Seasonal variation of the photovoltaic driven air conditioner with and without temperature range control

Photovoltaic driven air conditioning (PVAC) systems offer a promising solution for reducing grid dependency and carbon emissions in the building sector by coupling solar energy generation with cooling demand. This study investigated the performance of PVAC systems under seasonal variations, comparing two control strategies: fixed temperature control and dynamic control with a thermal comfort temperature range. Using experimental validation and simulation modeling, the research assessed the impacts of seasonal conditions on key performance evaluators, including self-consumption ratio, self-sufficiency ratio, and indoor thermal comfort. The results revealed that dynamic control significantly improved the consumption by aligning cooling demand with available PV power, thereby reducing reliance on grid electricity. Dynamic control also expanded the operational flexibility of PVAC systems, allowing for efficient performance under a broader range of outdoor temperatures and solar irradiance levels. However, dynamic control decreased sufficiency due to increased cooling demand with a lower indoor temperature. The grouping of weather conditions highlighted the potential for more precise control strategies. For instance, adjusting indoor temperature settings in scenarios with low PV generation could reduce grid reliance without compromising thermal comfort. These findings emphasized the need for adjusting control strategies to optimize energy matching and maintain occupant comfort across varying seasonal conditions.