energies

Article
Feasibility Study on Variable-Speed Air Conditioner
under Hot Climate based on Real-Scale Experiment
and Energy Simulation
Jaehun Lim 1,2 , Myung Sup Yoon 2 , Turki Al-Qahtani 3 and Yujin Nam 1, *
1 Department of Architectural Engineering, Pusan National University, 2 Busandaehak-ro 63, Geomjeong-gu,
Busan 46241, Korea; jake88@ktl.re.kr
2 Korea Testing Laboratory, 87, Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08389, Korea; msyun95@ktl.re.kr
3 Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization, Al Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Road,
Al Mohammadiyah, Riyadh 11471, Saudi Arabia; ts.alqahtani@saso.gov.sa
* Correspondence: namyujin@pusan.ac.kr; Tel.: +82-51-510-7652; Fax: +82-51-514-2230




Received: 19 March 2019; Accepted: 18 April 2019; Published: 19 April 2019


Abstract: It is well known that inverter-driven variable-speed compressor (or inverter) air conditioners
are more efficient than constant-speed compressor air conditioners. Therefore, most countries have
employed part-load assessment test standards such as ISO 16358, EN 14825 and ASHRAE 116 in
addition to the conventional ISO 5151 full-load test standard to appropriately evaluate the part-load
efficiencies of variable-speed air conditioners. However, many countries in the Middle East and
South America still use the ISO 5151 standard owing to policy or high- temperature environmental
considerations. In this study, we experimentally verify the energy saving effect of the inverter air
conditioner with respect to the constant-speed air conditioner under the Korean climate with distinct
temperature changes of four seasons and under the hot climate of Saudi Arabia throughout the
year. ISO 5151 defines test conditions for a single temperature, whereas ISO 16358, EN 14825 and
ASHRAE 116 simulate seasonal efficiencies using interpolation of several climate test results. Herein,
we directly employ the environmental changes during a day or season in a qualified test room with
specific dimension. Using extensive regional and seasonal climate data for Saudi Arabia and South
Korea, the changes in temperature conditions are applied directly to the outdoor side and appropriate
building cooling load conditions are applied to the indoor side of the air-enthalpy-type test room.
The energy savings of the inverter air conditioner were analyzed experimentally according to the
spatial and temporal temperature changes. The energy reduction effects of the inverter air conditioner
largely depended on the temperature and cooling load changes for a day or season. Furthermore, a
feasibility study based on an energy simulation showed that the variable-speed air conditioner could
be economical even in hot climates.

Keywords: energy saving; inverter air conditioner; energy efficiency; Saudi Arabia; Korea

1. Introduction
Air conditioners are essential not only in “hot” countries such as Saudi Arabia but also in Korea.
In Korea, air conditioners were luxury items until the 1980s, but gradually became popular since the
1990s. Nowadays, they are used in most homes owing to the increased temperatures in summer by
climate changes. The energy labelling program of air conditioners started in 1992 in Korea, as energy
resources were scarce and the demand for cooling energy in summer was a large portion of the total
electricity demand. In particular, the peak power demand management in summer was a big concern
every year.

Energies 2019, 12, 1489; doi:10.3390/en12081489 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2019, 12, 1489 2 of 14

Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil producer having approximately 20% of the world’s oil
reserves. Despite the supply of electricity by the abundant oil resources, the Saudi government has
been interested in energy conservation owing to the rapid industrialization and population increase in
the 2000s. Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production is not expected to rapidly increase. In addition, the
crude oil exports are expected to decrease with the increases in domestic demand. In this regard, Saudi
Arabia has mandated the minimum energy efficiency performance standard for room air conditioners
since 2013, as the autonomous Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) 2663/2007
standard has been amended to an enhanced compulsory SASO 2663/2012 standard [1].
The energy efficiency regulation of air-conditioners is applied in most countries, not only in
these two countries. The definition of energy efficiency of an air conditioner is largely managed by
two approaches based on the simple energy efficiency ratio (EER) by International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) 5151 and seasonal EER (SEER) by ISO 16358, European (EN) 14825 and ASHRAE
116 [2–5]. Manufacturers have carried out extensive technological studies to improve the performances
of air conditioners. One of the most notable approaches is the compressor technology. A compressor
control technology has been developed, which could vary the speed of the compressor in response
to a cooling load. It provides a high efficiency of the compressor such as a high efficiency of the
compressor motor section, reduction in the mechanical friction of the rotating section, and reduction
in the pressure loss of the refrigerant entering and exiting sections. The variable-speed compressor
(or inverter compressor) can reduce the operation cost, compared to the constant-speed compressor.
In this regard, we need to assess the efficiency of the air conditioner during a part-load operation.
Some countries in the Middle East and South America still prefer to use full-load evaluation
methods as the ISO 5151 full-load test is simple and the hot climate in most the seasons requires full
operation of the air conditioner. However, the winter period in Saudi Arabia does not require air
conditioning; in addition, some months before and after the summer peak require a part-load operation.
Several studies compared performance differences between constant-speed and variable-speed
air conditioners. Chen et al. [6] carried out a test in a specific-size real room with an operation start at a
pre-heated temperature and evaluated the effects of the product temperature setting and space heat
load. Yurtseven et al. [7] studied real office usage circumstances in a relatively long-term power input
measurement. Al-tamimi et al. [8] analyzed the thermal performance and energy consumptions of air
conditioner devices for two identical houses located in the Dhahran area of Saudi Arabia for one year.
Khatri et al. [9] carried out a long-term field test to compare the energy savings of two types of air
conditioners in two specific rooms in India. However, these studies did not analyze the performance
differences under controlled temperature variations and building cooling load variations in accurately
controlled test rooms.
In addition, the performances and economic efficiencies of the air conditioners have been
investigated. Wu et al. [10] contributed to the variable air conditioner efficiency standard by monitoring
the outdoor temperature distribution and operation time in China. Oropeza-Perez [11] analyzed the
economic efficiencies based on several variables such as the set temperature of the air-conditioner in
Mexico. Shah et al. [12] carried out a simple payback period analysis according to the efficiency and
type of the air conditioner in India.
In this study, we analyze the energy saving effects of inverter and constant-speed air conditioners
during the cooling periods in Saudi Arabia and South Korea. People usually think that no difference in
energy efficiency between constant-speed and inverter-type air conditioners exists in countries with
hot climates such as Saudi Arabia. However, few experimental studies based on dynamic energy
simulations of variable air conditioners were carried out. In this study, dynamic energy simulation
results are applied to a real-scale environmental test chamber. Using the test results, the energy
consumptions are compared and the suitability of the constant and variable-speed air conditioners are
analyzed. The energy usage of each air-conditioner under the laboratory environmental conditions is
evaluated by simulating the climate of South Korea where the four seasons are evenly distributed and
hot climate of Saudi Arabia throughout the year.
 Energies
Energies 2019,2019, 12, PEER
12 FOR 1489 REVIEW 3 of 14
Energies 2019, 12 FOR PEER REVIEW 3

