SightGlass

Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have devised a solar-powered test chamber with battery storage, enabling year-round validation of cooling systems in a controlled environment. The facility maintains a consistent 51–54°C and allows for accurate measurement of temperature, humidity, and air velocity. Its calibration was conducted based on the results of a full-scale experiment on Continue reading Passive downdraft cooling system experiment

Latent heat energy breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made a significant breakthrough by generating electricity from latent heat produced during a substance’s phase transition through the phenomenon known as the thermoelectric effect.  This breakthrough has profound implications for enhancing thermocells, devices that convert temperature differences into electricity. With increasing global temperatures and demand for cooling, this Continue reading Latent heat energy breakthrough

Refrigerant-free heat pump

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF) in Germany are making significant progress in the development of electrocaloric heat pumps that offer a promising alternative to compressor technology, with the goal of increasing efficiency and offering a more eco-friendly alternative to refrigerants. This type of heat pump utilises the unique properties Continue reading Refrigerant-free heat pump

Can heat pumps prevent potholes?

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed an innovative solution to tackle the persistent problem of potholes caused by freezing and thawing during the winter, which could significantly improve the state of major roads across Britain. Potholes are created by three main factors: First, road surface cracks develop due to traffic. Second, water enters Continue reading Can heat pumps prevent potholes?

Major shareholders of global refrigerant specialist A-Gas have reached an agreement to sell a majority stake in the company to TPG Rise Climate, the climate investing platform of TPG Rise. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Current major shareholder KKR will Continue reading TPG Rise Climate acquires majority stake in A-Gas but KKR remains involved

Daimler Truck head of truck technology Andreas Gorbach

Mercedes-Benz has been making headlines recently. First, its GenH2 prototype – approved for public road use – completed the #HydrogenRecordRun, where it covered 1047km using just one fill of liquid hydrogen. Soon after, an eActros 600 prototype took the spotlight, travelling over 1000km with only a single intermediate charge. Daimler has since confirmed that the Continue reading Mercedes-Benz pushes the range envelope with hydrogen and electric trucks

Years of hybrid sales by the likes of Toyota mean electrified vehicles are now regularly presenting at workshops

Australian auto workshops are actively preparing for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with 50 per cent already EV-ready or investing in skills and equipment, according to the Australia-First 2023 Future Readiness Index research. The national survey, conducted by Fifth Quadrant for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) aimed to determine the readiness of local Continue reading Workshops already EV ready – or getting there: AAAA

PFAS warning sign

Proposals for a PFAS ban that conflicts with the finalisation of European Union F-Gas regulations have raised significant concerns among various stakeholders. Current drafts of these regulations pose a threat to global air-conditioning and refrigeration market as it works to integrate new-generation refrigerants and technologies aimed at combating climate change. The proposed PFAS ban: Known Continue reading Europe makes progress on conflicting PFAS ban and F-Gas phase-out regulations

Ken was made a VASA Legend on retirement in 2013 after 20 years as CEO, webmaster, magazine editor and strategist since VASA’s inception

Regularly introduced as “the guy who does all the stuff but doesn’t know anything about air-conditioning”, for two decades Ken Newton was the powerhouse behind VASA, serving through three presidencies and dozens of changes to the board of directors to consistently deliver a better deal for members and the broader industry. Claiming to still have Continue reading Legend has it: Ken Newton on 30 years of VASA

The Winnebago eRV2 electric motorhome prototype brings  fully electrified camping a step closer to reality with a focus on sustainability in the design of onboard amenities, although long-distance touring remains a challenge due to the extra weight and drag from making a Ford E-Transit liveable.  An evolution of Winnebago’s previous e-RV electric motorhome concept, this Continue reading Is an EV RV the next big thing? Winnebago thinks so