Daikin Industries, Ltd. (President and COO: Noriyuki Inoue, hereafter "Daikin") and the National University Corporation Tokyo Institute of Technology (President: Kazuya Masu, hereafter "Tokyo Tech") have established the "Daikin HVAC Technology Collaborative Research Center" at Tokyo Tech to conduct joint research aimed at advancing the core technologies of air conditioning systems.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand for air conditioning is expected to triple by 2050 due to economic development and population growth in emerging countries. The growing demand for air conditioning will significantly impact climate change, emphasizing the need for energy-efficient air conditioning systems to mitigate environmental effects.
In air conditioning systems, the compressor - often considered the heart of the unit - consumes a substantial portion of electricity. Improving the energy efficiency of compressors, along with the motors and inverters that power them, is a central challenge for the HVAC industry, crucial for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Digital transformation (DX) in compressor development, including the use of advanced analytical technologies, is essential to reduce development time and costs, and enhance quality.
Daikin and Tokyo Tech have a long history of collaborating on the advancement of motors used in large air conditioning systems. The new collaborative research center will leverage Tokyo Tech's academic expertise and research resources in compressors, motors, and inverters - core air conditioning technologies. By applying these advancements to practical air conditioning systems, the center aims to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Note: On October 1, 2024, Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology will merge to form Tokyo Science University.