2. Materials and Methods

2. Materials
Materials and
and Methods
2.1. Summary of the Experimental Approach
Summary of
2.1. Summary of the
the Experimental
Experimental Approach
In general, the condenser of the air-conditioner is installed at the outdoor side, while the
In is
general, condenser of the air-conditioner is installed at the outdoor side, while the
theat condenser
evaporator installed the indoor side of the building, as shown in Figure 1. As the outdoor and
evaporator is installed at the indoor side of the building, as shown in Figure 1. As the outdoor and
evaporator
indoor temperatures are not fixed, i.e., they vary with time, the performance of the air conditioner,
indoor temperatures are are not fixed, i.e., they
they vary
vary with
with time, thethe performance of of the air
air conditioner,
sensitive totemperatures
the temperature,not changes accordingly. In thistime,
regard, performance
a performance thetest ofconditioner,
the air
sensitiveisto the temperature, changes accordingly. In In this
this regard,
regard, aa performance
performance test of of the air
conditioner carried out in a calorimeter-type or air-enthalpy-type test room (Figure 2) test
where the
conditioner is carried out in a calorimeter-type or air-enthalpy-type
conditioner air-enthalpy-type test test room (Figure 2) where the
temperature environment is exactly controlled according to the ISO 5151 standard.
temperature environment is exactly controlled
controlled according
according to to the
the ISO
ISO 5151
5151 standard.
standard.

Figure 1. Basic
Figure model
Basic
1. Basic for the
model foranalysis.
the analysis.
analysis.
Figure 1. model for the

Figure
Figure 2. Air-enthalpy
2. Air-enthalpy type type test room
test room usedused forexperiment.
for the the experiment.
Figure 2. Air-enthalpy type test room used for the experiment.
Unlike
Unlike thethe(T(T out /T ) environmental setting of the ISO test methodology, we used the temperature
out/Tin) inenvironmental setting of the ISO test methodology, we used the
in theUnlike
temperature outdoor
in thetheside (Tand
outdoor out/Tin ) environmental
the
side building coolingsetting
and the building load
coolinginofthe the
load inISO
indoor thesidetest(Tout
indoor /qbuild
methodology,
side (T).outIn we
other
/qbuild used
other the
). Inwords, we
temperature
set the in
temperature the outdoor
of the side
outdoor and the
side building
for a cooling
simulation of load
the in
heat
words, we set the temperature of the outdoor side for a simulation of the heat reservoir outside andthe indoor
reservoir side
outside (T /q
and
out ). In
applied
build other
the
words,thewe
cooling
applied loadsetcondition
cooling theloadtemperature ofinthe
in the indoor
condition outdoor
side
the for aside
indoor sidefor
simulationfora simulation
of the heat
a simulation of infiltration
the
of theheatheat
reservoir outside
orinfiltration
generation. and
orT out

generation. Tout and qbuild were provided time-dependently. In the test setup, Tout(t) was realized by a or
applied
and qbuildthe cooling
were providedload condition in
time-dependently. the indoor
In the side
test for
setup, a simulation
T out (t) was of the
realized heat
by infiltration
a cooling coil
generation.
andcoil
cooling heater
andatTheater
the
out and atqbuild
thewere
outdoor provided
side,
outdoor while time-dependently.
side, qwhile
build (t)qbuild
was (t)implemented In the test
was implemented by asetup,
heater
by Tout
at(t)the
a heater was realized
atindoor
the byas
side,
indoor a
side,cooling
shown
as shown coil
in inand
Figure heater
2. The
Figure at the
largest
2. The outdoor
difference
largest side,was
difference while
thatqthat
was build(t)
the thewas
cooling implemented
coil coil
cooling at the theby
at indoor a side
indoorheater didatnot
side theoperate
did indoor
not
operate and the refrigeration function was operated only by the indoor test unit (air-conditioner not
side, as shown in Figure 2. The largest difference was that the cooling coil at the indoor side did
operate and the refrigeration function was operated only by the indoor test unit (air-conditioner
heater, which could be easily controlled and had a quick response.

2.2. Air-Enthalpy-Type Test Room Specifications

The Korea/International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) accredited facility
Energies
following 12, 1489
2019,the ISO5151 standard was used as the air-enthalpy test room (Figure 3). The maximum 4 of 14

