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February 27 - LG Electronics '05 Models Unveiled

On January 13, LG Electronics, the top air conditioner manufacturer in the global markets, released a series of new "Whisen" models, targeted mainly for Korea's residential market at the New Product Unveiling Seminar held in Seoul. At the same time, the company celebrated its unprecedented achievement of annual sales of 10 million units in 2004 thus keeping the No.1 position for five consecutive years. Some attractive features of '05 models are:

• Refined front face of indoor units, LGE's beautiful '05 models smoothly coated with light metallic color of blue, red, violet and silver.
• Larger sized display by TFT-LCD, which is equipped with a touchpanel.
• By the display not only an operating condition but also cute illustration, painting and photograph can be shown.
• Improved air purification function.
• Energy savings by the Twin Power System (TPS).

February 25 - Chunlan Develops Scroll Compressor for Acs

In Sep. 2004, a scroll compressor sample was successfully developed by Chunlan Power Mechanical Company Limited and Chunlan Institute.
The National Standardization Administration of Energy, China Household Electrical Appliances Association (CHEAA) and China Household Electrical Appliances Inspection performed a strict performance test on the new compressor. Professor Wu Zhaolin from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, who was in charge of the test and inspection, said that the COP (Coefficient Of Performance) value of the compressor is greater than 3.2 W/W. This means it satisfies the A Class Energy Consumption Standard of Europe.
The research on the scroll compressor began in 1996 and its success is a result of cooperation between Chunlan and both domestic and overseas research institutes. The research got a great progress after precision machining, group technologies and oil sealing techniques were adopted. Chunlan Power Mechanical Company Limited is the third factory of Chunlan, its main products are 7,800W, 12,000W and 24,000W reciprocating compressors.
7,800W is its main product.
The company is currently testing a product line which has a capacity of 100,000 sets each year, which has a lot of high precision machining center imported from abroad. It is supposed to be put into production in Feb. and it aims to produce 20,000 to 30,000 sets in 2005. Most of the compressors it produces will use the Chunlan AC which has a cooling capacity between 9,000 and 12,000 Btu/h.

February 23 - Hitachi Releases "Algebraic Spiral" Scroll Compressors

Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (Hitachi H&L) started selling a new series of "algebraic spiral" scroll compressors for refrigeration/freezing having realized about 15 - 25% improvement in efficiency in the freezing temperature region. Since scroll compressors for refrigeration/ freezing feature high efficiency, low noise/vibration levels, and also expandable inside space due to the horizontal format, their applications to ice cream showcases, beverage cases, etc. are expanding. The new series could attain about 20% more energy savings than the predecessor series by changing the shape of the spiral wall - the heart of scroll compressors - from conventional round involute curve to algebraic spiral curve.
Since the algebraic spiral can improve the compressor's compression ratio, efficiency in the low freezing temperature range where suction pressure is low, can be improved. Also, since the spiral wall can be thickened in the center of the spiral, the amount of gas leaked inside can be reduced and strength of the spiral wall can be improved. Made available in two types differing in case size, the new series has realized an extensive lineup from 400 to 1,800W. Capable of using either R22 or R404A, the new scrolls can work with specific power sources in various countries.
The scroll compressors have been successfully incorporated in some 80% of ice cream showcases at well-known convenience stores in Japan, the company claims. Since the height of the showcases could be reduced by incorporating these compressors, ice cream was made accessible to children so that ice cream sales increased by 20%. Hitachi H&L has reinforced its compressor sales by newly establishing the Compressor Sales Promotion Center in October 2004.

February 21 - Bristol Benchmark Introduces Next Generation Recip

Bristol has introduced the H21J-the next generation of Benchmark compressors. The H21J represents a revolutionary leap forward in reciprocating technology with increased efficiencies, plus it does not require start components.
"A hard-start kit is now completely unnecessary," says Mr. Scott Hix, vice president of product engineering. He points out several advantages this innovation brings to the new Benchmark Recip: "Anytime you take away the need for extra parts, you save money for the manufacturer and you reduce the number of parts that might break down in the field. But the most amazing change is the improvement in our efficiency. With the improved compressor efficiencies, Benchmark can add an entire half point to system SEER ratings, allowing manufacturers to offer more cost-effective solutions to the new 13 SEER market." Just like the first generation Benchmark Recip, the H21J outperforms the leading scroll compressor in lab and field tests for residential applications up to 3.5 tons, according to the company. Engineered with the future in mind, the H21J is specifically designed to optimize the performance of air conditioning systems rated 13 SEER and above. The federal government will raise the nation's minimum efficiency standard to 13 SEER in January of 2006.
Following in the Benchmark tradition, the new H21J Recip is noticeably quieter than the competition in system sound testing- by 1.5 dBA.
Other distinct advantages that manufacturers and contractors have come to expect from Benchmark remain firmly in place with the H21J:

