Singapore Air Con : Product & Technology

SANYO's Shiki Sai Kan

2007-08-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

This model by SANYO is currently not available in Singapore yet.
This is an inverter model with both Multi and Single Splits. Using R410A also.

Let's hope we can see it in Singapore market in the near future.

Daikin's "Ururu To Sarara R" series

2007-04-25T21:38:00.001-07:00

Daikin has developed a new range of residential air conditioners, the "Ururu To Sarara R" series.
This new series has a 5 function 'self cleaning' feature that eliminate cleaning for 10years accordding to Daikin.

1st Function - Noiseless Filter Cleaning Unit
When the aircon is off, the filter will automatically be pulled down and an attached brush will remove dust from the filter. The dust will be collected in a 'dust box'.

2nd Function - Fluorine-coated filter
Prevents dust from ad-hering back on the filter.

3rd Function - Self Washing Heat Exchanger
Quoted from the article, "An antibacterial/antimould agent included in the coating on the self-washing heat exchanger is gradually melts, thereby suppressing the propagation of bacteria and mould. The highly hydrophilic coating applied on the surface of the heat exchanger fin absorbs the drain water that flows during cooling operation so that the stains are washed away with the water."

4th Function - Bacteria and Mold-proof fan
It does not promote bacteria and mold growth.

5th Function - Automatic Internal Cleaning
The remain water in the indoor unit is evaporated by application of heat and discharged to the outdoors. Thus the unit is always kept dry.

This series is slated to launch in March 2007 in Japan. And whether it will be lanuched in Singapore is not mentioned.

Original article and information from http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp

Panasonic AC Robot

2007-04-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is the new Single Split Model from Panasonic known as AC (auto cleaning) Robot.

Those interested can visit www.panasonic.com.sg or any of their authorised dealers.

Panasonic X 11 Series

The main feature of this X series is

An AUTOMATIC Air Filter Cleaning System

This will mean users will not have to clean their filters like what they used to do in the past.
A constantly clean filter will result in
1) optimum performance
2) good cooling efficiency
3) reduce operation cost (electricity bills)
4) cleaner air (good indoor air quality)

The filter cleaning system automatically cleans the air conditioner's filter once every 24 hours. Each process will take nine minutes (clean one-eighth of the entire filter surface), starting when the unit is switched off after operating for 30 minutes or longer. The filter automatically expels collected dust into the outdoor atmosphere together with other air borne particles.

Other Features

1) First air purifying unit combining the pre-filter and air purifier into one unit

2) Gas Sensor
This sensor is installed to monitor the air quality in the room. It works even when the indoor unit is switched off. Basically, when there is an increase in carbon dioxide or other pollutants in the room, the sensor will activate the air purifier and ventilator thus maintaining the room air quality at a suitable level.

3) Oxygen Enrichment (O2 Shower)
This feature is already in the current single split models in Singapore. (Refer to one of my previous post)
In this new X series, this feature is also included. In addition to that, the gas sensor will also monitor the oxygen level in the room and bring in oxygen rich air (30%) when the room oxygen level drops below 21%.

4) "Super Alleru-Buster" anti-allergen and "Bio Anti-Bacterial"
This feature is already in the current Single Splits and Mulit Splits systems in Singapore.
The filtes are coated with this catechin to inactivate a variety of airborne allergens and viruses.

Lastly, i would like to empahsize a commitment by Matsushita to making our world a better place.

This is the Basic Policy Towards the Environment adopted and practice by Matsushita.

'Matsushita's corporate mission is to improve and enhance people's lives, contributing to the progress and development of society through our wide-ranging business activities. Reflecting the philosophy embodied in this mission, on June 5, 1991, we adopted the Matsushita Environmental Charter, pledging in our Environmental Statement to preserve the earth's resources and protect our natural surroundings. Based on this charter, we have been promoting environmental initiatives that acknowledge our obligation to maintain and nurture the ecology of this planet.The 21st century has been dubbed the "century of the environment," in which every company, public organization and private citizen will play a crucial role in redefining not only corporate activities, but social systems and people's values as well. At Matsushita, we understand that cultivation of a recycling-oriented society is one of our major responsibilities. Therefore, based on our Environmental Statement, we have drafted Green Plan 2010, which outlines our vision for meeting specific environmental targets. We vow to step up our efforts to promote these concepts, as we continue to fine-tune our approach to environmentally-responsible management. '

Therefore i hoped we as consumers will play a part too. If we, consumers, will to always buy green and energy efficient products, the manufacturers will have to adopt this concept so as to maintain its market share.