cooling capacity that could be measured was 18,600 W. The inner dimensions (W × D × H) of the
outdoor and indoor rooms were 4.1 m × 4.8 m × 3.6 m and 5.7 m × 4.8 m × 3.6 m, respectively. H
and the refrigeration function was operated only by the indoor test unit (air-conditioner indoor unit).
included an upper airflow passage above the punched ceiling. The walls of the test room were 75
Therefore, the temperature of the indoor room was decreased by the operation of the air conditioner
mm poly-urethane panels. The main instruments were shown in Table 1.
while the target temperature was set. The wall of the test room minimized heat penetration and air
leakage from the outside with the use of a sufficient thermal insulation material; the relevant test room
Table 1. Measurement error of measuring equipment.
specification is described in Section 2.2.
In order toItem
measure the energy Model
consumptionManufacturer Measurement
in each case (constant andUncertainty
variable-speed air
Temperature (RTD) Pt100 CHINO ±0.1 °C
conditioners), the outdoor temperature changes (Tout (t)) and indoor cooling load changes (qbuild (t))
±0.6 V
were applied in the air-enthalpy test
Power consumption
room shown Yokogawa
WT230 in Figure 2. The outdoor±0.04 temperature
A
data were
applied for the capital cities of Saudi Arabia and South
KDY-AC Korea during the cooling
Light star ±1.1 W season, while the
cooling load data were obtained by DA100
Data logger TRNSYS modeling.
Yokogawa 0.05% of reading, 2 digits
As the latent heat in the cooling load cannot be easily experimentally controlled according to the
2.3.
time,Heat
theBalance Evaluation
latent heat of the Air-Enthalpy-Type
was included Test Room
in the sensible heat. under the
The cooling Steady
load wasState
simulated by a heater,
which could be easily controlled and had a quick response.
In order to experimentally implement qbuild(t), it was necessary to evaluate the heating
components affecting the both inside and outside of the test room. As shown in Figure 2, the heat
2.2. Air-Enthalpy-Type Test Room Specifications
generation element in the test room was not only the heater, but also the turbo, air handling unit
(AHU) Theand
Korea/International
air sampler fans.Laboratory Accreditation
In addition, Cooperation
heat penetration from (ILAC) accredited
the outside of thefacility following
test room wall
the ISO The
existed. 5151heat
standard was
balance of used as room
the test the air-enthalpy
was comparedtest room
between (Figure 3). Thecomponents
the heating maximum cooling
in each
capacity that could
configuration be measured
and cooling wasof18,600
capacity the airW. The inner dimensions (W × D × H) of the outdoor and
conditioner.
indoor rooms were 4.1 m × 4.8 m × 3.6 m and
Based on the measurement for each component, 5.7 m × 4.8the × 3.6 heat
m total generation H
m, respectively. included
was compared an upper
with
airflow
the passage
tested coolingabove the punched
capacity of the air ceiling. The walls
conditioner, of the
as shown in test
Tableroom were the
2, under 75 mm
steadypoly-urethane
state before
panels. The main instruments
the time-dependent simulationwere
tests.shown in Table 1.

(a) (b)
Air-enthalpy-type test room: (a)
Figure 3. Air-enthalpy-type (a) Korea/International
Korea/International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
(ILAC) accredited chamber; (b) test sample.
sample.

Table 1. Measurement error of measuring equipment.

Item Model Manufacturer Measurement Uncertainty

Temperature (RTD) Pt100 CHINO ±0.1 ◦ C
±0.6 V
WT230 Yokogawa
Power consumption ±0.04 A
KDY-AC Light star ±1.1 W
Data logger DA100 Yokogawa 0.05% of reading, 2 digits

2.3. Heat Balance Evaluation of the Air-Enthalpy-Type Test Room under the Steady State
In order to experimentally implement qbuild (t), it was necessary to evaluate the heating components
affecting the both inside and outside of the test room. As shown in Figure 2, the heat generation
element in the test room was not only the heater, but also the turbo, air handling unit (AHU) and air
sampler fans. In addition, heat penetration from the outside of the test room wall existed. The heat
balance of the test room was compared between the heating components in each configuration and
cooling capacity of the air conditioner.
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 5 of 14

Based on the measurement for each component, the total heat generation was compared with the
tested cooling capacity of the air conditioner, as shown in Table 2, under the steady state before the
time-dependent simulation tests.

Table 2. Measurement results of the test room components.

Categories Description Measured (W) Total (W)

Cooling capacity
5680 ± 5 5680 ± 5
Test unit (Sensible)
Cooling capacity
231 ± 10 231 ± 10
(latent)
Heater (EH ) 4175 ± 100
AHU’s fan (EAF ) 1150 ± 20
Indoor room heating
Turbo fan (ETF ) 250 ± 10 5760 ± 145
components
Heat penetration 15 ± 5
Air sampler fan 170 ± 10
Condensate - 213 ± 10 213 ± 10

During the simulation test described below, the variable components such as the heater, AHU fan
and turbo fan were measured in real time with a power meter. By adjusting the power consumption of
each component affecting the cooling load in real time, the time-variant building cooling load could be
provided in the indoor side of the test room.

2.4. Climates in Korea and Saudi Arabia

Korea is located in the mid-latitude temperate climatic zone; the four seasons, spring, summer,
fall, and winter are conspicuous. In winter (December–February), it is cold and dry under the
influence of the continental air from northern China and Siberia. In summer (June–August), hot and
humid weather is observed, attributed to the Pacific atmospheric pressure. In spring (March–May)
and autumn (September–November), many sunny days are observed owing to the influence of the
migratory anticyclone.
The climate of Saudi Arabia is characterized by high temperatures during the day and low
temperatures during the night. Most of the country follows the pattern of the desert climate, except
the southwest region having a semi-arid climate [13].
Table 3 shows the distributions of the monthly temperatures in Seoul and Riyadh, the capital cities
of South Korea and Saudi Arabia, respectively [14,15]. In Seoul and Riyadh, the cooling seasons are
June–September and March–November, respectively. In both cities, continuous air conditioning is not
required for all the cooling periods. In Seoul, the air conditioners operate intermittently throughout
the cooling period. In Riyadh, the air conditioners operate intermittently in March, April, September,
October and November.

Table 3. Temperatures in Seoul and Riyadh (average high, daily mean, average low). *

