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Author: Louise Belfield
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On butterfly wings: new nanofilms reflect light
Researchers from Shenzhen University in China have created a new nanofilm inspired by the structures in butterfly wings that could significantly reduce the energy needed for cooling buildings or vehicles. In a recent paper published in Science Daily, researchers explained how the new films avoid the heating effect usually experienced by coloured objects absorbing light on […]
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MECLA Spotlight on Scope 3 emissions
The Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) is holding a Spotlight on Mapping Scope 3 Emissions in the Built Environment on Thursday, August 24. “The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides standards, guidance, tools and training for businesses and government to measure and manage emissions across all parts of an organisation’s greenhouse footprint,” says MECLA. “However, […]
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NABERS talks emissions factors for embodied carbon
NABERS is holding a webinar about emission factors for its much-anticipated embodied carbon tool on Wednesday, August 30. Australia currently has no consistent method of measurement for embodied emissions. NABERS has worked in partnership with the Green Building Council of Australia and collaborated with industry and governments across Australia to understand the appetite for a […]
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High hopes for freeze ray technology
An unusual discovery by a University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science professor is being developed as an on-demand cooling solution for high-flying military electronics. Mechanical and aerospace engineering professor Patrick Hopkins wants to create on-demand surface cooling for electronics inside spacecraft and high-altitude jets because “a lot of electronics on board heat […]
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Fusion Group acquires Smartair Diffusion
Fusion Group Holdings, owner of Fusion Modulair, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Sydney-based Smartair Diffusion, a leading developer and supplier of air diffusion products. The two companies, both industry veterans, say the strategic merger will unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced market offerings. A leading provider of climate control solutions […]
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Carel doubles turnover in just three years
Carel Industries has reported revenue growth of more than 26 per cent in the first half of 2023. Carel CEO Francesco Nalini says he is proud to emphasise not only that the quarter represents the 10th consecutive quarter in which the group has recorded double-digit percentage organic revenue growth, but that the revenues achieved as […]
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Fujitsu launches new Comfort cooling range
Fujitsu General has launched a new wall-mounted Comfort cooling-only range in what it says is its latest solution for energy-efficient in-home cooling, featuring four models from 2.5kW–7.1kW. “It is important that Australians have complete control of their indoor climate when outdoor conditions are hot and humid,” says Fujitsu General Head of Product ANZ Kyle Rafter. “Everyone should feel like […]
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Getting warmer on solid-state heat pumps
Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) have made a breakthrough in refrigerant-free heating and cooling technology: a circuit topology for voltage converters with an electrical efficiency of 99.74 per cent. According to the AIF, the technology could considerably raise the coefficient of performance for electrocaloric heat pumps and the scientists […]
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Carel acquires large chunk of Kiona
Carel Industries has entered into a binding agreement to acquire an 82.4 per cent stake in Kiona Holding AS. Kiona is a leading Norway-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of prop-tech solutions for energy consumption optimisation and building digitalisation in retail and industrial refrigeration, public, commercial and multi-residential facilities. Based in Trondheim, Norway, Kiona was formed in […]
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Daikin opens cutting-edge facility in Brisbane
Daikin Australia has officially opened Daikin Park Brisbane, a cutting-edge centre located in Murarrie, Queensland. The park encompasses a range of features and initiatives aimed at optimising logistics, promoting sustainability, and enhancing customer experience. “The centrepiece is the implementation of the Manhattan Warehouse Management System, providing a comprehensive logistics solution for efficient fulfillment and dispatch […]
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Toshiba SMMS-u optimises climate control
Toshiba has launched its redesigned, seventh-generation super modular multi system, which it says optimises climate control in various types of commercial premises. “The expectations of a modern air conditioning system have evolved over the past years,” says Toshiba. “Today, advanced comfort goes hand in hand with reduced energy and maintenance costs, combined with maximised simplicity […]
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Unlocking educational potential in Northern Australia
Charles Darwin University’s new trades training facility is ready for development, with tender applications for construction now being assessed. The new teaching and training facilities to be built at Charles Darwin University (CDU) will aim to unlock education potential across Northern Australia, preparing for a future where the dual-sector university will reinvigorate industry growth in […]
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Researchers develop low-cost heat flow sensor
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have found a way to monitor the flow of heat in electronic or mechanical devices and improve their efficiency using embedded sensors. University of Tokyo, Department of Physics Project Associate Professor Tomoya Higo and Professor Satoru Nakatsuji, worked with their team of researchers and a corporate partnership to track […]
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Grid-interactive buildings on the road to net zero
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has launched its first report on grid-interactive buildings, highlighting how these can help achieve a zero-carbon future. Grid-interactive buildings are designed to use electricity in a smart and efficient way, shifting energy usage to times when it’s both cheaper and cleaner, helping to generate clean energy and reduce […]
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Electricity-generating windows in line for prize
Monash University researchers have been selected as finalists in Australia’s premier national science awards, the Eureka Prizes, for their research and innovation project which heralds substantial practical advances in renewable energy for a low-carbon future. The project, a collaboration between Monash University and CSIRO to develop windows that can efficiently generate solar electricity, is a […]
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Site tour of heat pump installations
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) is running site tours of commercial heat pump installations in Melbourne on Tuesday, August 1. The one-day tour will include visits to a commercial office building and a brewery to see the different commercial heat pumps installed and operating. The tour will also visit Automatic Heating’s training facility […]
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Smart refill for single and dual pumps
Automatic Heating has launched its Duraflex Smart Refill, designed and manufactured in Australia. According to the company, this innovative product boasts advanced features that offer enhanced efficiency and reliability and reduce environmental impact, making it the perfect choice for high hazard applications. Automatic Heating says the Duraflex Smart Refill is a failsafe and fully approved […]
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Wilo offers smart pumps for smart buildings
Wilo has developed a new smart pump which it says sets new standards in connectivity to building management and bus systems. According to Wilo, the Stratos MAXO is ideal for easy integration into automated large buildings. “Thanks to analogue and digital interfaces, planners and operators can easily and flexibly integrate the pump into different applications […]
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MHIAA teams up with Meriton
Meriton’s latest development on Queensland’s Gold Coast includes 740 apartments (377 residential and 363 serviced), a recreation area with swimming pool, spa, fitness courtyard, and a barbecue area as well as a vibrant retail precinct. It also includes a cafe and a purpose-built restaurant with stunning beachfront vistas. At 76 storeys, the Ocean complex is […]
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Panasonic fits out ‘dream home’ with Z Series
Panasonic recently partnered with DIY renovators Roisin and Zac Tarrant to install a Premium Z Series Reverse Cycle R32 Wall Split System in their holiday home in Toowoomba, Queensland. Panasonic says the Z Series, which incorporates its Cloud Comfort App, allows the Tarrants to remotely control their air conditioning system ahead of their guests’ arrival. […]