The world's first copper antimicrobial air conditioner was launched today in Beijing by Chinese air conditioner giant Chigo in partnership with the International Copper Association (ICA). This innovative product will leverage the antimicrobial properties of copper for a new application. In addition to this, it offers unprecedented energy-saving performance.
The Antimicrobial Copper Cu+ logo is used by Chigo to indicate that its products contain antimicrobial copper, the world's most effective antimicrobial contact surface material.
Today, consumers have become more health conscious. In a proactive response to this market trend, Chigo air conditioners are one of the first consumer goods to contain antimicrobial copper.
HVAC system components (ventilation, heating and air conditioning) operate in warm, dark and humid environments; ideal conditions for pollution that causes bad odors and can inhibit the efficiency of the system.
Laboratory tests have shown that copper materials can inhibit the growth of these organisms. After 24 hours of exposure to copper surfaces, a total extinction of several common mold species was observed, while aluminum surfaces had no effect on any of these fungi.
Chigo's air conditioner is the first to incorporate copper into its structures, and is also setting the tone when it comes to energy savings. The standards of China's new Energy Efficiency Index are at the forefront of energy efficiency for air conditioners, and this unit boasts a rating of 8.36. Compared to other models with the same capacity and with the current higher energy efficiency index (3.6), up to 56% more energy could be saved.
According to chigo Group Vice President Dr. Zheng Zuyi, the new air conditioner is the latest in a wide variety of the company's innovative products, and more will come: "Chigo, as the market leader, has always sought to produce healthy and silent air conditioners, as well as adopt technology that allows greater energy savings. This product will enable a new market trend towards healthier home appliances. We are delighted to witness the successful launch of the world's first antimicrobial air conditioner with the Antimicrobial Cu+ logo. It is one of the achievements of our cooperation with the International Copper Association, ICA."
Li Xinghao, CEO and Chairman of Chigo, referred to the future of this achievement "As our global expansion continues, it is vital for Chigo to build a quality supply chain. Chigo will continue to work with ICA and produce more products with antimicrobial copper. At the same time, it is also part of Chigo's social responsibility to present low-carbon product innovations and that is also related to the growing global awareness of consumers for health.
This practical application is based on laboratory work by University of Southampton researcher Professor William Keevil, who assessed the efficacy of copper as an antifungal surface for air conditioning systems, and is a huge breakthrough for antimicrobial copper application and innovation in air conditioning.
Authors: Air Conditioning