** Information from www.panasonic.co.jp
** For more information on the Singapore Energy Labelling Scheme, go to www.nccc.gov.sg

Overseas Models (Currently not available in Singapore)

2007-04-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

JAPAN

Mitsubishi Electric recently shown on TV their newest model...the inverter FA series with 'I See' feature.

Indoor Unit : MSZ-FA25VA
Indoor Unit : MSZ-FA35VA
Features
1) 'I See' sensor. The air con will automatically sense which area requires cooling and the cold air will be directed to that area.

Note
Pictures and information taken from www.mitsubishielectric.com.au

The advanced Daikin's FTXG-E series achieves a new simplicity, combining a stylish compact form with high performance. In the merely 150 mm deep housing, unique cutting-edge technologies that realize a COP of over 4 are compacted, including a DC inverter. It also employs the Titanium Apatite Photocatalytic air-purifying filter.

The front panel is made of clear plastic with a frosted surface, providing a modern chic appearance. The simplified panel creates perfect accordance between the unit and room door.

Good Design Award
The "Good Design Award" is Japan's only synthetic design evaluation/recommendation system and is sponsored by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization.

Note
Pictures and information taken from www.daikin.com.jp

This is the newest model from SANYO called the 'Shiki Saikan' series.
It emphasizes on design and indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality
1) air clean apatite filter with a powerful air purifying function
2) photo catalytic sterilization lamp

Design
1) Won the 2005 Good Design Award in Japan.
2) Six different panel colours to match your home decoration

Note
1) Information taken from JARN, Serial No. 442 Volume 37, No. 11 dated November 25, 2005
2) Picture taken from www.e-life-sanyo.com

KOREAN

WiniaMando is a leading manufacturer of lifestyle appliances headquartered in Asan, Korea.
Formerly a business division of Mando Machinery Corporation (an automotiveparts manufacturer), WiniaMando was established in November 1999 when an investor consortium lead by UBS Capital acquired the operationsfrom Mando.
As a pioneer in the Korean automotive climate control industry,WiniaMando extended its expertise into the consumer side by introducinga full line of residential air conditioners in the early 1990s.

Note:
Information and pictures taken from www.winiamando.com/eng

Insists on the Safety Mark

2007-04-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

For your protection, insist on the SAFETY MARK when you by any of the 31 types of controlled goods listed below. The mark ensures that these products meet specific safety standard requirements.

1. Cooking range
2. Hairdryer
3. Electric iron
4. Microwave oven
5. Television/video display unit
6. Videocassette recorder
7. Components of the LPG gas system (Hose, Regulator and Valve)
8. Gas cooker
9. Room air-conditioner
10. Table or standing fan
11. High-fidelity set
12. Rice cooker
13. Refrigerator
14. Vacuum cleaner
15. Immersion water heater
16. Kettle
17. Washing machine
18. \Table lamp/standing lamp
19. Toaster, grill, roaster, hot plate, deep fryer, wok and similar appliances
20. Any other audio products
21. Wall fan/ceiling fan
22. Adaptor
23. Mobile split air-conditioner
24. Coffeemaker, slow cooker, steamboat and similar appliances
25. Laser disc set
26. Mixer, blender, mincer and similar appliances
27. Aircooler
28. Home computer system (inclusive of monitor, printer, speaker and other mains operated accessories
29. Decorative lighting fixture
30. Portable cooking gas appliance
31. Gas canister
32. 3-pin rectangular type 13-amp mains plug
33. Fuse (less than or equal to 13-amp) for use in mains plug
34. 3-pin round type 15-amp mains plug
35. Multi-way adaptor
36. 3-pin portable socket-outlet
37. Portable cable reel
38. Instantaneous electric water heater
39. Mains pressure electric storage water heater
40.Residual current circuit breaker
41.3-pin 13-amp socket-outlet
42.3-pin 15-amp round type socket-outlet
43.Domestic electric wall switch
44.Ballast for tubular fluorescent lamp
45.Isolating transformer for downlight fitting