City Temp. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
High (◦ C) 2 5 10 18 23 27 29 30 26 20 12 4
Seoul Mean (◦ C) −2 0 6 13 18 22 25 26 21 15 7 0
Low (◦ C) −6 −3 2 8 13 18 22 22 17 10 3 −3
High (◦ C) 19 23 27 32 38 41 43 42 40 34 27 22
Riyadh Mean (◦ C) 14 17 21 27 32 34 36 36 33 28 22 17
Low (◦ C) 11 15 21 26 28 29 27 26 20 16 11 9
* Climate data from Wikipedia (“Climate of Seoul”, “Climate of Saudi Arabia”); originally from the Weather base.
multi-zone module by applying a Meteonorm climate (for 20 years average temperature). Based on
the transfer function method, a dynamic thermal energy analysis was performed in consideration of
various types of complex heat gain occurring in space and associated radiation, convection, heat
storage and heat dissipation of equipment [16,17]. The TRNSYS energy rate control method was
used to analyze the seasonal building cooling load. Modules of type 15-2, type 56, TRNSYS
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 6 of 14
three-dimensional (3D) plugin and Google SketchUp were utilized. We set a single zone of the same
size in Seoul and Riyadh; however, the size of the window was set according to each country (Figure
4).
2.5.The architectural
Summary style
of Energy changes according
Simulations to theCoolong
for the Building life andLoad
environment aspect, and various studies
are being conducted on this [18,19]. However, the comparison in the form of the same building is
The TRNSYS program (version 17) was used to obtain the building cooling load for the cooling
likely to be suitable for comparing the energy consumption by the type of air conditioner of this
periods. We applied the meteorological data of Seoul and Riyadh for several years embedded in the
study. The Saudi households typically use small windows to block direct solar radiation. The
TRNSYS program. TRNSYS (TRaNsient SYSTem Simulation), which is widely used as a building load
properties of glass and wall materials were applied by referring to the Korea’s architectural
calculation program, was developed by SEL (Solar Energy Lab) of University of Wisconsin, USA. The
regulation notice and Saudi’s paper [20,21]. The room temperature in the TRNSYS simulation was
calculation algorithm of building load in TRNSYS is based on ISO 13790 and ISO 7730. Simulation for
set to 26 °C, which was the same as the air-conditioner temperature setting during the experiment.
estimating the heating and cooling load on the building was performed through type 56. A multi-zone
The recommended room temperature is different for each country. In the case of Korea, 26 °C is
building analysis module of the TRNSYS program. Multi-zone module includes building properties
recommended according to the "Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport", and 23–25 °C are
such as geometric dimensions and wall configuration data and windows. In this module, the heat
recommended according to the government guidelines in Saudi Arabia. For an equal comparison,
transfer by conduction, convection and radiation, heat gains were calculated considering the presence
we set the temperature as 26 °C in this study [20,22].
of occupants and equipment, and the storage of heat in the room air and building mass. Furthermore,
According to ISO 7730, heat from the human body under light work circumstance is 65 W for
it is possible for the temperature, solar radiation, bearing etc. to multi-zone module by applying a
sensible heat and 55 W for a latent per person [23].
Meteonorm climate (for 20 years average temperature). Based on the transfer function method, a
The building components for the TRNSYS simulation in Seoul and Riyadh are summarized in
dynamic thermal energy analysis was performed in consideration of various types of complex heat
Table 4.
gain occurring in space and associated radiation, convection, heat storage and heat dissipation of
equipment [16,17]. TheTable TRNSYS energysimulation
4. TRNSYS rate control method in
conditions was used
Seoul and toRiyadh.
analyze the seasonal building
cooling load. Modules of type 15-2, type 56, TRNSYS three-dimensional (3D) plugin and Google
Input variables Seoul Riyadh
SketchUp were utilized. We set a single zone of the same size in Seoul and Riyadh; however, the
Space (single zone) 10 m × 8 m × 2.5 m 10 m × 8 m × 2.5 m
size of the Window
window was set according to each country (Figure
60% of the southern wall area—15 m2 4). The architectural style
30% of the southern wall area—7.5 changes
m2
according to the life and environment Located aspect,between
and various
floors studies are being conducted
Located betweenon this [18,19].
floors
Floor of space
However, the comparison in the form (Upofand
thedown
same insulations)
building is likely to be (Up and down
suitable forinsulations)
comparing the
Glass 1.20 W/m2K 1.720 W/m2K
energy consumption by the type of air conditioner of this study. The Saudi households typically
Wall 0.21 W/m2K 0.345 W/m2K
use small
Room windows
temperature to block direct solar26radiation.
& humidity °C & 60 %R.H. The properties of glass 26 and°C wall materials were
& 60%R.H.
applied by referring
Heating to the Korea’s architectural
& Light element regulation
25 W/m 2 notice and Saudi’s paper 25 W/m[20,21].
2 The room
4 persons ◦
temperature in the TRNSYS simulation was set to 26 C, which was the same as the air-conditioner 4 persons
temperaturePersons
setting during the experiment.(Sensible: 65 W / person
The recommended room temperature (Sensible: 65 W / person
is different for each
◦ Latent: 55 W/person) Latent: 55 W/person)
country. InInfiltration
the case of Korea, 26 C is recommended 0.4 (1/h) according to the "Ministry of0.4 (1/h) Infrastructure
Land,
and Transport", ◦
and 23–25 C are recommended
Ventilation 0.6 (1/h)according to the government0.6 guidelines
(1/h) in Saudi
Arabia. For an equal comparison, we set the temperature as 26 ◦ C in this study [20,22].

(a) (b)
Figure 4. Models of households in (a) Seoul and (b) Riyadh.

According toof ISO

2.6. Specifications 7730, heatAir
the Compared from the human body under light work circumstance is 65 W for
Conditioners
sensible heat and 55 W for a latent per person [23].
The building components for the TRNSYS simulation in Seoul and Riyadh are summarized in
Table 4.
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 7 of 14

Table 4. TRNSYS simulation conditions in Seoul and Riyadh.

Input variables Seoul Riyadh

Space (single zone) 10 m × 8 m × 2.5 m 10 m × 8 m × 2.5 m
Window 60% of the southern wall area—15 m2 30% of the southern wall area—7.5 m2
Located between floors Located between floors
Floor of space
(Up and down insulations) (Up and down insulations)
Glass 1.20 W/m2 K 1.720 W/m2 K
Wall 0.21 W/m2 K 0.345 W/m2 K
Room temperature & humidity 26 ◦ C & 60%R.H. 26 ◦ C & 60%R.H.
Heating & Light element 25 W/m2 25 W/m2
4 persons 4 persons
Persons (Sensible: 65 W/person Latent: (Sensible: 65 W/person Latent:
55 W/person) 55 W/person)
Infiltration 0.4 (1/h) 0.4 (1/h)
Ventilation 0.6 (1/h) 0.6 (1/h)

2.6. Specifications of the Compared Air Conditioners

For the comparison test of constant and variable-speed air conditioners in the test room, products
with similar specifications were selected (Table 5). The two products had similar capacities, power
inputs and EERs with relative differences within 5%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
energy saving effects of the variable-speed air conditioner in real climate conditions even though the
specifications were similar to those of the constant-speed air conditioner. To operate under the Korean
and hot Saudi Arabian climates, hot-climate (T3) air conditioners were employed.

