Comprehensive analysis of an air-conditioning system based on radiative cooling for building energy savings

The study presents an in-depth examination of a radiative cooling-based air-conditioning (RCAC) system, focusing on the impact of radiative cooling panel size and cold-water storage tank volume on energy efficiency. Using detailed annual simulations, the thermal behavior, efficiency of the air-conditioning cycle, and power consumption under different operating modes are evaluated. The performance of the RCAC system for a single-family house was compared with that of a conventional air source air-conditioning system (ASAC). Results indicate that the RCAC system can achieve up to a 30.7 % reduction in annual cooling energy consumption. The most efficient configuration, with a 10 m2 panel and a 4000 kg water tank, improved the system's coefficient of performance (COP) by 8.9–30.8 %. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering pumping power, as it can significantly impact overall system performance. These findings underscore the potential of the RCAC system to significantly reduce energy usage in cooling applications, providing a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional systems. •Annual analysis of radiative cooling assisted air-conditioning system was performed.•Performance of radiative cooling-based system was compared to conventional system.•Large radiative cooling panel limits efficiency gains due to its high pumping power.•Energy saving performance for air-conditioning system can be enhanced by 8.9–30.8 %.