Effect of condenser blockage on the energy efficiency of a split air conditioner

Experimental investigations of the effects of condenser air flow blockage on the performance of 1 PK split air conditioner has been carried out. The tests were performed in a controlled psychrometric chamber. The outdoor chamber was maintained at 35°C dry-bulb temperature and 24°C wet-bulb temperature. Meanwhile, the indoor chamber was maintained at 27°C dry-bulb temperature and 1°C wet-bulb temperature. During the tests, the condenser outlet blockage was varied by 0% (normal condition), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. In comparison to the normal condition, the cooling capacity drops by 7.7%, 21.4%, 29.7%, and 48.2%, respectively, when the condenser outlet was blocked by 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of its discharge area. On the other hand, the power consumption increases by 8.1%, 28.0%, 38.6%, and 58.0% for the similar test conditions. It results in the drop of energy efficiency ratio by 14.5%, 38.5%, 49.2%, and 67.1%, respectively. Here, the obstruction of air flow in the condenser degrades the air conditioner performance.