Effect of Temperature Differentials on Condensers of Split-Type Air Conditioners in Apartment Buildings

Analyzing the effects of heat rejection from condensers of split-type air-conditioning units at lower-floors of MLABs （multi-level apartment buildings）, using field measurements to monitor environmental conditions and condenser operation, revealed increases in the inlet air temperature at the condensers at the upper floors, which in turn increased the power and energy requirements for these units and decreased their cooling capacities. Results indicated that a decrease of up to 16,000 tons in cooling capacity and an increase of up to 67.2 MW in the national peak load demand might be reached for a 4 ℃ temperature differential for Kuwait conditions. It is recommended that the condensers be placed in the wind pathway to minimize the impact of heat rejection and stack effect and to optimize the operation of split-type air-conditioning units, and that other factors regarding installation setup and location are investigated.