• Benchmark offers OEMs an unmatched 5-year limited warranty, three times the industry standard.
• For increased durability, Benchmark critical components are designed for a 6-ton compressor in its 1.5- to 3.5-ton recips.
• The unique shape of the Benchmark Recip shell minimizes compressor sound radiation.
• The Benchmark Recip puts significantly less vibration energy into the system tubing and cabinet, resulting in decreased system noise and potential for tubing failure.
• The Benchmark Recip utilizes a unique, patent-pending, internal suction muffler that reduces pressure pulsation inside the shell, further reducing compressor sound.

February 19 - Carrier Pledges Support to ASHRAE Foundation

On Feb. 7 Carrier Corporation announced its continued commitment to ASHRAE with its pledge of $500,000 over five years to the ASHRAE Foundation, subject to renewal each year. Carrier's pledge will support the Foundation's work to enhance educational outreach and scholarship support for the next generation of engineers.
"Carrier is committed to our partnership with ASHRAE and its members," said Carrier President, Geraud Darnis. "The ASHRAE Learning Institute and the important education it sponsors will provide our employees and all involved in the industry with the critical information and knowledge to meet the challenges that lie ahead. We applaud the Foundation and this notable campaign and we are honored to participate at this level."
Carrier was one of the initial supporters of the Foundation in 1994, and with this pledge continues to be an advocate for the advancement of engineering education and research. By supporting the Foundation's goal of enhancing educational programs for ASHRAE members and promoting the HVAC/R industry to students, Carrier joins ASHRAE in strengthening and encouraging more engineers to enter the industry.
Carrier made the announcement at the 2005 AHR Expo, the leading source for new HVAC&R equipment, products, components, systems and services.
"Carrier's initial pledge to the Foundation helped ASHRAE develop the only fund of its kind to support the HVAC/R industry," said Greg Powers, vice president, Engineering. "With this renewed commitment and the Foundation's new campaign, Carrier takes pleasure in joining ASHRAE to propel our industry to the next level of excellence."
"Carrier's significant contribution illustrates their strong commitment to education, to the ASHRAE Learning Institute and to the future of the HVAC&R industry," Ron Vallort, P.E., 2004-05 ASHRAE president, said.

