• Novel energy-efficient compressor could result in worldwide energy savings of US$16 billion a year for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
• NTU is the only Asian university selected to present among world’s best

A green and novel compressor has been developed by NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Associate Professor Ooi Kim Tiow and his team. This compressor is potentially one of the most energy-efficient in the world that could reduce energy loss by 80 percent when compared to the compressors currently available in the market. This could result in worldwide energy savings of US$16 billion a year for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Unlike conventional compressors which have a stationary housing, the NTU team has developed a first of its kind rotating ‘housing’ which moves together with the compressing mechanism. This would reduce the friction between the stationary housing and the moving parts in existing compressors, which would usually be very high. The team also removed a number of components in the compressor to create a simpler design which would prevent energy loss during the operation. With these improvements, the new compressor requires less energy to drive cooling systems, such as those used for refrigerators and air-conditioners.

Associate Professor Ooi will lead the NTU team to present the technology and contend for “World’s Best Technology” title at the World’s Best Technologies Showcase (WBTshowcase) which will be held from 24 to 25 March 2009 at Arlington, Texas.

“We are very proud to have our technology included as one of the world’s best, alongside technologies from some top 100 universities, company R&D labs and research institutions in the US and the around the globe. My team hopes that the exposure could link us up with potential partners to commercialise this product, as this compressor has all the advantages that cannot be found in current compressors, which include lower cost, higher energy efficiency and reliability,” says Assoc Prof Ooi.

The WBTshowcase is the United States’ premier event showcasing the largest collection of undiscovered technologies emanating from the world’s leading universities, company R&D labs and research institutions. Each year, only one of the WBTshowcase’s carefully selected presenters will receive the “Best of Show” award.

“The revolutionary nature of the technologies presenting at the WBTshowcase makes it a must-attend event for investors and licensing scouts,” says Paul Huleatt, WBTshowcase CEO.

Mr. Huleatt highlights that the companies groomed to present at the WBTshowcase leave with new knowledge and contacts to take their technologies to market and beyond.

The 2008 World’s Best Technologies Showcase brought together over 75 world-class deals and attracted over 450 attendees including over 100 bona fide investors and Fortune 500 licensees.

According to Mr. Huleatt, approximately one-third of past WBTshowcase presenters have gone on to secure venture capital or a licensing/strategic partnering agreement with a Fortune 1000 company.  To date, past presenters have raised over $400 million in first (or next) round venture capital.

For more information on WBTshowcase, please visit www.wbtshowcase.com

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Media contact:
Esther Ang, Manager, Corporate Communications Office
Tel: 6790 6804; Mobile: 9113 9654; Email: estherang@ntu.edu.sg

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