Coefficient of Performance (COP) Analysis on AC Systems Integrated with Water Heater

Almost all new vehicles are equipped with an air conditioning system to keep drivers and passengers comfortable. However, the Air Conditioner (AC) system degrades engine performance, increases fuel consumption and emissions, and reduces the range of electric vehicles. During this time, efforts have been made to improve or maintain the performance of AC systems while consuming less power. These efforts continue to focus on enhancing performance. Consequently, this article presents an analysis of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a water heating system integrated with an air conditioning system. This water heating system utilizes heat released from the condenser to supply warm water to the bus toilet. Low temperatures and humidity inside buses can decrease passenger comfort, increase the risk of dehydration, and promote the spread of bacteria and germs. According to the study's findings, the lower the mass flow rate of water, the faster the refrigerant's pressure and temperature increase. The findings also emphasize the distinction between COP calculated using an ideal thermodynamic approach and that obtained through experimental methods, which account for losses and inefficiencies.