Theoretical research to improve the coefficient of performance of a multi-split air conditioning system with air cooling combined with evaporative cooling

Abstract

This paper presents the results of theoretical study on enhancing heat exchange in multi-split air-cooled air conditioning condensers by combining it with the evaporative cooling method to increase efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. Based on thermodynamic calculations of humid air and refrigeration cycle calculations, this study results show that enhancing condenser cooling combined with evaporative cooling is highly effective. If the ambient humidity decreases by 10%, the air temperature leaving the condenser with evaporative cooling decreases by 1.8°C, and the COP (Coefficient of Performance) increases by an average of 6%. In the weather conditions of the southern provinces of Vietnam, the COP of the air conditioning system with enhanced condenser cooling through evaporative cooling increases by an average of 16% compared to the case without enhanced heat exchange. The cost savings for a 4HP multi-capacity air conditioning system working for an average of 8 hours is 4,000 VND. The lower the ambient air humidity, the more effective it is to enhance condenser cooling with air combined with evaporative cooling.