@article{bibcite_36988,
  author = {Chao Ding and Nihar Shah and Won Young Park and Thomas A Burke and Nihan Karali},
  title = {Simulation driven design approach and prototype development for low-cost high-efficiency room air conditioners using next generation refrigerants},
  abstract = {<p>The global refrigerant transition requires the redesign of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Higher efficiency systems also reduce peak loads and allow better integration of secure, affordable, reliable base-load generation technologies. However, many small and medium-sized air conditioner (AC) manufacturers, particularly in developing and emerging economies, lack the technical capacity to design affordable, energy-efficient systems using next generation refrigerants. This study presents a simulation-driven design approach for developing cost-effective, high-efficiency mini-split AC prototypes using R32, R454B, and R290. Physics-based system models were developed in VapCyc<sup>{\textregistered}</sup> and CoilDesigner<sup>{\textregistered}</sup> to conduct component-level simulations and system optimization. Cost analysis was performed to minimize material costs, and optimal designs were validated under ISO 5151 conditions in a psychrometric chamber. All prototypes achieved 33\% higher EER and nearly doubled cooling seasonal efficiency compared to reference units, with only a 2{\textendash}16\% increase in material cost. These results indicate an approximately twofold reduction in peak load and emissions at comparable cost. The proposed simulation-driven methodology shortens the product development cycle and enables reliable, high-performance, next generation AC designs, offering a practical pathway for manufacturers in emerging markets to accelerate the transition to sustainable cooling technologies, meeting grid reliability constraints, environmental regulations and market demands for affordability.</p>},
  year = {2026},
  booktitle = {Science and Technology for the Built Environment},
  journal = {Science and Technology for the Built Environment},
  series = {Science and Technology for the Built Environment},
  month = {07/2026},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23744731.2026.2688048},
  doi = {10.1080/23744731.2026.2688048},
}