Table 5. Specifications of the constant and variable-speed air conditioners.

Contents Constant Speed Variable Speed

Electricity Single phase, 230 V, 60 Hz Single phase, 230 V, 60 Hz
Rated cooling capacity (T1 climate) 5130 W 5275 W
Rated power input (T1 climate) 1520 W 1,490 W
Rated current (T1 climate) 6.8 A 6.7 A
EER (T1 climate) 3.375 W/W 3.540 W/W
Cooling capacity (T3 climate) 4420 W 4484 W
Power input (T3 climate) 1820 W 1754 W
Current (T3 climate) 8.14 A 7.8 A
EER (T3 climate) 2.429 W/W 2.556 W/W
Maximum power input 2610 W 2900 W
Maximum current 11.68 A 14.0 A
Refrigerant R410a, 0.85 kg R410a, 0.95 kg
Product type Wall mount split type Wall mount split type
Annual energy consumption by
4104 kWh/year 4023 kWh/year
SASO energy label

3. Results

3.1. Simulation Results

Before the experiments with the constant and variable-speed (inverter) air conditioners, TRNSYS
simulations were carried out for building cooling loads under Seoul and Riyadh temperature conditions
(Figures 5b and 6b). As the TRNSYS program contained long-term data (more than 10 years), it seemed
that the recent temperature increase owing to global warming is buried in Figures 5a and 6a. Therefore,
it seemed that 1–3 ◦ C were underestimated compared with the climate felt nowadays. The building
cooling loads of Seoul and Riyadh have maximum values of approximately 4000 W in August. The
two cities have similar maximum building loads as the humidity in summer is very low in Riyadh and
very high in Seoul.
temperature conditions (Figures 5b and 6b). As the TRNSYS program contained long-term data
(more than 10 years), it seemed that the recent temperature increase owing to global warming is
buried in Figures 5a and 6a. Therefore, it seemed that 1–3 °C were underestimated compared with
the climate felt nowadays. The building cooling loads of Seoul and Riyadh have maximum values of
approximately
Energies 4000 W in August. The two cities have similar maximum building loads as
2019, 12, 1489 8 ofthe
14
humidity in summer is very low in Riyadh and very high in Seoul.
o
( C) (W)

40 4,000

Cooling Load
Temperature

30 3,000

20 2,000

Jun Jul
Aug Sep Jun Jul
10 1,000 Aug Sep

0 0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Daily hour(h) Daily hour(h)
(a) (b)
2019, 5.
Figure
Energies 5. (a)
12 FOR Seoul
(a)PEER outdoor
Seoul temperatures;
outdoor
REVIEW (b) Seoul
temperatures; building
(b) Seoul coolingcooling
building loads obtained by the TRNSYS
loads obtained by the 8
simulation.
TRNSYS simulation.
o
( C) (W)

40 4,000
Temperature

Cooling Load

30 3,000

20 2,000

Mar Jun Sep Mar Jun Sep

10 1,000 Oct
Apr Jul Oct Apr Jul
May Aug Nov May Aug Nov

0 0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Daily hour(h) Daily hour(h)

(a) (b)
Figure 6.6. (a)
Figure (a) Riyadh outdoor temperatures;
Riyadh outdoor temperatures; (b) Riyadh building
(b) Riyadh building cooling
cooling loads
loads obtained
obtained by
by the
the
TRNSYS simulation.
TRNSYS simulation.

3.2.
3.2. Experimental
Experimental Results
Results
Figures
Figures 7–9
7–9 show
show experimental
experimental results
results for
for comparison
comparison of of the
the constant-speed
constant-speed and and inverter
inverter airair
conditioners.
conditioners. TheTheindoor
indoorbuilding
buildingloads and and
loads outdoor temperatures
outdoor were consistent
temperatures with the with
were consistent TRNSYS the
simulation results (circle
TRNSYS simulation points
results (circleand rectangular
points in the figures).
and rectangular The indoor
in the figures). building
The indoor loads loads
building were
experimentally implemented through the heater at the upper end of the AHU,
were experimentally implemented through the heater at the upper end of the AHU, as shown in as shown in Figure 2,
where
Figure the powers
2, where theofpowers
other heating
of other elements (e.g., AHU
heating elements (e.g.,and
AHUturbo
andfans)
turboinfans)
the indoor side were
in the indoor side
simultaneously measured and the test was controlled by the AHU heater. The dotted
were simultaneously measured and the test was controlled by the AHU heater. The dotted lines with lines with small
oscillations represented the indoor roomroomtemperature which varied in the ± 1.5 ◦ C as
small oscillations represented the indoor temperature which varied inrange of 26.0
the range of 26.0 ± 1.5 °C
the test product temperature was set at 26 ◦ C. Both the constant-speed and inverter air conditioners
as the test product temperature was set at 26 °C. Both the constant-speed and inverter air
were automatically
conditioners operated during
were automatically the experiments
operated during theand only the indoor
experiments and onlybuilding loadbuilding
the indoor and outdoor
load
temperature
and outdoorwere applied were
temperature according
appliedto the TRNSYS
according tosimulation
the TRNSYS results.
simulation results.
The largest difference in the graph is the variation in the power input. The constant-speed air
conditioner exhibited simple on/off control whereas the inverter (variable speed) air conditioner
exhibited changes corresponding to the building load or outdoor temperature. In the case of the
inverter air conditioner in Riyadh, the power input in May was highly activated during the daytime
(12–19 h), whereas it was activated at any time in August. In the hottest season (August) in Riyadh
and Seoul, the building loads were similar under the considered simulation conditions (Section 3.1).
o o
(W) ( C) (W) ( C)
Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a)) Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a))
5,000 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(b)) 60 5,000 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(b)) 60
Outdoor temperature(Tout) Outdoor temperature(Tout)
Indoor cooling load(qbuild) 50 Indoor cooling load(qbuild) 50
4,000 Indoor temperature(T ) 4,000 Indoor temperature(T )
 The largest difference in the graph is the variation in the power input. The constant-speed air
conditioner exhibited simple on/off control whereas the inverter (variable speed) air conditioner
exhibited changes corresponding to the building load or outdoor temperature. In the case of the
inverter air conditioner in Riyadh, the power input in May was highly activated during the daytime
(12–19
Energies h),12,
2019, whereas
1489 it was activated at any time in August. In the hottest season (August) in Riyadh
9 of 14
and Seoul, the building loads were similar under the considered simulation conditions (Section 3.1).
o o
(W) ( C) (W) ( C)
Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a)) Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a))
5,000 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(b)) 60 5,000 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(b)) 60
Outdoor temperature(Tout) Outdoor temperature(Tout)
Indoor cooling load(qbuild) 50 Indoor cooling load(qbuild) 50
4,000 Indoor temperature(Tin) 4,000 Indoor temperature(Tin)
Power Input Power Input
40 40
3,000 3,000
30 30
2,000 2,000
20 20