February 17 - AHR Expo 2005 Held in Orlando, Florida

The 2005 AHR Expo was held on February 7-9, 2005 in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA.
As the world's largest HVAC&R show, the AHR Expo which set a record for exhibitors with1,871, was also recoding impressive attendance numbers. According to the announcement made by the show management on February 7, pre-registered attendance of 21,962 is higher than the final attendance in Anaheim, California last year. The pre-registered attendance includes 4,228 international aattendees. In addition, 1,864 visitors registered Monday morning only. These numbers do not include 18,183 people registered as exhibitors' staff.
The AHR Expo is really a primary showcase where leading manufacturers as well as new entrepreneurial companies display the latest HVAC&R systems, equipment, components, related products and services.
New products were launched, new technologies introduced and new corporate initiatives announced at the Expo. And this Expo is also an exciting marketplace where a large number of HVAC&R professionals from throughout the world come to buy and sell, network and learn. The AHR Expo provides an opportunity to see the entire universe of HVAC&R technology in one place.
"We can find everything here" said an attendee waiting for the opening of the gate. "Technology changes every year so shouldn't miss them out"
Mayjor Players
With thousands of products, suppliers and solutions there is simply no more efficient way to locate the right equipment and technical support for every HVAC&R project. Most American air conditioning and refrigeration equipment manufacturers have not so far shifted HCFC refrigerant (R22) to HFCs such as R407C or R410A except for a few manufacturers. However, this year's AHR Expo revealed an increase of air conditioners and chillers which work with HFC refrigerants.
This year such a "big shot" as Carrier returned to the AHR show after a few years' absence and exhibited a range of new products for use with R410A refrigerant. Carrier also held its private event at a nearby hotel where they exhibited a wide variety of products including a centrifugal unit and a huge package chiller called "Aqua Force" with screw compressors mounted.
Also, major U.S. manufacturers like York, Rheem and Fedders participated in the exposition, along with global components players such as Emerson-Copeland, Danfoss Inc., Danfoss Turbocor, Bitzer, Carel, Bristol, Tecumseh, ebm-papst, Parker-Hannifin, DuPont and Honeywell to name a few.
Asian Exhibitors - It was difficult to count the number of Asian exhibitors. From China more than 50 manufacturers and suppliers participated in the Expo, and among them were major Chinese suppliers like Haier, Gree, Chigo, TCL, etc.
Also actively showing their presence were LG Electronics, Samsung (Korea), WiniaMando and Sanyo, Matsushita Panasonic, Fujitsu General (Japan), Hanbell, Kaori, TECO (Taiwan) and more.
Many visitors came to see us at JARN booth where they looked with interest and received JARN back numbers. JARN reporters also visited many exhibitors' booths and communicated with them, delivering JARN back numbers as well.

February 15 - Trane Issues Statement on Using HCFC-123 Chillers

American Standard Trane Company, USA, has recently issued a statement on using HCFC-123 chillers.
According to the statement, Trane believes York International's recent decision to stop offering R-123 chiller products is directly related to Trane's ability to offer the most efficient, reliable and commercially successful R-123 chiller on the market. While York indicated a declining demand for its R-123 products, Trane states it sees a strong customer demand for R-123 products.
Trane believes that this category of products plays a significant role in protecting the environment. The company claims that R-123 chillers offer the best, most environmentally balanced choice available today - imperceptible ozone depletion potential (ODP), a very short atmospheric life, and very low global warming potential (GWP). Trane's R-123 products are safe, have low operating emissions and are known for uncompromised safety and reliability.
Trane also offers customers facts to have confidence in the long-term availability of R-123. The company believes R-123 producers will continue to manufacture and sell new R-123 until 2030 in developed countries and 2040 in developing countries, the Phase-out dates set by the Montreal Protocol. Further, there is no phase out time limit on the use of stockpiled, recycled or recovered R-123.
The statement says there is support for R-123 chillers from government agencies and non-government environmental organizations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency supports R-123 chillers as a viable solution for customers transitioning from CFC, recommending both R-123 and R-134a large chillers as viable alternatives.
Trane claims York's decision to stop R-123 chiller production will not effect Trane's commitment to maintaining this important element of its broad product portfolio. "Our customers demand the value that our CenTraVac chillers provide" mentions the statement. "Trane is committed to protecting the environment, and R-123 plays a significant role in this commitment. Our CenTraVac products offer customers a balanced environmental solution with the highest efficiency available on the market today". Source: Trane Home Page on Internet

February 13 - Midea Wuhan Industrial Park Goes into Production

On Dec. 8, 2004, Media Air Conditioner Wuhan Industrial Park finally went into production after 9 months construction.
It will reach a capability of producing 3.5 million AC sets each year in a short time. Media Air Conditioner previously had two manufacturing factories: Shunde Factory and Wuhu Factory, which have a total capability of producing 6.5 million sets each year. It is said that the two factories have been fully loaded but cannot guarantee the requirement of Media Air Conditioner. Therefore, the Wuhan Industrial Park has been constructed to improve the production capability of Media to 10 million sets each year.
The Media Wuhan Industrial Park will focus on the air conditioning market in central and west China, while the factory in Wuhu aims at the market in east China and the factory in Shunde, the market in south China and the market overseas. All these three factories form a trinity of South China - east China - central China. Fang Hongbo, the manager of the department of refrigeration of Media Company, said that the completion of the new factory would shorten the distance between the market and Media factory to a great extent.
Wuhan, one of the famous "four fire stoves" in China, plays a very important role in the AC market in China. As a result, TCL and Haier have also established their own factories in Wuhan. It cost 260 million RMB yuan to construct its second manufacturing factory in Wuhan, which has 10 product lines and improved the AC output of TCL to 5 million sets each year. The factory of Haier in Wuhan has also produced more than one million sets in 2004 and will reach a much higher output this year.

