In the global demand to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, science and technology are facing a major challenge on how to face this challenge. Heat pump-related technologies have been widely applied to refrigeration, air conditioning, hot water supply, and industrial technologies as cold and thermal control technologies that realize energy saving. Its application is only expanding further, and it is an excellent technology that can continue to lead the economy.
In recent years, it has been recognized as a technology to prevent infection from viruses and other diseases to humans by preventing heat damage by temperature control and even humidity even for extreme temperature rise. By realizing low temperature and excellent temperature control, we have been able to provide safe and secure food as a core technology of cold chain. Even drinking water can be sourced from the air. In this way, heat pump-related technologies have evolved into technologies that protect life while protecting the environment as a technology to prevent global warming.
On the other hand, it is also true that there are ozone depletion and global warming problems caused by refrigerants, and it is being skilled by various speculations, and a lot of effort is being put into unnecessary product development. This will hinder the promotion of the spread of high-performance products and the effective use of equipment. In order to overcome this situation, it is essential to clarify the path to proceed based on the correct knowledge based on scientific evidence in one team that transcends the boundaries of manufacturers and users and adds fair and impartial academic skills.
Therefore, Waseda University has decided to launch the "Next Generation Heat Pump Technology Strategic Research Consortium" that enables open research exchange with the private sector. Here, we will develop strategic research on heat pump-related technologies with a focus on cooperation with industry and users, with a multi-field academic coalition looking one step ahead. In addition, we place importance on cooperation with overseas countries, and we would like to promote discussions and joint research on the ideal form of heat pump technology in the world and how to efficiently spread high-performance equipment in the world.
We hope that you will join this Strategic Research Consortium and work together for further development of heat pump technology.
Waseda University Open Innovation Strategy Research Organization
Next Generation Heat Pump Technology Strategy Research Consortium
Association President Kiyoshi Saito