Experimental air conditioning energy evaluation under Caribbean climate conditions

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
• Energy Systems Engineering
• HVAC Technology

Background:

• Mini-split air conditioning systems are widely used in tropical regions like the Caribbean.
• Understanding psychrometric conditions is key to optimizing HVAC energy performance.
• Energy efficiency in air conditioning is a growing global concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the energy performance of mini-split air conditioning systems under tropical Caribbean psychrometric conditions.
• To identify energy-saving opportunities through system parameter optimization.
• To investigate the influence of air inlet temperature, humidity, and fan speed on energy consumption.

Main Methods:

• A 2^3 factorial design was employed to systematically study system performance.
• Experiments were conducted simulating Tropical Caribbean climate conditions at the evaporator inlet.
• Data analysis focused on identifying significant interactions between key operational parameters.

Main Results:

• Significant interactions were found between air inlet temperature, air inlet humidity, and fan speed level affecting energy performance.
• The study identified specific psychrometric conditions where energy consumption is most sensitive to fan speed.
• A potential energy saving of approximately 10% was identified through optimized control strategies.

Conclusions:

• A targeted energy-saving control strategy is necessary for mini-split air conditioning in Caribbean climates.
• Developing a fan speed control scheme is recommended to enhance energy efficiency.
• Optimized fan speed control can lead to substantial energy savings in air conditioning units.