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Three scenarios to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions of air conditioners in Europe.

Author(s) : GRIGNON-MASSÉ L., RIVIÈRE P., ADNOT J.

Type of article: Article

Summary

In Europe, individual air conditioners tend to equip a rising number of buildings and constitute a growing electrical end-use. Market growth is driven by different factors: low cost from massive production in Asia, increased comfort requirements, gas and oil price increase that makes heat pump a cheap and cost effective heating means, and also the fear of heat waves. Regarding legislation, an energy label has been adopted in 2004 but is already outdated. These elements have made air conditioners a good candidate for the EuP directive. After having drawn a rapid picture of the present and projected environmental impacts of air conditioners, their energy efficiency potential for improvement is studied based on an average model (base case). A list of potential energy efficiency measures is established and their impact is studied in terms of energy efficiency and cost increase. A path for optimization in terms of global cost is identified. Results are also discussed in terms of CO2 emissions. From potential and cost of improvement, three scenarios are created and compared to the BAU scenario. Possible timings for the implementation of the proposed new energy and CO2 label and MEPS requirements are discussed for the three scenarios. The penetration of best and new technologies required in the coming years for these products to decrease drastically their environmental impact is discussed at the end.

Details

  • Original title: Three scenarios to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions of air conditioners in Europe.
  • Record ID : 2010-1226
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Regulation, Technology, Environment
  • Source: REHVA Journal - vol. 46 - n. 6
  • Publication date: 2009/12
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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