A new type of gas-powered air conditioner for household use, the first of its kind worldwide, has been developed in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan province.

In cooperation with more than 100 air-conditioner plants across the world, the Changsha-based BROAD Air Conditioning Co. Ltd., has invested 110 million yuan (about US$13.3 million) in developing this new product.

Research began three years ago, and a total of 2,000 engineers and mechanics have participated in the project.

The new air conditioner is designed to be powered by natural gas, coal gas or liquefied petroleum gas, with an expected operation life of 15 years. It also serves as a water heater.

Compared with the traditional air conditioner powered by electricity, the gas-powered one uses lithium bromide as coolant and thus is more environment-friendly.

In addition, the new air conditioner will be more economical than the traditional one, as its operation cost is less than 59 percent of the electric system, based on the price ratio between electricity and gas consumption.

Researchers have applied for dozens of national patents for the new air conditioner, many of which have been approved.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2003)