Improving energy efficiency of split-type air conditioners by cooling the cooling air

Abstract

This study deals with an experiment to improve the energy efficiency of small split-type air conditioners by cooling the condenser air using water condensate resulting from dehumidification of air in the evaporator. The condensate was sprayed into the condenser air stream of an experimental air conditioning unit via a nozzle and small water pump driven by the condenser fan shaft. Energy consumption of the air conditioner was compared between two cases, namely running the air conditioner with and without condenser air cooling. It was found in this study that cooling the condenser air could reduce the power consumption by about 4%. It was also discovered that reducing the temperature of the condenser air by 1º C would reduce the energy consumption of the unit by 2.1%.