Performance improvement of a split air conditioner by using an energy saving device

This study investigated the effect of an energy saving device (ESD) on the performance of a split-type air conditioner (SAC). The ESD was fabricated using a moisture-transferring and quick-drying textile (MTQDT), a condensate pipeline, and a distributor. The MTQDT was coated on the shell surface of the compressor to absorb the condensate expelled by a condensate pipeline and distributor to enable evaporative cooling of the compressor. The SAC was tested under various outdoor air conditions (29, 32, and 37°C; 55% relative humidity) and under a fixed indoor air condition (26°C; 50% relative humidity), and the performance of the SAC before and after ESD installation was compared. Results demonstrated that the MTQDT effectively improved compressor cooling and the efficiency of the SAC. Compared with the SAC without an ESD under the optimal condition, the shell temperature of the compressor, high-side pressure, and power consumption of the proposed SAC were 15.1°C, 2.7%, and 9.2% lower, respectively. Moreover, the dehumidification capacity and energy efficiency ratio of the proposed SAC were 25.4% and 7.3% higher, respectively.