August 9, 2005

Combining the world's most advanced air conditioning technologies with ancient-styled architecture, Carrier Corporation was selected to create a comfortable and protected environment for the Beijing Palace Museum in China. Carrier recently won the contract valued at US$350,000 to provide the air conditioning system for the Halls of Treasure and the Halls of Clocks at the museum.

Carrier will supply Modular Multi Systems (MMS) under its Toshiba Carrier brand for the two halls. More than 100 units, 25 outdoor units and 86 indoor units, will provide the cooling.

"We take great pride in being chosen as the air conditioning system supplier for this important project," said Philippe Delpech, vice president, Carrier China. "Carrier has a strong track record in historic preservation and this case was no exception. Our products met the stringent requirements of the two halls in temperature control, operational stability and safety."

For example, the Hall of Clocks preserves various ancient clocks that were collected during the Qing Dynasty more than 300 years ago. The building requires a high accuracy of temperature and humidity control in the exhibit area without damaging the displays or the structure of the historic building. "With a temperature error of only 0.5 degrees Celsius, the Toshiba Carrier units ensure a stable indoor environment for the treasures on display regardless of the climate outside," added Delpech.

Situated at the heart of Beijing and close to the Tian'anmen Square, the Palace Museum was established on the foundation of the Forbidden City. As many as 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties handled court affairs and lived at the palace. It boasts the largest and best-preserved ancient architecture complex in China, with a wealth of cultural relics and treasures.

"The treasures housed in the Palace Museum are priceless," said Zhang Kegui, Supervisor of the Museum's Machinery and Electric Department. "We are safeguarding a significant part of our country's history and we are so pleased that Carrier, understanding the importance of this project, could provide us with a solution that assures the preservation of these treasures for generations to come."

The Chinese government designated the Palace Museum one of the country's foremost protected architectural landmarks and ranks it as one of China's top tourist locations. It was also named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.