This project evaluated the energy savings and economic potential for residential air conditioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The predominant air conditioners in the Kingdomarebuilt toaminimumstandardenergy efficiency ratio (EER) of 7.5 Btu/ (W·h) at T1 (steady state, 35°C outdoor temperature, 27°C indoor dry-bulb temperature, and 19°C indoor wet-bulb temperature) and 5.4 Btu / (W·h) at T3 (steady state, 46°C outdoor temperature, 29°C indoor dry-bulb temperature and 19°C indoor wet-bulb temperature). In IP units, T1 is 95°F outside, 80.6°F dry-bulb and 66.2°F wet-bulb inside. T3 is 114.8°F outside, 84.2°F dry-bulb,and66.2°F wet-bulb inside. The KSA Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE) commissioned a project to investigate the economics and practicality of air conditioners designed for higher performance standards at hot conditions (46°C).

The study consisted of stakeholder and consumer surveys, air conditioner usage analysis based on utility data at the micro and macro levels, baseline testing of common new KSA air conditioners, development using simulation models and prototype testing, economic and impact analysis, as well as recommendations for improved standards with enforcement and further research.

For minisplits, the results demonstrated the potential for feasible and economic efficiency improvement of up to 36% and peak demand reductions of up to 26%. The higher efficiency units present economic, administrative, and technical challenges. Window units, due to their confined size and low cost, are more challenging than minisplit units. There are less financially viable and available efficiency improvements for window units, but their efficiencies can be improved by at least 15%. Based on the economic and engineering results, the research team recommended that the Kingdom implement strict standards enforcement and implement increased minimum efficiencies at high temperatures.