For more information, refer to www.spring.gov.sg and www.safety.org.sg

HEPA Filter

2007-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Look at all the different brands in the market!!! All of them comes with promise of good air quality using all sorts of technology and chemical..But do they really work?

True HEPA filter

Opps! why 'True' ?
caused there are many look alike HEPA filters (also known as HEPA Type Filters) in the market. These are not True HEPA.

True HEPA must retain and filter out all particles from the air that passes through it down to 0.3 microns in size at an efficiency rating of 99.97% according to the U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD-282 (DOP test) as defined by Institute of Environmental Science

HEPA Type Filters have a efficiency of 25% to95% @ 0.3 microns in particle size.

HEPA=High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance

History
- developed during World War II by the Atomic Energy Commission
- purpose is to remove and capture 'escape' radioactive dust particles from the air

Facts
-CDC guidelines for the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) recommend HEPA filters with an efficiency of 99.97% tested at 0.3 microns particle size or smaller be used.
-recognized by OSHA / EPA
-recommended by U.S. Government’s Department of Homeland Security and FEMA

Use by
-Hospitals,
-laboratories
-NASA
-Clean room

Important Information
-HEPA filter bascially do not kill bacteria and virus unless the the environment is dry (no moisture), the bacteria and virus will 'dry' out. But HEPA filters can be chemically treated or with Ultra Violet light attachment to achieve the purpose.
-HEPA filter on its own is capable of capturing particles up to 0.3 microns effectively. Smaller than 0.3 microns, it is passed through.

U might wonder what is 1 micron?
measurement of length where 1 micron = 1 millionth of a meter
Cannot visualize?
anything less than 10 microns is not visible to the naked eyes

Mitsubishi? Mitsubishi Electric? Mitsubishi Heavy Industries?

2007-04-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Mitsubishi company started out as a shipping firm founded by Yataro Iwasaki in 1870. The company grew strongly thru out the years. The Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. was formed in 1917. Then in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation was formed after it spun off from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co.

But after the world war 2, Japan's big industrial groups including Mitsubishi was forced to disband by the allied troops thus Mitsubishi was disbanded on September 30, 1946 and they were split into many other smaller companies. Most of the Mitsubishi companies abandoned the name and emblem under pressure from the occupation forces.

As time goes by many of these related compaines began using the name and emblem again. Though they no longer belong to Mitsubishi, they still shared the same roots and history. Each of them operate their business independent but they still remain in a close community.

At present, Mitsubishi is a community formed by independent companies who onced shared the same origin. Many of theses companies, but not all, have 'Mitsubishi' in their names and uses the three diamond 'Mitsubishi Mark'.

And lastly!!! Seen the logo of Mitsubishi? Know what it means?

www.mitsubishi.com
"Mitsubishi" is made up of mitsu and hishi. Mitsu means three. Hishi means water chestnut. The founder, Yataro Iwasaki, chose the three-diamond mark to represent the three-leaf crest of the Tosa Clan, Yataro's first employer, and also of the three stacked rhombuses of the Iwasaki family crest.

**all information courtesy of http://global.mitsubishielectric.com and http://www.mitsubishi.com

Panasonic O2 Shower

2007-03-02T19:46:00.001-08:00

www.panasonic.com.myOxygen percentage in air? 21%!
Does this mean anything to you?
It should not if you are in an open area.
But what about when we are sleeping in our room with all the windows and door closed???
!!@! We are actual in a confined place whenever we are using air con. The oxygen percentage will keep decreasing as there are no new air entering our room. We might be lacking of OXYGEN!!!

