A generalized study of photovoltaic driven air conditioning potential in cooling season in mainland China

Photovoltaic driven air conditioner (PVAC) systems utilize PV panels to power the compressors of air conditioners directly. The systems can save energy and reduce carbon emissions in the building sector. This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the potential of using PVAC systems for summer cooling in mainland China. A coupled simulation framework was proposed. The framework controlled electricity flow and building energy with a rule-based energy strategy. 235 locations were investigated and six representative cities in different climate zones were chosen for further analysis. The energy-matching characteristics of PVAC systems were presented using the self-satisfy ratio (SSR) and self-consumption ratio (SCR) as primary evaluation indicators in mainland China. Integrating a battery improved the SSR and SCR of PVAC. The study showed that the battery could significantly improve the SSR in the southern and central parts of China. The potential of PVAC systems was evaluated using the Potential Indicator (PI). A generalized design guide for PVAC systems was proposed, emphasizing the importance of considering both system and condition indicators. The cost of PV and battery strongly affected the potential of PVAC systems. The study provided valuable insights into the potential of PVAC systems as a sustainable and cost-effective cooling solution.