2023ICERD8-C15 -- Evaluating Air Conditioner Rating Temperatures, T3 and T4, and Kuwait’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards

This paper aims to evaluate air conditioner rating temperatures, T3=46°C and T4=48°C, under high ambient temperatures (HAT). The performance degradation of several air conditioning units manufactured in Kuwait and other Gulf countries is compared at both T3 and T4 ambient temperatures, in terms of cooling capacity, power consumption, and energy efficiency ratio (EER). The minimum efficiency requirements of residential air conditioners of the Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) are compared with the latest regulations of the US Department of Energy (DOE). The ambient temperature distributions for the cooling season in Kuwait and Phoenix, Arizona, USA weather are analyzed, and a bin temperature is developed to evaluate Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The paper concludes that there is no conclusive evidence to rate the units at T4 instead of T3 in Kuwait, which is believed to be the only country that uses T4. Seasonal ratings are commonly used in various countries (e.g., USA, China, India) indicating that seasonal energy efficiency is an important measure to predict AC energy consumption. Therefore, a combination of both minimum SEER and EER may be appropriate for Kuwait's new minimum energy requirements, similar to the USA. Harmonizing testing procedures among countries in similar climates, such as Gulf countries, could benefit all—improve retail prices, promote higher AC efficiency and minimize test burden.