Unlocking energy savings and emissions reduction: A comparative study of fixed-speed and variable-speed room air conditioners in high ambient temperature environments
Second Author's Department
Mechanical Engineering Department
Third Author's Department
Mechanical Engineering Department
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https://doi.org/10.1080/23744731.2023.2291006
Document Type
Research Article
Publication Title
Science and Technology for the Built Environment
Publication Date
1-1-2024
doi
10.1080/23744731.2023.2291006
Abstract
Developing countries, particularly those with high ambient temperatures (HAT), are experiencing a surge in air conditioner (AC) installations. Fixed-speed ACs, which rely on on–off control, are the most used. However, fixed-speed ACs lack humidity control and experience compressor cycling, leading to poor thermal comfort and increased energy consumption. Variable-speed compressor technology eliminates compressor cycling, which increases the effective coefficient of performance, especially at part-load conditions. This study compares the transient performance of variable-speed and fixed-speed AC units in Cairo, Egypt, as an example of a HAT environment. During a 2-month experimental investigation, the variable-speed unit provided 41% electrical energy savings while maintaining a comfortable environment. Analytical modeling using a machine learning model trained by the experimental measurements predicted annual energy savings of 473 kWh/year and an overall electrical energy savings percentage of 30.5%. The study also explored different scenarios for implementing variable-speed ACs in Egypt, a developing HAT country. With a 60% market penetration for variable-speed AC as the most probable scenario, the electrical energy savings up to the year 2032 add to 1.33 TWh, leading to 79.3 million USD in cost savings and 2.64 MMT of CO2 emissions reduction.
First Page
153
Last Page
171
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Zaki, O.
El-Morsi, M.
&
Abdelaziz, O.
(2024). Unlocking energy savings and emissions reduction: A comparative study of fixed-speed and variable-speed room air conditioners in high ambient temperature environments. Science and Technology for the Built Environment, 30(2), 153–171.
10.1080/23744731.2023.2291006
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/faculty_journal_articles/6314
MLA Citation
Zaki, Omar M., et al.
"Unlocking energy savings and emissions reduction: A comparative study of fixed-speed and variable-speed room air conditioners in high ambient temperature environments." Science and Technology for the Built Environment, vol. 30,no. 2, 2024, pp. 153–171.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/faculty_journal_articles/6314
Comments
Article. Record derived from SCOPUS.