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The HVAC&R Industry, ASHRAE's free weekly eNewsletter for HVAC&R professionals, provides relevant, timely information about industry and technology for people who create healthy, comfortable indoor environments. |
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| To ensure that The HVAC&R Industry is not blocked by spam-blocking software, add e-industry@ashrae.org to your address book. Should you encounter problems reading an ASHRAE eNewsletter, you may access any issue archived on the ASHRAE Web site at this link. To unsubscribe from this eNewsletter, click here. Industry NewsDOE Begins Enhanced Geothermal System Project RENO, Nev.—Work has begun on the first application of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) using a production well at a commercial geothermal site. This project is intended to demonstrate the viability of EGS and the technology's potential to generate clean, renewable geothermal electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working with five of its national laboratories and private geothermal company Ormat on the project, which is located at Ormat's Desert Peak facility near Reno, Nev. Read more Nanotechnology Research Could Yield Heating, Cooling Advances CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Researchers have found a means to produce tiny alloy nanostructures that can serve as microcoolers and power generators. A team of scientists from MIT and Boston College produced a 40% increase in the thermoelectric efficiency of a semiconductor alloy that has been commonly used in commercial devices since the 1950s. "By using nanotechnology, we have found a way to improve an old material by breaking it up and then rebuilding it in a composite of nanostructures in bulk form," said Boston College physicist Zhifeng Ren, one of the leaders of the project. "This method is low cost and can be scaled for mass production." The research is published in the online version of the journal Science. Read more Xerox Creates Environmental Efficiency Calculator NORWALK, Conn.—Xerox has developed a sustainability calculator designed to help users pinpoint opportunities to reduce their environmental impact and reduce costs. The proprietary software tool measures the overall impact that document technologies have on the environment. It uses metrics such as equipment specifications, usage patterns and the number of devices. A scaled-down version of the calculator is available on the company's Web site. Read more Architecture Billings Index Signals Downturn in Commercial Construction WASHINGTON, D.C.—The nine-point decrease in the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) in February reflects weakening conditions in the U.S. housing market and overall economy, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). "This is a clear indication that there could be tougher times ahead for design firms and a noticeable slowdown in commercial construction projects coming online in the foreseeable future," said AIA chief economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D. The ABI each month applies a numerical score to the level of architecture billings and new construction. Read more San Francisco Sustainable Building Rules Near Law SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco is close to implementing building codes that would require new large commercial buildings and residential high-rises to receive LEED® certification. The Building Inspection Commission, which oversees building permitting and construction, voted unanimously to send the regulations to the Board of Supervisors. If the supervisors approve them, the mayor has promised to sign them into law. The proposed codes impact new residential buildings taller than 75 ft (23 m), new commercial buildings larger than 5,000 ft2 (465 m2) and renovations on buildings larger than 25,000 ft2 (2300 m2). Read more Feature of the WeekClosed-Loop Ground-Coupled Heat Pump Systems By Michel A. Bernier, Ph.D, Member ASHRAE This article reviews the process involved in calculating the required length of a closed-loop vertical ground heat exchanger linked to geothermal heat pumps. According to the author, some design engineers are reluctant to specify these systems, primarily because some designers do not fully understand the relatively complex phenomena occurring in the borehole and in the ground at peak conditions and during long periods of time. This article originally was published in ASHRAE Journal in September 2006. Click here to download the article. It will be available here through April 16. After April 16, access to the article from this eNewsletter will no longer be available. It will remain available for free download by Members here and for purchase by nonmembers in the ashrae.org bookstore. Product NewsGeothermal Storage Tanks From WaterFurnace International FORT WAYNE, Ind.—WaterFurnace International introduces the GeoTank line of geothermal hot water and hydronic storage tanks. The tanks feature a built-in temperature sensor to provide consistent water temperature and constant hot water. They can also be used with chilled water. Read more Remote Energy Monitoring System From Onset Computer Corp. BOURNE, Mass.—Onset Computer Corp. offers the HOBO Remote Monitoring System, an industrial-grade data-logging system that provides users immediate access to data from energy and HVAC&R systems via the Internet. It combines data-logging hardware with GSM cellular communications and the company's HOBOlink™ Web-enabled software. The software allows users to access current and historical data, set alarms and relays, and manage and control monitoring equipment remotely. Read more Circulators From Taco CRANSTON, R.I.—Taco offers cast iron and bronze models in the 1400 Series of high-capacity circulators. The circulators are designed for medium- to high-flow/head hydronic heating, chilled water cooling and hot water recirculation applications. They are designed for quiet and efficient operation. Read more Subscription ManagementAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international membership organization founded to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and related issues. Need assistance? Please use the links below or contact us by e-mail. To change your e-mail address for all eNewsletters, click here. This will not change your official e-mail address in ASHRAE's member database. This will only change the e-mail address to which your ASHRAE eNewsletters are sent. If someone passed along this eNewsletter to you, and you want to have your own subscription, click here. To read ASHRAE's media kit to learn about advertising opportunities, click here. All contents copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305. |
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