Aug 11, 2016

A Demonstration Test Begins in the Scorching Summer Heat of Tokyo to Provide Relief from the Heat with the "Green Air Conditioner"

Tokyo, Japan - The summers in Japan are hot and humid. Each year, the number of extremely hot days recording temperatures above 35℃ is increasing. Especially in the metropolitan area, the ground tends to retain heat, giving way to the urban heat island effect.

On August 5, 2016, Panasonic Corporation began its demonstration experiment of the Green Air-Conditioner (currently under development) together with the Minato Ward in Shimbashi Station's East Exit Plaza (also known as the SL Plaza) as part of efforts to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, to provide relief from the heat and comfort in the summer.

This demonstration experiment came about when Panasonic proposed its Green Air-Conditioner as a "countermeasure against heat" to Minato Ward, which, with 2020 on the horizon, is making efforts to make its city even more attractive. SL Plaza was chosen as the location of the experiment as many people pass through and congregate in this area. For this experiment, Panasonic's Green Air-Conditioner, which produces dry mist (currently under development) was installed in Minato Ward's public space, Shimbashi Station's East Exit Plaza, and Panasonic will verify its effectiveness, such as its outdoor cooling performance and the level of comfort provided to users. Through this demonstration experiment, Panasonic will also assess how well the Green Air-Conditioner will be received in public areas, and aim to bring the Green Air-Conditioner to market in 2018.

To mark the commencement of the demonstration experiment, an opening ceremony was held together with the Minato Ward. Mayor Takei, who attended the ceremony stated, "With Tokyo 2020 on the horizon, the Minato Ward is promoting ways to provide relief from the heat in public spaces. During this demonstration experiment, I hope many people who live in this ward and people from other areas will experience this cooling technology using mist." Mr. Iwai from Panasonic Corporation, Appliances Company added, "I hope travelers to Japan will enjoy their entire stay here, without suffering from heatstroke. During this experiment, we will verify the level of comfort the Green Air-Conditioner can provide to users and its usability as a facility."

Visitors who experienced the Green Air-Conditioner after the ceremony stated, "Because it doesn't feel wet, the mist feels more comfortable." "It would be great if these were installed alongside the marathon route so we can root for runners during Tokyo 2020."

The Green Air-Conditioner is comprised of the "mist pole," the heart of this air-conditioner, "water retaining blocks" (Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd.), which retain water to bring down road surface temperatures, and the "Airy Shade" (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), which provide a comfortable shade. The mist pole mixes and creates fine particles of water and air, making it easier for the water to evaporate, and even up close, the "dry mist" doesn't feel wet. Moreover, the Green Air-Conditioner produces a stream of air, an "air curtain," that creates a dome-shaped cool environment and protects the mist from natural wind.

Panasonic will also begin a demonstration experiment on August 27, 2016 at the Panasonic Center Tokyo to accelerate its efforts to bring this air-conditioner to market in 2018. Panasonic foresees that the Green Air-Conditioner will be use in places where many people gather such as at commercial facilities and stadiums.

Green Air-Conditioner Demonstration Experiment Overview

Device	"Green Air-Conditioner" (currently under development)
Objective	To verify the cooling performance and level of comfort, its effectiveness outdoors in the summer.
Period	August 5 - September 20, 2016
Place	JR Shimbashi Station East Exit Plaza (Shimbashi 2-7, Minato Ward, Tokyo Prefecture)
Active times	August 5 - 12, 2016 10:00 - 18:00 August 16 - 22 9:00-18:00 August 23 - 26 15:00 - 18:00 August 27 - September 20 9:00 - 18:00

*The Green Air-Conditioner will not be in operation in case of rain. Depending on the weather, the dates and times of operation may change suddenly.
*The air-conditioner may also not be in operation depending on the humidity and wind speed.

Features of the Green Air-Conditioner

Extremely fine, dry mist
Realizes high evaporative cooling effect by producing a very fine mist, which does not feel wet even up close.
An air curtain that traps the cool air within
Protects the mist and cool environment from natural wind outdoors.
Shade that blocks direct sunlight
Effectively blocks sunlight by placing the shading device comprised of artificial leaves at the optimal angle.
Road structure that mitigates reflection
Paving blocks that retain water will absorb the mist and the evaporative cooling effect will keep the ground surface temperature from rising.

Media Contacts:: Panasonic Corporation; Global Communications Department; Media Promotion Office; presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com; * When submitting your inquiries, please also provide your name, name of media, and country of residence.

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