IAQ, energy efficiency, future HVACR technology to feature at Qatar event

Registration is now open for the first International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates, which examines the latest research and energy-efficiency technology in high ambient temperature climates. Announcing this through an official communiqué, ASHRAE, which is organising the event with the ASHRAE Qatar Oryx Chapter and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), said that it would take place from February 24 to 26, 2014, in Doha, Qatar.

The conference, said the announcement, is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Federation of European Heating and Air-Conditioning Associations (REHVA), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

According to ASHRAE, about 40 papers will be presented at the conference, including “Evaluation of a Low Cost Solar Cooling System for Hot and Humid Climates;” “Building Envelope Criteria for Hot Climates: ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013;” “The Application of Low Energy Technology Within the Built Environment in Hot and Humid Climates;” and “Performance of Low-GWP Refrigerant Candidates At High Ambient Temperatures.”

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) will present a session on indoor environments and health, covering general perspectives on health and indoor environments; housing and health; health based guidelines on Indoor Air Quality; and the health aspect of energy use in indoor environments.

A special session with regional research centres to present updates on projects and research findings related to IAQ and energy efficiency hosted by UNEP and QEERI followed by a panel discussion and a look at future HVAC&R technology presented by major companies, hosted by the Qatar Oryx Chapter and AHRI are reportedly the other programme highlights.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Walid Chakroun, Conference Chair, said: “The international support demonstrates the need for advancing the energy efficient design of buildings and systems in hot climates. The conference brings together experts to look at the synergy between energy conservation and Indoor Air Quality in buildings, with the goal of achieving high energy conservation in hot air climates. This first conference presents papers, keynote speeches and internationally-organised sessions and has an emphasis on systems and equipment and applications for commercial and institutional buildings.”

The conference proceedings will be distributed to the attendees onsite and is included in the registration fee, ASHRAE informed, and advised those interested to visit www.ashrae.org/hotclimates to register and for conference schedule.