1,000 1,000
10 10

0 0 0 0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 0 4 8 12 16 20 24
Daily hour(h) Daily hour(h)

(a)
Energies 2019, 12 FOR PEER REVIEW (b) 9
Energies 2019, 12 FOR PEER REVIEW 9
Figure
Figure 7.7.Experimental
Experimentalresults
results for
for Riyadh
Riyadh in
in May:
May:(a)
(a)Constant
Constantspeed;
speed;(b)(b)
variable speed.
variable speed.
o o
(W) ( C) (W) ( C)
Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a)) o
Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.6(a)) o
(W) C)
( 60 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS result C)
( 60
5,000 Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(TRNSYS result
temperature(TRNSYS resultfrom
fromFig.6(b))
Fig.6(a))
(W)
5,000 Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS resultfrom
fromFig.6(b))
Fig.6(a))
Outdoor temperature(T ) result from Fig.6(b)) 60 Outdoor
Indoor temperature(T
cooling load(TRNSYS ) result from Fig.6(b)) 60
5,000 Indoor cooling load(TRNSYS out 5,000 out
Indoor cooling load(q ) Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(qbuild))
temperature(T
Outdoor temperature(T build ) 50 out 50
Indoorcooling
Indoor temperature(T )
load(qbuild
out
Indoorcooling
Indoor temperature(T )
load(qbuild
in )
in )
4,000 4,000
50 Power temperature(T
Input 50
4,000 Power Input
Indoor temperature(Tin) 4,000 Indoor in
)
Power Input 40 Power Input 40
3,000 40 3,000 40
3,000 30 3,000 30
2,000 30 30
2,000
2,000 20 2,000 20
20 20
1,000 1,000
10 10
1,000 1,000
10 10
0 0 0 0
0 0 4 8 12 16 20 240 0 0 4 8 12 16 20 240
0 4 8 Daily12
hour(h)16 20 24 0 4 8 Daily12
hour(h)16 20 24
Daily hour(h) Daily hour(h)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 8. Experimental results for Riyadh in August: (a) Constant speed; (b) variable speed.
Figure
Figure 8. 8.Experimental
Experimentalresults
resultsfor
for Riyadh
Riyadh in
in August:
August: (a)
(a)Constant
Constantspeed;
speed;(b)(b)
variable speed.
variable speed.
o o
(W) ( C) (W) ( C)
Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.5(a)) o Outdoor temperature(TRNSYS result from Fig.5(a)) o
(W) ( 60
C) (W) C)
( 60
5,000 Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(TRNSYS result
temperature(TRNSYS resultfrom
fromFig.5(b))
Fig.5(a)) 5,000 Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(TRNSYS result
temperature(TRNSYS resultfrom
fromFig.5(b))
Fig.5(a))
5,000 Outdoor
Indoor temperature(T
cooling load(TRNSYS out
) result from Fig.5(b)) 60 5,000 Outdoor
Indoor temperature(T
cooling load(TRNSYSout
) result from Fig.5(b)) 60
Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(qbuild))
temperature(T Indoor cooling
Outdoor load(qbuild))
temperature(T
out 50 out 50
4,000 Indoor cooling
Indoor temperature(T )
load(qbuild
in ) 4,000 Indoor cooling
Indoor temperature(T )
load(qbuild
in )
Power temperature(T
Input 50 50
4,000 Indoor ) 4,000 Powertemperature(T
Indoor Input )
in in
Power Input 40 Power Input 40
3,000 40 3,000 40
3,000 30 3,000 30
30 2,000 30
2,000
2,000 20 2,000 20
20 20
1,000 1,000
10 10
1,000 1,000
10 10
0 0 0 0
0 0 4 8 12 16 20 240 0 0 4 8 12 16 20 240
0 4 8 Daily12
hour(h)16 20 24 0 4 8 Daily12
hour(h)16 20 24
Daily hour(h) Daily hour(h)
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 9. 9. Experimentalresults
Experimental resultsfor
forSeoul
Seoul in
in August:
August: (a)
(a)Constant
Constantspeed;
speed;(b)
(b)variable
variablespeed.
speed.
Figure 9. Experimental results for Seoul in August: (a) Constant speed; (b) variable speed.
However
The largest the power variations
difference in the graphwereis different owingintothe
the variation the power
outdoorinput.
temperature differences.
The constant-speed
However the power variations were different owing to the outdoor temperature differences.
airAlthough
conditionertheexhibited
building cooling
simple loads
on/offwere similar
control in this
whereas thestudy, the (variable
inverter outdoor temperature in Saudi
speed) air conditioner
Although
Arabia was thesignificantly
building cooling
higherloads
than were insimilar
thatbuilding inUsually,
Korea.loadthis study, the outdoor
the outdoor unit temperature
of theInairthe in Saudi
conditioner
exhibited changes corresponding to the or outdoor temperature. case of the
Arabia was significantly
was affected higher
by the dry-bulb than that inrather
temperature Korea. Usually, the outdoortemperature
unit of the air conditioner
inverter air conditioner in Riyadh, the power inputthan by the
in May was wet-bulb
highly activated in the
during theoutdoor
daytime
was affected by the dry-bulb temperature rather than by the wet-bulb temperature
test room during the cooling test in which no condensation on the outdoor unit heat exchanger in the outdoor
test
wasroom during the cooling test in which no condensation on the outdoor unit heat exchanger
observed.
was observed.
The power inputs in the above graph could be averaged to obtain the daily average power
The power
consumption. inputs
Table in thetheabove
6 shows graph
monthly could
power be averaged
consumption, to obtain
obtained the daily average
by multiplying 30 (days) power
with
consumption. Table 6 shows the monthly power consumption, obtained by multiplying
the daily average power consumption. During the cooling seasons of Seoul (four months) and Riyadh 30 (days) with
the daily average power consumption. During the cooling seasons of Seoul (four months) and Riyadh
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 10 of 14

