan's largest 2,400 kW class wind turbine generator featuring a 92 m diameter rotor and a built-in 3- blade independent pitch control mechanism at its Yokohama Works in March 2005 and put it to demonstrative operation.
At the same time, MHI will start sales activities in Japan and overseas for power generating projects starting operation from 2006. The company aims to attain \10 ~ 20 billion of yearly sales by selling these generators which can secure the same level of power generating capacity as that of 3,000 kW class wind turbines now operating overseas.
At present, the rotor diameter of competitors' 2,000 ~ 3,000 kW class wind turbine generators is 66 ~ 90 m.
Since MHI's new wind turbine generator has a rotor whose diameter is as long as 92 m, the wind catching area is large so that more power can be generated.
Even when the wind velocity is as slow as 3 m, it can perform power generation, and can also yield a large amount of electric power even in a low wind velocity region where 8.5 m is the average velocity.

October 11 - ISH 2005, Frankfurt, Germany
March 15 to 19, 2005 in Frankfurt am Main

ISH is one of the world's most important trade fairs for the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector. Again in 2005 it will be the only truly worldwide forum for innovations and trends. It is a unique opportunity for exhibitors to inform decision makers from around the world about their innovations. The exhibitors can develop new customer contacts and open up new markets.
The undisputed leader
In 2003, ISH was confronted with weak economies and a difficult world political scene. Yet precisely during this crisis it was able to impressively reaffirm its leading position: All market leaders - well over 2,380 exhibitors from 51 countries - presented products and system solutions in Frankfurt, according to the organizer. A total of about 180,000 visitors from 93 countries used this unique exhibition for innovations as communication platform.
The audience: international and competent.
For highly qualified visitors - more than 75 % with buying authority - the exhibition is the measure for investments in the future. The proportion of foreign professional visitors during past years has risen progressively to more than 25 %. In this manner the exhibition assists the medium-size industry in opening up new markets. Because not only buyers from Western European countries are drawn to Frankfurt but also more and more decision makers from the growth markets of Eastern Europe and Asia. House system technology: a market with a future.
ISH including Aircontec presents sanitation, heating and air-conditioning technology in one building as a holistic system. Again in 2005 it offers the optimum setting for presenting solutions and future-oriented strategies for sustainable construction.

October 9 - Matsushita Celebrates 50 Millionth Compressor in Malaysia

On July 12, MCM (Matsushita Compressor and Motor Sdn. Bhd.) held a ceremony celebrating that their cumulative production of air conditioner (AC) compressors has reached 50 million units. The 50 millionth unit was attained by a single factory for the first time in the world.
Ahead of other Japanese makers, Matsushita established MCM in 1985 as an overseas factory producing rotary compressors for ACs which require high precision.
Since that time, along with the expansion of AC exports, the number of units produced by MCM has increased sharply, and its operations have grown favorably until 1997. In 1998, however, affected by the currency crisis in Asia, their sales turned downward, experiencing an excess production capacity for a while.
So, the company positively approached new customers having a compressor manufacturing division, having expanded sales outlets and normalized the management in 2000. Since then, the company has increased sales sharply by launching the new "Super Tropical" series (rotary compressors designed for high temperature and high load) into the Middle East market which has mainly adopted reciprocating compressors. Attainment of the 50 millionth unit has been realized under close cooperation with MACOMRAD (Matsushita Compressor and Motor R&D Centre Sdn, Bhd.). Both companies are engaged in probably one of the most advanced business operations integrating R&D, production, sales and after-sales service, having developed more than 300 models by investing more than 20 million ringgits in R&D for more than 5 years.

October 7 - Canada's Chiller Bookings Show Increase in 2nd Quarter 2004

Accoding to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), during the 2nd Quarter 2004, chiller bookings showed the largest gain, increasing by 23% over the 2nd Quarter 2003. Other sectors increased as follows: commercial air conditioning(AC) shipments by 13%, residential furnaces by 9% and unit heater shipments by 6%.
Residential AC shipments decreased during the 2nd Quarter by 4%. For year-to-date, chiller bookings increased by 21% over year-to-date 2003; unit heater shipments increased by 16%, while both residential furnaces and commercial AC increased equally by 10%.
Residential AC shipments decreased by 8% over the same period last year. Key figures and trends are as follows:

