Title: Reducing Energy Consumption of Air Conditioner Via A Synergy of Superhydrophobic Evaporator and Machine Learning-Enabled Performance Monitoring
Project Leader: Dr. Mohd Nashrul Mohd Zubir
Email: nashrul@um.edu.my
Air conditioning (AC) systems are indispensable for cooling in diverse climates, yet they are among the most energy-intensive technologies, significantly contributing to global electricity demand. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that ACs account for approximately 10% of global electricity consumption and 20% of energy use in buildings. These figures are expected to rise as climate change drives global temperatures higher. Traditional AC systems face critical challenges, particularly in high-humidity environments where moisture accumulation on evaporators reduces cooling efficiency. Additionally, most systems lack real-time performance monitoring, leading to energy waste and inefficient operations. This calls for innovative solutions to enhance AC design and performance monitoring.
This project seeks to revolutionize AC efficiency by integrating superhydrophobic evaporators with machine learning-driven optimization. The core objective is to reduce energy consumption, enhance cooling performance, and ensure environmentally sustainable operation.
The innovation begins with applying a superhydrophobic coating to AC evaporators, which minimizes moisture retention and accelerates condensation removal. This enhancement improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces wear and tear on system components, and boosts overall cooling performance. Complementing this, a machine learning-enabled performance monitoring system is introduced. This module leverages advanced algorithms to analyze real-time data, enabling the AC system to adapt dynamically to changing environmental conditions. It optimizes cooling processes and facilitates predictive maintenance, reducing energy waste and extending system longevity.
By synergizing these two cutting-edge technologies, the project delivers a more efficient, durable, and sustainable air conditioning system. The reduced energy demand and improved operational efficiency directly align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7, 9, and 13, promoting clean energy, innovation, and climate action. This transformative approach addresses the growing global need for efficient cooling solutions while minimizing environmental impact, making it a significant step forward in sustainable cooling technology.
Experimental facility for testing the performance of superhydrophobic coating
