Increasing the efficiency of split type air conditioners/heat pumps by using ventilating exhaust air

Department of Air Conditioning, Heating, Gas Engineering and Air Protection, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, ul. C.K. Norwida 4/6, 50-373, Wrocław, Poland

^* Corresponding author: wojciech.cepinski@pwr.edu.pl, ORCID: 0000-0003-4294-0431, Paweł Szałański ORCID: 0000-0001-9263-3486

Abstract

The article presents the possibility of using exhaust air from ventilation system to increase the efficiency (SCOP, COP, SEER and EER) of commonly used air conditioners with the function of a heat pump. These types of devices are very popular both in residential and in public buildings. The topic discussed in the article is very important, because the widespread increase of the energy efficiency of these devices significantly influences national electricity consumption. The possibility of increasing their efficiency by directing the exhaust air from the ventilation system to the heat exchanger of the air conditioner outdoor unit has been analysed. It has been shown that the use of the simple design solution described in the article allows for a significant increase of the efficiency of these devices (seasonal efficiency even up to 35% at 100% share of exhaust air), reducing the energy consumption and increasing their capacity and operation range. By increasing the share of exhaust air it is possible to ensure year-round operation of the device and even 100% coverage of heat demand.