• Commercial AC shipments increased 13%, from 10,438 in the second quarter of 2003 to 11,829 in the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date shipments increased by 10%, from 17,622 for the second quarter 2003 to 19,432 for the second quarter 2004.
• Residential AC shipments decreased 4% from 146,663 in the second quarter of 2003 to 141,397 in the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date shipments decreased by 8%, from 203,724 for the second quarter 2003 to 186,530 for the second quarter 2004.
• Residential furnace shipments increased 9% from 58,147 in the second quarter of 2003 to 63,370 in the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date shipments increased by 10%, from 113,124 for the second quarter 2003 to 124,225 for the second quarter 2004.
• Unit heater shipments increased by 6% from 6,884 in the second quarter of 2003 to 7,319 in the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date shipments increased by 16%, from 12,907 for the second quarter 2003 to 14,987 for the second quarter 2004.
• Chiller bookings increased 23% from 150 in the second quarter of 2003 to 184 in the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date shipments increased by 21%, from 311 for the second quarter 2003 to 375 for the second quarter 2004.

October 5 - IKK2004 International Trade Fair Ref and A/C-V
JARN Stand #6-107 in Hall 6

After two and a half decades, IKK stands for variety, innovative power, professional competence and internationality more than almost any other exhibition. IKK 2004 takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 13-15 October 2004. The promoter of IKK, VDKF Wirtschafts- und Informationsdienste GmbH, expects over 800 exhibitors. The organization at the alternating exhibition venues in Nurnberg and Hannover is the responsibility of NurnbergMesse.
Despite the difficult general economic conditions, IKK2003 Hannover again impressively proved its importance as leading global exhibition, says Mr. Rudolf Putz, General Manager of VDKF Wirtschafts- und Informationsdienste GmbH. 770exhibitors from 42 countries and almost 21,000 trade visitors have emphasized this convincingly, stresses Mr. Rudolf Putz.
Intelligent refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation applications are found throughout virtually all sectors of life, whether in buildings, industrial processes and commerce or logistics. The high-grade components and systems at the trade fair are enhanced by the dialogue between manufacturers, plant assembly contractors, building services planners and operators of large plants. Research, science and the trade press are also present at IKK2004 with their viewpoints.

October 4 - IKK 2004 - 24. International Trade Fair Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Ventilation
October 13-15, 2004 in Nurnberg, Germany

We have the pleasure to inform you, that Guido Tazzeti & C Spa will take part at the IKK 2004 trade show October 13^th to 15^th, 2004 in Nurnberg, Germany.

October 3 - The International Symposium on New Refrigerants and Environmental Technology 2004

Date: November 25 (Thursday) - 26 (Friday), 2004 Place: International Conference Center Kobe, Kobe, Japan
The Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA)will sponsor the International Symposium on New Refrigerants and Environmental Technology 2004. The symposium aims to introduce the latest technologies on energy conservation, new refrigerants and environmental issues for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment including automotive A/ C, and to provide industry professionals with an opportunity to exchange their information.

October 1 - Stronger Economy Brings Record Year in U.S.

The U.S. manufacturers of central air conditioners and heat pumps set a single month record in June of 1,081,147 shipments, putting the industry on a pace in 2004 to exceed 7,000,000 units for the first time as the U.S. economy continues to show the strongest momentum in years.
Prospects for a third straight record year appear bright as factory shipments for residential and light commercial units jumped 14 percent above June, 2003, including 236,433 heat pumps, a new single month record in that category and a 24 per cent increase over last June.
The U.S. jobs picture is significantly improved over a year ago and consumer confidence rose for the fourth straight month in July, hitting the highest level since June, 2002. However, housing starts dropped in June and the Federal Reserve Board on June 30 ?in an anti-inflation move -- raised short term interest rates which were at their lowest levels in more than 40 years.
Although housing starts cooled in June from what experts considered an unsustainable rate, 30-year fixed mortgage rates remained unexpectedly below 6 percent through July. Buoyed by strength in the first five months, single family housing starts are likely to achieve an all-time high in 2004, surpassing last year's record of 1.499 million units. More than 87 percent of new homes in America are built with central air systems and the industry benefits significantly from a strong new housing market. But it is less dependent on new housing with an installed base exceeding 70 million units. The industry is in the enviable position of shipping most of its units as replacements for aging air conditioners and as upgrades for remodeling projects spurred by mortgage re-financings or existing home sales.
The popularity of comfort control equipment, which can include enhanced filtration, programmable thermostats, zoning and humidification, in today's homes and businesses, is exemplified by the extraordinary growth of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) market, especially as demand for replacements increases.

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