Air conditioners are set to become ever more common in the coming decades, with the International Energy Agency forecasting that demand will triple by the middle of this century. Global warming is one reason for this, but more important is growth in incomes in countries such as India.
Despite air conditioners becoming more efficient, the IEA has forecast a 45 per cent increase in energy demand for cooling by 2050, compared with 2016 levels, potentially jeopardising efforts to combat climate change.
"If we’re not able to ensure that the growth in cooling, which is needed from a social needs perspective, is done in an energy efficient way, all net-zero targets are eradicated," said Florian Schabus, chief commercial officer of Barocal, a start-up energy company in the UK.
What is the new technology?
Barocal has attracted about $2 million in funding, 25 per cent of it from Breakthrough Energy, which was founded by Bill Gates, to advance its technology based on the use of solid materials – instead of refrigerant gases – for cooling and heating. The start-up's barocaloric materials become hotter when pressure increases and cooler when pressure decreases, echoing the behaviour of refrigerant gases, except that the solids are said to be more efficient.
"This is really the very first fundamentally new technology the industry has seen in 100 years – vapour compression has been working the same way for 100 years," Mr Schabus added. "Obviously they have improved the systems a lot over time and they’re more efficient, but this can be similar to how batteries are impacting the automotive industry.
"We can show that our systems actually can deliver two to three times higher energy efficiency than a normal cooling system, which we believe is really a fundamental step change for how we’re going to heat and cool our economy."
The start-up says its technology gives a strong climate benefit because refrigerant gases, which leak from systems, can contribute to increasing global temperatures, with some thousands of times more potent as greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide. Energy use for air conditioning accounts for about 7 per cent of global electricity consumption, which translates to about 2.7 per cent of global carbon emissions, OurWorldinData shows. Refrigerant gases add another 0.5 per cent to air conditioning’s contribution to climate change.
Heating also consumes large amounts of energy, accounting for about 80 per cent of home energy demand in Europe and 60 per cent in the US, the World Economic Forum said. OurWorldinData states that heating generates four times the carbon emissions of air conditioning, although this figure covers the heating of water, as well as spaces.
Dr Steve Griffiths, vice chancellor for research at the American University of Sharjah, said it was "extremely important" to limit electricity consumption from cooling, while also dealing with the fluorinated gases. "Everyone has written [that] they’re so worried about electricity consumption from data centres. The reality is that consumption from data centres by the end of this decade is going to be maybe half of the electricity demand that’s going to ramp up for air conditioning," he said.
"We’ve done a lot of studies in India, in South-East Asia – these places that are very hot are going to have more demand for air conditioning and those air conditioners are going to have to be climate friendly in some way, so having new technologies for cooling is one of the most important topics."
A changing industry
Barocal was founded by Xavier Moya, professor of materials physics at the University of Cambridge, where much of the research work to identify and develop the materials was carried out. Mr Schabus said the solids – types of plastic crystal – are non-toxic, non-flammable and easily recyclable, and are easily available through existing supply chains. Applying pressure to them stops a rotation within their molecular structure, releasing heat, while a reduction in pressure has the opposite effect.
It is thought the materials could be used for refrigeration, or for cooling or heating buildings. Mr Schabus said there was no degradation in how they operated, even over decades. While Barocal says its technology offers a step-change in efficiency, reductions in energy consumption are in evident in air conditioners that use gases, said Taqeef, an air conditioning company in the UAE.
Srinivasan Rangan, the company's senior director for engineering, said the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry had "undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with energy efficiency at the forefront of innovation".
"Our current systems demonstrate 35 to 40 per cent greater efficiency coming from multiple technological advances, such as variable refrigerant flow systems that offer precise temperature control while minimising energy use," he said. "We're also seeing excellent results from integrating smart building management systems that use artificial intelligence to optimise HVAC operations based on real-time conditions."
He said Taqeef was also transitioning to more environmentally friendly gases such as R32, commonly described as a low global warming potential refrigerant. "Looking ahead, we're excited about the industry's trajectory towards even greater efficiency," Mr Rangan added. "The Global Cooling Pledge's target of 68 per cent reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050 is ambitious but achievable through continued innovation."
Where will this technology be launched?
While the air conditioning industry as a whole is moving towards greater efficiency, partly offsetting the greater uptake in devices, Mr Schabus said Barocal was reporting "very strong interest" in its technology.
The company, which has fewer than a dozen staff, has been through three generations of prototypes of its devices, the latest of which has a power of about one kilowatt, which is about the same as a large fridge or a small air conditioner. Initial commercial use could be in large office buildings or chilled beverage cabinets, because with such commercial applications there is less sensitivity to the fact purchase prices are likely to be higher, at least for now.
Mr Schabus said a pilot project to demonstrate the performance of the system to large manufacturers is set to begin next year. "Before they commit to engage with us and produce these systems on a larger scale, they want to see that the performance that we see in the lab can be replicated in real life," he said.
Commercial availability, probably through a multinational partner that will manufacture devices using Barocal’s technology, could happen within a few years. "We don’t want to end up in a situation where we’re being compromised on our IP [intellectual property] or swallowed by a large partner. That’s the challenge at our end," he said. "We have to ensure that our technology is not ending up in some drawer of some big corporate because the strategy changes, which means that we have to develop it as much as possible ourselves and work with them wherever needed."
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
More coverage from the Future Forum
Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C108hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C340Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%20(front%20axle)%3B%20two-speed%20transmission%20(rear%20axle)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh928%2C400%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOrders%20open%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
THE%20HOLDOVERS
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
INFO
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
Hoopoe
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
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Profile of Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdulla Almoayed
Based: UAE
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 35
Sector: FinTech
Raised: $13 million
Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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EXPATS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
