Dear Readers,

The title of this handbook promises a portray of innovation. Read and find out for yourself. In the end, only you can decide whether this documentation is useful as a guide. For now, let us look at it as an attempt to give a detailed and comprehensive description of the current state of thermoregulation technology.

An attempt with one handicap: the subjectivity of a self-portray. Since primarily one manufacturer's equipment will be looked at, the author cannot and will not pretend to be impartial, and is therefore not totally objective. The autobiographic character of this paper will probably compel those doing extensive study in this area to obtain certain details elsewhere. Though, by following the Egyptian advice "trust in Allah, but tie up your camel", the problem of objectivity becomes relative.

This handbook deals in depth with thermodynamics and microelectronics and tries to make a constructive contribution in improving operation in general and economical operation in particular. Discussion of the facts and model applications from the field will help further development. As you will see there are many possibilities. In this respect, it is also a type of disclosure. However not in the sense of patent-rights, as you will hopefully excuse, because one can only reveal so much.

Thermodynamics and microelectronics are the keys to this technology and they will promote further advances if they are cunningly combined and if the resulting synergy is taken advantage of. The intelligence of microelectronics has quickened the retreat of chlorofluorocarbons from the refrigeration trade - at least from the sector described here. This intelligence has made the evaporation process more transparent and its control more effective. Furthermore, the increasing availability of suitable sensor equipment will make heat transfer inside and outside the refrigeration process easier to manage. Processor technology capable of interactive communication facilitates the transmission of digital instructions and information via satellite. These are prerequisites that do not need to be invented. It would be irresponsible to abstain from using the existing technology to achieve better energy efficiency.

we are facing ecological challenges and our grandchildren are going to ask embarrassing questions. The first lunar landing took place a whole generation ago and, according to the German comedian Loriot, humans are the only beings who can eat a warm meal while flying. So, should we not be able to do our work without harming the environment and contributing to the greenhouse effect? At least, let us try!

Peter Huber