2016 Examination Committee for the NEDO Project for Development of Technology for Renewable Heat Utilization was held at the Hokkaido University Tokyo Office, welcoming Professor Narita from the Nishinippon Institute of Technology and Chairperson Sasada from the Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan as committee members.

At the 24th Geo-Heat Utilization Symposium "Geo-Heat Potential Map" (Tokyo) hosted by the Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Sakata gave a lecture titled "Construction of the Nationwide Geo-Heat Potential Map," and Professor Nagano participated in the panel discussion "Standardization and Utilization of Geo-Heat Potential Maps."

The 4th-year undergraduate students have successfully completed their Graduation Thesis Presentations.

Masahiro Aihara
"Investigation of vacuum insulation panel and its effective application to contribute retrofitting insulation for existing buildings"

Mayu Inoue
"Enhancement of physical properties and system performance used natural mesoporous material applied for adsorption heat pump"
　
Shoei Nakajima
"Optimum control of charging and discharging of lithium ion battery cooperated with PV panel for a smart house"

Kazuma Hamano
"Numerical analyses and experiments to achieve high efficiency of ground sorce heat pump unit"

Takashi Higashiya
"Development of a design and performance prediction tool for the ground source heat pump system using vertical spiral ground heat exchangers and its application"

The second-year master's students have completed their Master's Thesis Presentations.

Takuya Ijima
"Study on Concept of Zero Energy Building Based on Gound Source Heat Pump System in Cold Regions and Optimization Method of Heating System Using Genetic Algorithm"

Norito Kubo
"Study on Improvement of Gound Source Heat Pump for Domestic Hot Water"

NGUYEN HAi DANG
"Study on the Development of Design Technique and the Control System of Heat Recovery Ground Source Heat Pump System"

Ayumi Komaki
"Study on Adsorption Heat Pump Using Natural Mwsoporous Material Impregnated with Chloride Component"

Takako Sugino
"Study on Load Leveling and Optimization of Using Thermal Storage and Electric Storage for Smart Community"

On Wednesday, February 8, a celebration for Mr. Yasutaka Yoshida’s public thesis defense and a farewell party for Dr. Yunkyung Kang were held in Professor Nagano’s office. Despite everyone's busy schedules, lab staff and students gathered, making it a harmonious and enjoyable event.
And Dr. Kang, thank you so much for everything you have done for us.

On Wednesday, February 8, the public thesis defense was held for Mr. Yasutaka Yoshida, a working professional in our doctoral program.
Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Yoshida.

Publication Title：
（Study of Packaged　Air-conditioners Intended　to Improve　Annual Efficiency）

On the occasion of the departure of Assistant Professor Dr. Yunkyung Kang from our laboratory,a farewell party was held by the faculty and staff of the Division of Spatial Performance.

On Monday, December 26, we held a lab year-end party following the mid-term presentations for undergraduate and master's theses. Thank you everyone for all your hard work this year. Wishing you all a happy new year!

On Wednesday, December 14, the 2016 SHASE Hokkaido Chapter Seminar was held at the Akira Suzuki Lecture Hall in the Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University. Following the opening remarks by Professor Nagano, keynote lectures were delivered by Associate Professor Katsura and guest speakers from outside the university.

On Thursday, December 1, an award ceremony was held at the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo to honor Professor Katsunori Nagano for winning 2016 "Northern Region Energy-Saving and New Energy Award" from the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). We attended the FY2016 Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director-General's Award Ceremony for Excellent Energy-Saving and New Energy Businesses.