Effect of external air-conditioner units' heat release modes and positions on energy consumption in large public buildings

The heat released from the air-conditioners of large public buildings, which has long-term and far-reaching influences, not only changes the thermal environment surrounding the buildings but also profoundly impacts the air-conditioner energy consumption. In this paper, a quantitative evaluation of the impact of the heat release modes and positions of air-conditioner external units on both the environment surrounding the buildings and the air-conditioner energy consumption of large public buildings is conducted using a coupled simulation of convection, radiation and conduction and air-conditioner energy cost. Principles for external unit positions are explored as well.