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Last Updated: May 17th, 2007 - 10:00:42 |
New Air Conditioners with Infrared Sensors Reduce Energy Use by up to 50%
By Japan for Sustainability
Feb 10, 2007
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp. of Japan has started selling several of its
ZW series "Kirigamine" room air-conditioners, which are equipped with a
multi-element infrared sensor. This sensor detects the locations of
people in the room, as well as the temperatures of the floor and walls.
Using this function, the new models can reduce their energy use by up
to 50 percent (as compared to operation without the use of the sensor).
These
new models have successfully combined comfort and energy
efficiency--the goal the company has pursued for 40 years since
initially releasing the "Kirigamine." They also have a self-cleaning
function to prevent increases in electricity bills due to dust and dirt
accumulating inside the air conditioner unit.
The infrared
sensor scans the room while turning through a visual field of 160
degrees, and collects thermographic data to detect the presence of
humans and surrounding temperatures. In response to these data, the new
models quickly regulate their airflow for efficient operation. This
reduces their electricity consumption by up to 40 percent. When there
is no one in the room, these models automatically switch to
energy-saving mode, reducing energy use by a further 10 percent.
The
new models also have two types of self-cleaning function. One is a
filter cleaning mechanism that cleans the filter and deposits the
removed dust in a dust box. The other is the industry's first "Ozone
Shower Cleaning" system that cleans the inside of the air-conditioner
using low-concentration ozone and water. The system removes about 99
percent of mold and bacteria, which are major causes of odor and higher
electricity bills. These self-cleaning features can reduce increases in
electricity bills by 30 percent, compared to the cost when used without
cleaning. All models already meet the energy-saving standards that are
to be achieved by 2010 under the Law concerning the Rational Use of
Energy.
Source: http://www.japanfs.org/db/1620-e
© Copyright 2007 by CivilizedNation.com
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