Investigation into the Operating Performance of a Novel Direct Expansion-Based Air Conditioning System

This study introduces a novel direct expansion air conditioning (DX AC) system with three evaporators (DX-TE) to enhance indoor temperature and humidity control. Operating in two modes, the DX-TE system provides variable cooling output, adapting to fluctuating indoor cooling loads while maintaining uniform air supply. Experimental and simulation studies were conducted to investigate the system’s operational characteristics. An experimental setup was established to obtain preliminary steady-state data, followed by the development and validation of a steady-state mathematical model. Simulation studies were then performed to optimize the evaporator sizes. The results indicate that the DX-TE system delivers variable cooling capacities at a constant compressor speed and airflow rate, outperforming conventional variable frequency DX AC systems in cooling and dehumidification. The evaporator area ratio significantly impacts the system’s performance, with smaller ratios yielding a larger output range. As the area ratio increases from 1:1 to 1:3, the cooling capacity range in Modes 1 and 2 increases by 33.6% and 14.3%, respectively, while the dehumidification range expands by 58.6% and 51.69%.