Mitsubishi Selling 'Smart' Air Conditioners that Display CO2 Emissions and Electricity Cost Savings

Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corp. launched eight new models of its Kirigamine Move-Eye ZW series room air conditioners in late October 2008. The new models, the first of their kind, display on an indoor panel the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and reductions related to their use, making it possible for users to save energy, reduce emissions, and save money, which all vary depending on the way the product is used.

The air conditioners show preset and effective air temperatures on an indoor display monitor, as well as electricity costs and the amount of CO2 emissions during operation. Using a remote control device, users can easily switch settings based on their needs. The company expects that customers will enjoy these features, which will also allow them more control in conserving energy and saving money.

The products are equipped with an advanced sensor unit that measures floor temperatures, monitors the locations of people in the room, their level of activity, and temperature changes in the room when curtains are opened and closed, thus optimizing operations by automatically adjusting air-conditioning levels. With this function, the new models can reduce energy consumption by an annual average of 40 percent and up to 65 percent. The five-kilowatt model, designed for use in a 26-square-meter room, can conserve energy by up to 33 percent, representing an annual electricity cost saving of about 19,500 yen (U.S.$186), compared to the air conditioners on sale 11 years ago, a saving that may encourage past customers to purchase one of the new models.

- Mitsubishi Electronics official website
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/
- New Air Conditioners with Infrared Sensors Reduce Energy Use by up to 50% (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/026571.html

Posted: 2009/02/02 06:00:15 AM