Panasonic noticed this concern and came up with their indoor units capable of producing oxygen by bringing in 'new' air from outside thus maintaining the oxygen percentage at 21% or slightly above.
It is called the O2 Shower.
www.panasonic.com.my
Principle
www.panasonic.com.au
Every time we breathe, oxygen is consumed. And in order to maximise the cooling effect of the air con, most rooms are actually closed environment thus through out the night (or usage) oxygen level will decrease as we breathe. As research shows, whenever the oxygen level is below 18% we will feel uncomfortable. Thus it is important to replenish the 'loss' oxygen by adding in oxygen. This will ensure that the room will always remain at a comfortable oxygen level.

How did Panasonic does that?
A pump is actually installed in the outdoor unit and is used to draw in 'fresh' air from outside. This 'fresh' air passes through a oxygen enrichment membrane system. This membrane is able to re-produce air that has 30% oxygen concentration. This oxygen rich air will then be released into to the room through a hose connecting from the outdoor unit in the same trunking as the piping into the indoor unit. This method will maintain the oxygen level will stay somewhere around 21%* or more constantly.
www.panasonic.com.au
The membrane also acts as a filter to prevent small dust particles, bacteria and other harmful elements thus ensuring whatever air entering the room is clean.

www.panasonic.com.my
Information and pictures taken from
Panasonic Singapore www.panasonic.com.sg
Panasonic Malaysia www.panasonic.com.my
Panasonic Australia www.panasonic.com.au

Silver Nano (Samsung's Silver Nano Health System)

2007-03-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

(Picture taken from www.samsung.com.au)

Has Silver Nano got anything to do with Silver particles???
Would it be dangerous if we breathe in the Silver particles?

Background Information
Silver has been used in the past for treatment of various diseases and infections.

Below are some the diseases:
acne, arthritis, athlete's foot, bladder inflammation, blood parasites, blood poisoning, burns, Candida, colitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gastritis, hay fever, indigestion, keratitis, leukemia, lymphagitis, malaria, meningitis, parasitic infections: viral, fungal and bacterial pneumonia, psoriasis, rheumatism, septic conditions of the eyes, ears, mouth, and throat, staphylococcus and streptococcus infections, stomach flu, thyroid, toxemia, trachoma, all forms of viruses, warts, whooping cough, yeast infection, stomach ulcer, canine parvovirus and other veterinary uses, and fungal and viral attacks on plants.

But the problem with using Silver is it might caused heavy-metal silver poisoning** and will accumulate in the liver and other organs.

**argyria = The skin of the person who developed this condition would turn bluish grey, and eventually he or she would become sick for reasons beyond the original disease.

So HOW???
Thus there has been a lot of effort is finding a solution (it was recognized long ago that the secret to making silver useful was to create a solution whose molecules were so tiny that they would simply pass through the cells and not become lodged in the liver and other organs) to avoid the heavy metal accumulation risk without jeopardizing its medical potential.

With this, smaller particles of Silver of 0.01 mircon, giving a colloidal (not exactly soluble in liquid but in suspension) solution holding 5 to 10 PPM. (parts per million)

Next came the 0.001 mircon and 500 PPM. But this still poses a risk of heavy metal accumulation and not effective against the ‘stronger’ diseases.
*Innovative Natural Products (INP)

Finally, a way to reduce the Silver particles to a nano size (10^-9) and 2000 PPM is discovered. With such a size, the Silver acts more like a gas than a colloidal liquid. This is effective against diseases and yet do not have the danger of heavy metal accumulation.
*advanced Nano Technologies

(Picture taken from www.samsung.com)

With this, the Nano Silver (or Silver Nano) is formed.

Working Principle
The NanO Silver will combine with the cell walls of pathogenic bacterias, will then directly get inside the bacterias and quickly combine with the sulphydryl (-SH) of oxygenic metabolic enzymes to deactivate them, to block inhalation and metabolism and suffocate the bacterias.
**ADVANCED NanO TECHNOLOGIES llC

Recognised???
-China officially recognized the Nano Silver as a very good supplement with no side effects.
-Research in Canada has shown that the Nano Silver has no side effect even up to 4,265 times the clinical dosage

Uses
-spraying Nano Silver into the air and breathing it will reach into the lungs and help with respiratory problems.
-acts as an air purifier and cleaner. (antibacterial and deodorisation)
-prevents the spread of germs as well as sterilization and deodorization if coated on surfaces.