(12–19 h), whereas it was activated at any time in August. In the hottest season (August) in Riyadh
and Seoul, the building loads were similar under the considered simulation conditions (Section 3.1).
However the power variations were different owing to the outdoor temperature differences.
Although the building cooling loads were similar in this study, the outdoor temperature in Saudi
Arabia was significantly higher than that in Korea. Usually, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner was
affected by the dry-bulb temperature rather than by the wet-bulb temperature in the outdoor test room
during the cooling test in which no condensation on the outdoor unit heat exchanger was observed.
The power inputs in the above graph could be averaged to obtain the daily average power
consumption. Table 6 shows the monthly power consumption, obtained by multiplying 30 (days) with
the daily average power consumption. During the cooling seasons of Seoul (four months) and Riyadh
(nine months), the monthly power consumptions of the constant- and variable-speed air conditioners
were compared (Figures 10 and 11). Considering the air conditioners’ specifications in Table 5, the
variable-speed air conditioner had a higher EER than that of the constant-speed air conditioner by
approximately 5%. Therefore, the relative difference was subtracted by –5% in Table 6. In Riyadh,
the variable-speed air conditioner has a smaller energy consumption by 18.3% in August and 47.1%
in November. This implies that the variable-speed air conditioner provides a higher energy saving
than that of the constant-speed air conditioner in the part-load condition. Seoul in August is less hot
than Riyadh (Figures 5a and 6a), which leads to a larger energy saving (36.3%) of the variable-speed
air conditioner. In Saudi Arabia and Korea, total inverter energy savings of 28.9% and 44.5% were
Energies 2019, 12 FOR PEER REVIEW 10
achieved during the cooling season, respectively. These results were very similar to those in the
study for
28.9% andIstanbul and Saudi
44.5% were Arabia,
achieved where
during theenergy savings
cooling of 11–38%
season, and 22–50%,
respectively. respectively,
These results were
were very
obtained for an inverter air conditioner in a real office usage [6,8].
similar to those in the study for Istanbul and Saudi Arabia, where energy savings of 11–38% and 22–
50%, respectively, were obtained for an inverter air conditioner in a real office usage [6,8].
Table 6. Monthly power consumption (kWh) during the cooling season.

City Table 6. Monthly

Air Conditioner Type power
Mar. consumption
Apr. May.(kWh)
Jun. during
Jul. theAug.
coolingSep.
season.
Oct. Nov. Tot.
City AirConstant
Conditioner Type
speed Mar.
- Apr.
- May.
- Jun.
341 Jul.
490 Aug.
542 Sep.
319 Oct.
- Nov.
- Tot.
1692
Constant
Variable speed
speed -- -- -- 341
150 490
249 542
318 319
138 -- -- 1692
855
Seoul Variable speed -- -- -- 150 249 318 138 -- -- 855
Seoul (Con.-Var.)/Con. × 100% 56.0 49.2 41.3 56.7 49.5
(Con.-Var.)/Con. × 100%
−5% compensation -- -- -- 56.0
51.0 49.2
44.2 41.3
36.3 56.7
51.7 -- -- 49.5
44.5
−5% compensation - - - 51.0 44.2 36.3 51.7 - - 44.5
Constant speed 305 421 603 672 745 747 595 470 330 4888
Constant speed 305 421 603 672 745 747 595 470 330 4888
Variable speed 149 237 395 459 529 573 435 298 158 3233
Riyadh Variable speed 149 237 395 459 529 573 435 298 158 3233
Riyadh (Con.-Var.)/Con. × 100% 51.1 43.7 34.5 31.7 28.9 23.3 26.9 36.6 52.1 33.9
(Con.-Var.)/Con. × 100% 51.1 43.7 34.5 31.7 28.9 23.3 26.9 36.6 52.1 33.9
−5% compensation
−5% compensation
46.1
46.1
38.7
38.7
29.5
29.5
26.7
26.7
23.9
23.9
18.3
18.3
21.9
21.9
31.6
31.6
47.1
47.1
28.9
28.9

800 Constant speed

Power consumption[kWh]

700 Variable speed

600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep.
Month

Figure 10.
Figure Monthlypower
10. Monthly powerconsumption
consumptionduring
during the
the cooling
cooling season
season in
in Seoul.
Seoul.

Constant speed
800
Variable speed
wer consumption[kWh]

700
600
500
400
300
200
 200

Powe
100
0
Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep.
Month
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 11 of 14
Figure 10. Monthly power consumption during the cooling season in Seoul.

Constant speed
800
Variable speed

Power consumption[kWh]
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov.
Month

Figure 11. Monthly

Monthly power
power consumption during the cooling season in Riyadh.

3.3. Economic
3.3. Economic Analysis
Analysis
In Korea,
In most of
Korea, most of the
the household
household airair conditioners
conditioners in in the
the market are inverters
market are inverters and
and thethe actual
actual
operation time is supposed to be remarkably different from the test condition. As
operation time is supposed to be remarkably different from the test condition. As the electricity the electricity rates
in Korea
rates are high,
in Korea are the conditioners
high, do not do
the conditioners operate during during
not operate the whole
theday, butday,
whole onlybut
when it iswhen
only very ithot.
is
very hot. However, we carried out an economic analysis in both countries. The resultsanalysis
However, we carried out an economic analysis in both countries. The results of the economic of the
were basedanalysis
economic on the experimental
were based onresults.
the experimental results.
Based on a simple payback
Based on a simple payback period period analysis, the initial
analysis, the investment and running
initial investment and costs werecosts
running calculated
were
to compare the economic benefits of the different types of air conditioners.
calculated to compare the economic benefits of the different types of air conditioners.
The initial
The initial investment
investment costcost was
was the
the average
average price
price of
of anan 18,000
18,000 British-thermal-unit (BTU)/h air
British-thermal-unit (BTU)/h air
conditioner sold in Korea and in Saudi Arabia; the annual operation cost was calculated
conditioner sold in Korea and in Saudi Arabia; the annual operation cost was calculated based on based on the
monthly power consumption (Tables 7 and 8). To calculate the annual operation cost, electricity rates
proposed by the power authorities of both countries were employed [24,25].

