ASHRAE Journal - June 2020 - 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

Performance of Different Air-Conditioning Products

Giving a slightly closer look at the performance of different air-conditioning products, growth has been slower
in 2019 than in previous years for all except airside.
Growing penetration of multi-splits and VRFs has been
noted in residential and light commercial projects, but
chillers have maintained moderate growth rates with
centrifugal chillers leading the way.
Globally in 2019 the biggest growth has been observed
in mini-VRFs, with double-digit growth recorded on
three continents.
Americas and Middle East and Africa regions are really
embracing ductless splits with strong growth observed
in multi-splits and VRF technology.

2019 heat waves and the replacement of installed units
pushed sales of multi-splits in Europe with France, U.K.
and Russia recording year-on-year growth of over 20%.
The BSRIA prediction of the expected market compound annual growth rate (previous page) is based
on research carried out in the first quarter of 2020
and before the full extent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although it is difficult to assess its impact on the market fully today, COVID-19 will disrupt market demand
as well as the global supply chain in 2020. BSRIA will
reevaluate its market forecast in early Fall 2020 when
the impact of lockdowns on countries' economies, supply chains and purchasing power of consumers are better known.

ASHRAE Offers Building Reopening Guidance
ATLANTA-The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on mitigating potential health risks
during reopening of buildings closed during the
COVID-19 pandemic. ASHRAE's recommendations for
reopening buildings are outlined in the frequently
asked questions section of its COVID-19 Resources
webpage (ashrae.org/COVID19). Recommendations
for building readiness and reopening include:
* Create a strategic plan prior to opening a building
that includes ensuring supply chain for critical items
such as filters.
* Review HVAC programming to provide flushing
two hours before and post occupancies. This includes
operating the exhaust fans as well as opening the outside air dampers. For buildings without the capacity
to treat large quantities of outside air and when outside air conditions are moderate, open all windows
for a minimum of two hours before reoccupation.
William Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Presidential Member/Fellow ASHRAE, the chair of ASHRAE's Epidemic
Task Force, said a strategy to limit the spread of
COVID-19 is performing needed HVAC system maintenance such as filter changes. He also suggested running HVAC equipment before reoccupancy.
A decrease in water use in buildings closed or with
limited access during the pandemic can increase the
risk of bacteria growth in building plumbing and
associated equipment. Facility managers and building owners can help mitigate the risk of waterborne
8

ASHRAE JOURNAL

ashrae.org

J U N E 2020

pathogens, such as Legionella bacteria, by developing a
water management plan.
For more information, visit ashrae.org/COVID19.

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP
Working from Home May Not Cut Energy Use
OXFORD, ENGLAND-University of Sussex academics have

concluded reduced commuter travel due to the
COVID-19 pandemic may not substantially reduce energy consumption. The researchers analyzed studies
on the energy and climate impact of telecommuting
and found the more rigorous studies did not estimate
energy savings from telecommuting. Potential energy
savings can be offset by increased travel for recreational purposes and additional home energy use.
Source: Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions

System Cools Air Without Adding Humidity

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.-Harvard scientists and designers have

developed a low-cost, highly efficient cooling system,
dubbed cold-SNAP. Unlike conventional evaporative cooling systems that are less effective in humid
areas, cold-SNAP can work efficiently in hot, humid
climates. The technology works like water-repellant
duck feathers and consists of a 3D-printed ceramic. A
hydrophobic material coats the ceramic and functions
as a barrier to water vapor, limiting humidification
and promoting heat transfer. Source: Wyss Institute

http://www.ashrae.org/COVID19 http://www.ashrae.org/COVID19 https://www.ashrae.org/

ASHRAE Journal - June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHRAE Journal - June 2020