SAMSUNG AIR CONS
Silver Nano filter that keeps germs from growing inside the machine and prevents allergy-causing bacteria from being blown into the air.
Silver Nano coatings greatly reduce the presence of fungi and bacteria within five minutes of operation.

Detailed information of the Silver Nano Health System from SAMSUNG
(a) Silver Nano Filter
Dust particles are trapped and removed as a result of the nano-silver coating of the Silver Nano Filter. Not only does the filter removes microscopic dust particles, it also exterminates fungi and eliminates unpleasant smells.
(b) Silver Nano Evaporator
It incorporates an innovative material found to be environmentally friendly. The fins of the evaporator are triple coated (2 layers of chrome-free neo silica, 1 layer of Silver Nano) to ensure the efficient removal of condensation and to guarantee the production of clean, fresh air.
**Information taken from www.samsung.com.sg

For more information regrading the range of Silver Nano Health Systems, please contact SAMSUNG or visit their authorised dealers.

Negative Ionizer, Ozone Generator, Plasmacluster

2007-03-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

There are so many air purifiers in the market that claims their product is able to eliminate the most harmful 'stuff' in this 'dirty' world of ours. Some claimed their technology are tested by private labs or supported by government agencies. They used 'realistic' examples to demonstrate their product capabilities but how true is it really...until some researchs and papers are published by some well known professors, i choose not to comment much.

Negative Ionizer

In nature, there should be a balance of postive and negative ions. But in urban settings, due to the pollutants emitted by various sources, the postive ions are in far greater quantity than the negative ions. Some researchs have shown that lack of negative ions causes some 'Sick Building Syndrome' while the increase of negative ions promotes well being and fewer respiratory complaints. This point can be explained why we feel more relaxed and calm in mountains, forest or near waterfalls as these areas have high concentration of negative ions.

The ionizer generates negative ions which 'clings' themselves onto air particles which results in either the particles settle to the ground or stick to walls or furniture. Therefore in simplier terms the particles are removed from the air but not from the room.

Generally, ionizer are referred as air refresher rather than air cleaner. Nevertheless, the increase in negative ions does somewhat promotes better health benefits though to what extend is still unsure.

Air Conditioners brands with ionizer includes Panasonic, Toshiba Daiseikai, McQuay, Haier and FujiElectric.

www.toshiba-aircon.in.th

Ozone Generator
This is probably the most controversial of the three. And some research or papers even mentioned that it is potentially dangerous. In simple terms, these Ozone generators produce ozone which is an air pollutant itself, smog. Funny huh? A pollutant used as an air cleaner.
To some extent, Ozone when in very high concentration is able to effectively remove mircobes. But at the same time, humans in such a high concentration of Ozone will experience negative health effects. In some applications, an Ozone Generator is used to 'purify' a room when the occupants are not present. But till then there are no conclusive research done on the possbile chemical by products left behind after the 'treatment'.
Therefore I will recommend readers to take extra caution when purchasing air purification products with ozone generation capabilities or uses names like 'activated oxygen' and similar terms. In any case, it will always be safer to purchase products from International Brands with reputable history and track records in environmental issue rather than from a 'dun known from where' brand.

Plasmacluster Ionizer
Plasmacluster technology is a break through by Sharp in air purification technology. Plasmacluster is based on the nature way of air purification process by which of a postive and negative ion shower. The main difference is PLASMACLUSTER actually disactivates the bacteria (research shows it is effective against mold spores and odors) thus causing no harm to us anymore. It is relatively similar to the Ionizer in principle just that in addition to weighing down the particles, it also deactivates the bacteria*.The Plasmacluster ion generator making use of the water molecules and oxygen molecules, produces both postive and negative ions.
* Its capabilities are still not determine conclusively.