New Air Conditioners with Infrared Sensors Reduce Energy Use by up to 50%

As announced on November 6, 2006, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. of Japan has started selling several of its ZW series "Kirigamine" room air-conditioners, which are equipped with a multi-element infrared sensor. This sensor detects the locations of people in the room, as well as the temperatures of the floor and walls. Using this function, the new models can reduce their energy use by up to 50 percent (as compared to operation without the use of the sensor).

These new models have successfully combined comfort and energy efficiency--the goal the company has pursued for 40 years since initially releasing the "Kirigamine." They also have a self-cleaning function to prevent increases in electricity bills due to dust and dirt accumulating inside the air conditioner unit.

The infrared sensor scans the room while turning through a visual field of 160 degrees, and collects thermographic data to detect the presence of humans and surrounding temperatures. In response to these data, the new models quickly regulate their airflow for efficient operation. This reduces their electricity consumption by up to 40 percent. When there is no one in the room, these models automatically switch to energy-saving mode, reducing energy use by a further 10 percent.

The new models also have two types of self-cleaning function. One is a filter cleaning mechanism that cleans the filter and deposits the removed dust in a dust box. The other is the industry's first "Ozone Shower Cleaning" system that cleans the inside of the air-conditioner using low-concentration ozone and water. The system removes about 99 percent of mold and bacteria, which are major causes of odor and higher electricity bills. These self-cleaning features can reduce increases in electricity bills by 30 percent, compared to the cost when used without cleaning. All models already meet the energy-saving standards that are to be achieved by 2010 under the Law concerning the Rational Use of Energy.

http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/

Posted: 2007/01/31 10:46:56 PM
Japanese version