Engineering

The Economist with a cool (ha) article on innovation in air conditioning. TL;DR:

- Avg temperature already up 1.2°C from pre-industrial baseline, on track to +2°C by mid-century.

- AC units to triple by mid-century.

- Evidence exists for heat-related mortality avoidance thanks to AC.

- AC contributes more CO2 emissions than the airline industry.

- Cooling becomes *more* energy intensive per ° as air temperature rises.

- Decarbonizing electricity would help, but AC lifespan is typically 20 years, so the energy efficiency of units sold today will impact emissions through mid-century.

- AC design currently does two things: cool the air and remove the condensed humidity from around the coils to avoid damage.

- Research shows at least 40% improved efficiency by separating those two functions: push humid air through a lattice or membrane that captures water first, then cool the air.

The Economist with a cool (ha) article on innovation in air conditioning. TL;DR:

- Avg temperature already up 1.2°C from pre-industrial baseline, on track to +2°C by mid-century.

- AC units to triple by mid-century.

- Evidence exists for heat-related mortality avoidance thanks to AC.

- AC contributes more CO2 emissions than the airline industry.

- Cooling becomes *more* energy intensive per ° as air temperature rises.

- Decarbonizing electricity would help, but AC lifespan is typically 20 years, so the energy efficiency of units sold today will impact emissions through mid-century.

- AC design currently does two things: cool the air and remove the condensed humidity from around the coils to avoid damage.

- Research shows at least 40% improved efficiency by separating those two functions: push humid air through a lattice or membrane that captures water first, then cool the air.

https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/09/04/new-tech-can-make-air-conditioning-less-harmful-to-the-planet

PhD in aviation ∩ climate science | Aviator, diver, ETH maxi, nexialist | Host of /diving /ethfinance /eth-staker /geopolitics /science /singapore /thomas

Would be interesting to read a study about the collateral impact AC have on our health. If from one side many life are saved from the heat I have the neat sensation that long term chronic illness are due by the massive use of AC. Btw a sustainable AC is urgently needed.