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Mistral EC
Mistral USA
One percent isn't a lot. Is it? No Green Wash!
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Twenty percent of all energy generated, nuclear, fossil fuel, renewables, is consumed by mechanical refrigeration systems. As used to perform two essential and major tasks. Air conditioning otherwise uninhabitable occupied spaces. Also preservation of perishable food and other materials. Without mechanical Refrigeration and Air Conditioning then civilisation as we know it today could not continue.
Up to forty years ago, before the overwhelming adoption of computers, all technical calculations for designing refrigeration systems had to be performed manually. These were also all based upon what is called empirical data. Records of real time observation amassed over centuries. In other words the vast collection of data used in algorithms and equations in the extremely complex, arduous and complex process of calculation. All consigned to paper printed charts, tables, books and manuals. There were no viable computer programs.
A problem was apparent that apart from the inaccuracy of much empirical data, resulting largely from a need to ere upon the side of caution, coupled with specifiers and engineers prone to taking short cuts and frequently relying upon extrapolation to cut out much of the hard work involved in accurate calculation, this meant much, if not most of all refrigeration systems were over engineered. In other words, over sized. Sometimes by as much as thirty percent or more. Extrapolation Error
This alone would not result in waste of energy by the same amount of thirty percent, as automatic controls, namely thermostats, would mean the machinery would be inoperative or at least operating below full capacity for much of the time. Nonetheless heavier machinery still cost more to make and consumes more power to run it. Basically inefficient and wasteful use of energy.
Mistral's own estimates were though that at least fifteen percent more energy was being consumed throughout the world than was necessary so as to house, create tolerable work spaces and to feed the world.
With lititle or no digitalised data, let alone the algorithms and equations needed to exploit them at the time, the task of computerizing the process was daunting. It involved assembling a team of some of the most highly qualified and experienced engineers and educators, in what is known globally as the RAC (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning) industry, to collaborate over a period of years in order to develop a reliable system. Many groups along with a few overly optimistic amateurs tried, and failed. Ultimately one group surpassed all the hurdles, all the scepticism and overcame the financial obstacles to indisputably succeed. Four decades on and Mistral Associates dominates the relatively small niche market of the world's RAC industry, providing it with the infallible Expert System software systems it alone was responsible for creating.
Mistral probably now saving from five to ten percent of the energy used by an industry responsible for consuming twenty percent of the world's manmade energy distribution. Taking the lower estimate, 5% of 20% is of course only 1% of the whole. Not a lot. But a damned sight more than any uneducated, unqualified, notoriously truant and hysterical, attention seeking school girl is ever likely to achieve!
Related topic Project since completed.
Bringing benefits of computerisation to our RAC industry - without the commonly associated problems.
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