4E analysis and optimization of cold thermal-energy storage under partial operating mode and demand-limiting mode for air-conditioning systems

Abstract Cold thermal energy storage is an active method for reducing the peak electrical demand and electricity consumption of air conditioners. This paper investigates two different cases: partial operating mode–load levelling (POM–LL) demand-limiting mode (DLM). 4E (energy, exergy, economic, environment) analyses along with a multi-objective optimization process based on genetic algorithm applied to determine optimal design values. Exergy efficiency, total annual cost payback-period time are considered as objective functions in this study. The results have shown that POM DLM decreased by 10.36% 11.29%, respectively, resulting raising costs 11.08% 11.42%. Also, their payback periods were 4.36 4.18 years each. In addition, using off-peak hours instead on-peak main ways decreasing CO2 emissions during generation. Therefore, through 13.31% 13.72% less than those conventional systems, respectively.