Less material, higher efficiency – New ways of using copper in common household appliances

One prerequisite to achieving ambitious sustainable energy results is to employ the right raw materials in the most efficient manner possible. MicroGroove technology, one of the latest innovations by the copper industry, reduces the amount of raw materials - including copper – required in heat exchangers for air conditioning and refrigeration products. Recent process innovations undertaken by the copper tube producer and the heat exchange manufacturers now enable the use of smaller diameter tubes. In turn, weight savings of 30% have been achieved and refrigerant loads have been reduced by 40%. Leading air conditioning suppliers in China are promoting higher energy efficiency units resulting in a reduction of electricity consumption.

MicroGroove tubes are not only more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, they are also better for consumer health. HVAC system components frequently operate in warm, dark and humid environments which are ideal breeding grounds for bacterial and viral contamination. Such environments can also cause odours and inhibit system efficiency. Laboratory testing demonstrates that copper tubes have bacteriostatic properties, which means that they impede the growth of mould and other organisms.

In collaboration with the International Copper Association, the Chigo Air Conditioning Company launched, in December 2010, the first Antimicrobial Copper air conditioning unit, identifiable by the Cu+ brand. In it, Cu+ tube fins, replacing traditional cooling surface materials, deliver important health and efficiency benefits.

ECI is confident that this air conditioning unit will be the first of many standard consumer goods that will make use of the benefits of Antimicrobial Copper.

One Response to “Less material, higher efficiency – New ways of using copper in common household appliances”

		Eurocopper
		18th April 2011
		[...] Virtually all materials face competitive threats, either from other materials or through technological innovation. However, our market intelligence and research reports confirm that the intrinsic thermal and electrical conductivities of copper continue to deliver the improvements in energy efficiency required, for example, in the building construction and heating and air conditioning sectors. [...]