February 11 - Blue Star forms strategic alliance with Ecospec India

Ecospec India, the Indian arm of Ecospec Pte Ltd., Singapore which markets BacComber Systems, a chemical- free water management device, has formed a strategic alliance with Blue Star Ltd. on an all India basis, that will enable Blue Star to sell, install and maintain these systems in water-cooled AC&R plants.
BacComber Systems are claimed to be unique and technologically proven involving principles of electromagnetism and ionization. Such systems are said to: o Control scale formation and remove existing scale o Form a micro layer of magnetite (instead of red rust) which controls corrosion o Saves water over chemical treatment plants o Controls multiplication of bacteria by altering DNA o Controls algae o Does not require a drop of chemicals Blue Star will offer BacComber Systems on an outright purchase, rental, or "experience for 3 months and pay if satisfied" basis.

February 9 - Matsushita Attains 30 Million Compressors in China

Matsushita-Wanbao (Guangzhou) Compressor Co., Ltd. (MWCC) announced November 26, 2004, that the company's cumulative production of compressors for room air conditioners (RACs) reached 30 million units. While holding a ceremony commemorating this grand achievement, they also held a firing ceremony for No. 2 line in their foundry.
MWCC was established in 1993 by Matsushita and Guangdong Wanbao as a JV production facility for air-conditioning compressors, starting production from January 1995. After attaining 0.47 million units of cumulative total production in 1995, MWCC attained 10 million units in July 2001, and 20 million units in July 2003. Then, only a year and several months later, the company attained 30 million units.
Total Matsushita's AC compressors in 2004 were sold globally, and will surely exceed 20 million units including those for car ACs. Those for RACs occupy over a 30% share, No. 1 in the world market. The company is currently constructing the 2nd production facility (Hangzhou factory) in China to expand the production capability.
Looking back upon the past 3 years, MWCC is found to have grown sizably.
From 1995 to 2000, the company had mainly produced/sold the P and K series for the domestic market in China. In January 2002, they constructed the 2nd factory, expanding the total production capacity to 6 million units/year. Then, they concentrated their efforts on product development, changing the product range from that for the Chinese market to that for the global market. They have newly launched the R and V series of new models, greatly reinforcing the product lineup by those with a DC compressor, 2 pistons and alternative refrigerant.
MWCC produced 4.5 million units in 2002 and 7 million units in 2003, and will produce 8 million units in 2004. That is, the company produced/sold 20 million units during the last three years.

February 7 - J&E Hall (McQuay) - Zanotti Far East Agreement

A very important partnership agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) by J&E Hall, a company in the McQuay group, and Zanotti Spa. The agreement is directed to the marketing in Asia for the refrigerated transport and the commercial refrigeration, and will also see in the future the development and production on the spot of new common products destined to the Far East market.
Mr. Claudio Capozio, McQuay EMEA vice president said: "McQuay, through J&E Hall, intends to strengthen its presence in the refrigeration market, expanding its activities in the industrial sector, commercial as well as that of refrigerated transport: a five-year plan which will help us to increase our share by market has been defined, above all for the strong expansion of the market in the Far East." "Refrigerated transport is one of the sectors under greater development in the Far East, and McQuay has a strong interest to come in on this market, what has an increase about to 30% at the year" said Mr. Gianni Parlanti, J&E Hall International Sales Director. "For its full range of products Zanotti has shown itself to be the company most suitable for this type of partnership, for refrigerated transport and for commercial refrigeration." The products developed for refrigerated transport in the context of the partnership will be commercialised with the mark Hall Thermotank Transportation Systems.
"The group OYL - McQuay offers to Zanotti a strongly sales network and is well consolidated on the Asiatic market, especially in China where the group owns three factories which involves 1500 people" continued Mr. Parlanti. "This presence consolidated in the Asiatic market will be especially interesting also for the sector of commercial refrigeration, where we foresee a development with Zanotti common products, under the J&E Hall mark, which will be built for the local market in the J&E Hall Malaysian establishment." "Zanotti is a company in evolution, for us, having a strong partner is important in a promising market but as difficult as the Chinese one." said Mr. Walter Maiocchi, Managing Director of Zanotti: "The agreement with J&E Hall - McQuay will allow us to obtain a total presence, enabling us to further expand the commercial horizons of our production."

