Hi-tech air-cons draw overseas interest

BANGKOK: Thai technicians have developed an air-conditioner that consumes 30-per-cent less energy than the most cost-efficient systems currently available.

The new technology was being tested, and the results looked promising, said Dr Weeraphol Monyakul at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Thonburi.

"This will help the country become more competitive in world markets," Weeraphol said.

The new development, called an inverter, runs the air-conditioner at the selected temperature but consumes significantly less energy by controlling the air-conditioner's compressor.

"Normally the compressor is controlled by an on-off system. It has to work harder if the room temperature is higher than the selected temperature, and stops running when the temperature is lower than the selected temperature. This results in high energy consumption," Weeraphol said.

My new device controls the working speed of the compressor, automatically making it consume less energy," he explained.

"Currently, the number "5" rating for air-conditioners is the most energy-efficient model. Our model consumes 30-per-cent less power than that," Weeraphol said.

If all Thailand's air-conditioners were on at the same time, they would draw 600 megawatts from the electricity grid - equal to the output from 10 of the controversial Mae Moh lignite plants.

If all air-conditioners switched to this new technology, it would save the equivalent of two Mae Moh plants, said the Thailand Research Fund, who funded the development project. "The project is being commercially tested and the response has been very good. Many private investors are interested," Weeraphol said.

"We will work with the Thai Industry Federation to sell this technology to overseas markets," Weeraphol said.

--Th3 Nation 2004-03-12

This can't be serious? Inverter air conditioners have been produced and sold here in Thailand for years under Sharp and other brands. Drawback is they cost much more to buy so few are sold.