SightGlass

David Appel, president Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems

Developed countries have an equally critical role as developing countries in addressing the serious economic, social and environmental problems associated with food waste, according to experts at the recent World Cold Chain Summit to Reduce Food Waste. Around 130 delegates from 35 countries attended the two-day summit in Singapore, where global leaders in the supply Continue reading Cold chain vs food waste

Smart fabric technology

A new ‘smart fabric’ billed as providing a form of climate-control air-conditioning for the wearer looks to have potential for use in car seat upholstery. Scientists at the VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland claim to have developed a new high-volume production method for hot embossing microscopic channel structures onto large areas of plastic film Continue reading Wearable AC tech for car upholstery?

Prius HVAC unit by Denso

Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius due to launch in Australia in March breaks new ground for the pioneering hybrid car in a number of areas, including a more energy-efficient automatic air-conditioning system from Denso. According to the Japanese parts supplier, the system in the new Prius uses a more efficient electric compressor and an ejector-integrated evaporator, which Continue reading New Toyota Prius AC system is 18% more efficient

Volkswagen Budd-E concept from 2016

Big automotive presence at CES highlights need for IT skills The fact that car manufacturers and suppliers are now must-see exhibitors at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlights the huge, high-speed collision currently occurring between transportation and technology. Take a step back from the dazzling lights in Las Vegas and the 3600-plus companies clambering Continue reading Computers on wheels in Vegas

Denso HVAC production

The global automotive HVAC market is expected to be worth $US22.12 billion ($A32.23b) by 2022 – up from $US11.68 billion ($A17.02b) in 2014 – with the Asia-Pacific region providing the backbone for future growth, according to a new study by Californian-based Grand View Research. Ongoing vehicle sales growth in all-important developing markets such as China Continue reading Strong automotive HVAC sector growth forecast

Valeo compressors

French automotive parts supplier Valeo has forged a deal with private equity firm Deutsche Beteiligungs to acquire global air-conditioning systems specialist Spheros.  According to Valeo, the acquisition – the cost of which was not disclosed – will enable the company to capitalise on an anticipated annual growth rate of more than five per cent in Continue reading Valeo to acquire bus HVAC maker

Driverless Volvo trial in Adelaide

Australia needs to act swiftly to avoid the risk of cyberattacks on increasingly computerised vehicles in readiness for the impending arrival of self-driving vehicles and intelligent transport systems, according to academics from QUT in Queensland. Presenting his paper entitled Security Issues for Future Intelligent Transport Systems at the recent Australasian Road Safety Conference on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Continue reading Act now or face hackers taking control of cars: QUT