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Ramoncito Cabato, Ting Yan, Athul M and others are enlisted in the challenge
Disease Resilient and Energy-Efficient Centralized Air-Conditioning Systems
Disease Resilient and Energy-Efficient Centralized Air-Conditioning Systems
How can innovative technologies be utilized to achieve disease-resilient and energy-efficient centralized air-conditioning systems in public buildings
THE CONTEXT
Studies show that transmission of viruses, such as the coronavirus causing COVID-19, can be prompted by centralized air-conditioning systems. In developing member countries (DMC), the risks of virus transmission are higher because of poor hygiene including the use of old air-conditioning equipment, lack of regular maintenance, and overcrowding in closed spaces.
Inefficient centralized air-conditioning (CAC) systems in many DMCs account for up to 50% of energy consumption in public buildings. Advanced air-conditioning systems with energy-saving technologies used in combination with demand-side management techniques could bring up to 45% energy savings. CACs also rely heavily on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are greenhouse gases that can be thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. Proper management of HFCs is critical to addressing greenhouse gas emissions from CAC systems.
ADB'S APPROACH
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is implementing a knowledge and support technical assistance (TA) project, Regional Support to Build Disease Resilient and Energy Efficient Centralized Air-conditioning Systems, to promote disease-resilient clean energy development in developing member countries of ADB.
The TA will support DMCs of ADB to improve energy efficiency, mitigate the risks of virus transmission, and ensure safe working conditions in public buildings by deploying efficient, clean, and smart CAC systems.
This Technology Innovation Challenge is a novel approach that will support this project.