Asian Heat Pump Network Holds its First Meeting

On May 25, 2016, the Asian Heat Pump Network held its first meeting at Waseda University, with Professor Saito of Waseda University School of Fundamental Science and Engineering as leader. Experts in the field of heat pumps from some Asian countries met, introduced the status of heat pump technology in their respective countries, and animatedly exchanged views and opinions regarding ways of using heat pump technology.

Heat pumps are applied not only to manufacturing technologies used for air conditioners, cold chains, water heaters, etc, but also to food processing and many other fields. In Asian countries, however, the climate varies from one country to another. For instance, in Southeast Asia, high temperatures and humidity prevail all year around, while in Japan, the temperature varies considerably according to the seasons, and therefore, there are differences in the ways in which heat pumps are used. Optimization of heat pump technology in response to differences between the Asian countries is becoming a crucial issue.

With a view to sharing approaches addressing this issue and clarifying the facets of the issue, experts with knowledge of and experience in heat pump technology from various countries in Asia met and exchanged their views and opinions through lectures, speeches, and discussions as well as a study tour of research laboratories. Around 80 persons attended the event, and researchers from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, along with Japanese participants from related organizations and corporations, were among the attendees.

In addition, with ‘How the Heat Pump Network should be broadened’ as a theme, researchers, namely lecturers and speakers of the participating countries and attendees from related organizations and corporations, exchanged their views and opinions in earnest. The discussion ended with the conclusion that researchers and corporations of the participating countries will work in close cooperation to find solutions to environmental issues.

Source: JARN, July 25, 2016