Table 7. Calculation results of the simple payback period (Seoul).

Running Cost
Categories Initial Cost (USD) Payback Period (Years)
(USD/year)
Constant speed 727 291 Basis
Variable speed 1182 104 2.5

Table 8. Calculation results of the simple payback period (Riyadh).

Running Cost
Categories Initial Cost (USD) Payback Period (Years)
(USD/year)
Constant speed 432 238 Basis
Variable speed 635 157 2.5

The results of the economic analysis for both types (constant, variable) of air conditioners are
shown in Figure 12.
period for the compressor), in Korea and Saudi Arabia, the inverter air conditioner is 1400 USD and
600 USD more economical than the constant-speed air conditioner, respectively.
A total of 21 million of split and window air conditioners are used in Saudi Arabia, while the
inverter type is rarely used owing to its high initial cost. If all of the constant-type air conditioners
were replaced
Energies by inverter-type air conditioners, the power consumption could be reduced by
2019, 12, 1489 34.8
12 of 14
TWh per year (the average electric consumption can be obtained by the employed models) [26].

4000 4000

3500 3500

3000 3000
Cost(USD)

Cost(USD)
2500 2500
2000 2000
1500 1500
Costant speed Costant speed
1000 2.5 years 1000
Variable speed 2.5 years Variable speed
500 500
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Year Year
(a) (b)
Figure 12.
Figure 12. Periods of recovery
Periods of recovery of
of the
the initial
initial investment:
investment: (a)
(a) Korea;
Korea; (b)
(b) Saudi
Saudi Arabia.
Arabia.

4. Conclusions
With respect to the constant-speed air conditioner, the payback period of the inverter type was
2.5 years in both countries. For the whole lifetime (10 years, assumed using the usual warranty period
In this study, the energy saving effect of the inverter (variable-speed) air conditioner with
for the compressor), in Korea and Saudi Arabia, the inverter air conditioner is 1400 USD and 600 USD
respect to the constant-speed air conditioner was analyzed. The ambient temperature and building
more economical than the constant-speed air conditioner, respectively.
cooling load were obtained using TRNSYS climate data and simulation. The results were obtained in
A total of 21 million of split and window air conditioners are used in Saudi Arabia, while the
the precisely controlled air-enthalpy-type test room (outdoor side: Temperature-controlled, indoor
inverter type is rarely used owing to its high initial cost. If all of the constant-type air conditioners
side: Cooling-load-controlled) with specific dimensions, which contained the air conditioner set at
were replaced by inverter-type air conditioners, the power consumption could be reduced by 34.8 TWh
the temperature of 26 °C throughout the day. For the Korean and Saudi Arabian cooling periods of
per year (the average electric consumption can be obtained by the employed models) [26].
four and nine months, respectively, TRNSYS simulations and experiments in the air-enthalpy test
room
4. were carried out. In standards such as ISO, EN and ASHRAE, methods are introduced to
Conclusions
determine the part-load efficiency of an air conditioner. However, in this study, we directly
In thisthe
measured study, the air
actual energy saving effect
conditioner of the
energy inverter (variable-speed)
consumption air conditioner
using a real climate with respect
environment rather
to thecalculation
than constant-speed
of theair conditioner
SEER based onwas
someanalyzed. The ambient temperature and building cooling
test points.
load The
wereconclusions
obtained using
of thisTRNSYS climate
study can data and simulation.
be summarized as follows: The results were obtained in the
precisely controlled air-enthalpy-type test room (outdoor side: Temperature-controlled, indoor side:
Cooling-load-controlled) with specific dimensions, which contained the air conditioner set at the
temperature of 26 ◦ C throughout the day. For the Korean and Saudi Arabian cooling periods of four
and nine months, respectively, TRNSYS simulations and experiments in the air-enthalpy test room
were carried out. In standards such as ISO, EN and ASHRAE, methods are introduced to determine
the part-load efficiency of an air conditioner. However, in this study, we directly measured the actual
air conditioner energy consumption using a real climate environment rather than calculation of the
SEER based on some test points.
The conclusions of this study can be summarized as follows:

1. The variable-speed (inverter) air conditioner was more effective than the constant-speed air
conditioner in the months and location of part-load operation; in all of the preset test cases, it led
to a smaller energy usage.
2. Inverter energy savings of 18.3–47.1% and 36.3–51.7% were observed during the Riyadh’s
(March–November) and Seoul’s (June–September) cooling months, respectively.
3. The energy savings depended on the month; larger energy savings were observed before and
after the summer peak. Larger energy savings were observed in the months and location of
part-load operation.
4. With respect to the constant-speed air conditioner, the payback period of the inverter type was
2.5 years in both countries. For whole lifetime (10 years, assumed using the usual warranty period
for the compressor), in Korea and Saudi Arabia, the inverter-type air conditioner is 1400 USD
and 600 USD more economical than the constant-speed air conditioner, respectively.

It is widely known that no differences in energy efficiency between constant-speed and

inverter-type air conditioners exist in countries with hot climates such as Saudi Arabia. However,
Energies 2019, 12, 1489 13 of 14

according to the results of this study, even in hot countries, the building load and outside temperature
change with time. Consequently, energy saving was obtained by part-load operation of the inverter
air conditioner in the morning and night periods. The actual energy consumption analysis through
the proposed approach can provide good empirical evidence to establish air conditioner policies in
different countries.

Author Contributions: J.L., M.S.Y. and Y.N. defined the performance analysis models, developed the methodology,
and wrote the full manuscript. The author T.A.Q. checked the contents regarding Saudi Arabia.
Funding: This research was funded by Basic Research Project (No.CBS18126) of the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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