February 5 - Danfoss Hosts Global Refrigeration Conference

Market leaders in the field of industrial refrigeration, together with researchers and environmentalists, drew up a blueprint for the future of the industry, at the IR Consensus 2004.
Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration hosted the conference - the first of its kind - at the beginning of December at the Sandbjerg Estate close to Danfoss headquarters in Denmark.
Keynote speakers were Bjorn Lomborg, who wrote "The Skeptical Environmentalist," and UK member of parliament and former Environment Minister, John Gummer.
The aim of the event was to identify the trends and challenges affecting industrial refrigeration in the years ahead.
The conference agreed that the industry had a global duty to participate in the discussion about the future, emphasising that it was important to be at the forefront of developments and to not allow legislation to lead the way.
"The main reason for holding the IR Consensus 2004 was to emphasise that we are market leaders," said Palle Kruse, President of Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration.
"We bring up the future for debate and all of the participants receive important input, so that we can develop and supply the products that our customers demand." In addition to the two keynote speakers, there were seven presentations combined with workshops, where the participants discussed future trends. The conference then compiled a fourteen page document detailing the challenges facing the industry in the future.

February 3 - ECO-CLIMA Offers Various Innovative Acs

ECO-CLIMA S. LTD., a major air conditioner manufacturer based in Bulgaria, offers a variety of air conditioners including high-tech split room units, multi-splits, and window mounted units.
The company has released the latest generation split corner- wall ceiling type and portable air conditioners.
Corner Wall Ceiling AC The product is equipped with high quality components and introduces a series of technological innovations. The units are available with R-22 and R-407 refrigerant, 9000 and 12000BTU cooling and heating capacity.
The new corner wall ceiling airconditioner has many features among others: The super unique and compact ultra thin design of the indoor unit enables easy installation in tight spaces where the traditional split systems can-not be installed. The new beautiful air conditioner matches any scene in residential and small offices premises.
This model gives the opportunity for corner installation or wall installation of two units one next to another.
The result is excellent air conditioning of the premise under an angle of almost 180 degrees.
When required, four units can be installed in the form of a ring in the middle of the premise. The result is a multi directional air supply with exceptionally wide angles of airflow.
Unlike the traditional wall mounted split systems which have the precondition of frontal air blow directly to the user and brings an uncomfortable environment, the newly designed louver ensures large and wide airflow at almost a 90 degree angle through the multistage swing system with a super intelligent control. Setting the louver at the maximum high position, gives the opportunity of wide diffusion of the air along the ceiling that prevents the user from being hit by a direct air blow. The unique design of the louver ensures excellent horizontal cooling and floor level heating, and increases the comfort level.

February 1 - International FC Expo 2005 Held in Tokyo

Recognized as the indispensable business venue in the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the 1st International Fuel Cell Expo (FC EXPO 2005) was held from January 19 to 21, 2005 at Tokyo Big Sight. As FC EXPO 2005 is the sole trade show emphasize on "Business On-site", more and more industry's leading companies have confirmed their participations and it is said to become the World's largest trade show specialized in exhibiting all kinds of products and technologies related to the R&D and manufacturing of fuel cells and hydrogen. Over 200 exhibitors presented their latest equipment, materials, components, and services to forge new business partners and expand their business in the most anticipated fuel cell market in the World.
Gathering all leading companies in one hall, professionals responsible for the R&D and manufacturing of fuel cells and related systems showed their interests to visit FC EXPO. A total of 10,000 visitors flocked to the show floor, according to the management. Industry executives and professionals from Japan, as well as overseas, such as US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and so registered and visited. The most interesting point is each of these visitors stated that they came to carry out procurement and investments, while some would like to look for new partners with new technologies for their new products.
FC EXPO opened in response to the enormous demand from both the Japanese and international industry for a major international trade show to market their latest fuel cells and hydrogen manufacturing technologies, materials, components, fuel cells, other nano-technologies, etc. especially in Japan - one of the world's most potential fuel cell markets.

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