INDUSTRY NEWS Evaporative Power BOSTON-A new type of electrical generator uses bacterial spores to harness the untapped power of evaporating water, according to research at Harvard University. Its developers foresee generators driven by changes in humidity from sun-warmed ponds and harbors. The prototype generators work by harnessing the movement of a sheet of rubber coated on one side with spores. The sheet bends when it dries out, much as a pine cone opens as it dries or a freshly fallen leaf curls, and then straightens when humidity rises. Such bending back and forth means that spore-coated sheets can act as actuators that drive movement, which can be used for electricity. "Water evaporation is the largest power source in nature," said Ozgur Sahin, Ph.D., who led the study. Source: Harvard University Most Innovative Product Selected NEW YORK-The Next Generation Copeland Scroll variable speed compressor product line from Emerson Climate Technologies was named the "Product of the Year" at the Innovation Awards ceremony at the 2014 AHR Expo. The product was one of 10 products selected to receive Innovation Awards in various industry-related categories. The Emerson product was the winner in the Cooling category. The product features the second generation of the company's variable speed technology. It can achieve cooling efficiency levels of 25+ SEER and heating efficiency up to 13 HSPF. A turndown of 20% capacity enables better light load efficiency and dehumidification. Other features include a brushless permanent magnet motor and a new gas management method for smooth gas flow into scroll set. The 2014 AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition was created 12 years ago by ASHRAE, AHRI and International Exposition Company (IEC) to recognize and encourage innovation. Products are judged by panels of ASHRAE members not affiliated with manufacturers. Some 167 companies entered products this year. Entry fees totaling $12,525 were donated to the Youth Action YouthBuild (YAYB) organization in the East Harlem section of New York City. www.info.hotims.com/49801-34 FEBRUARY 2014 ashrae.org ashraE JourNal 7