Analysis of carbon reduction of photovoltaic-driven air conditioning in China

The 3060 decarbonization goal of China, targeting peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, emphasizes reductions in carbon emissions from various sectors, particularly from air conditioning (AC) in the buildings. Photovoltaic-driven air conditioning (PVAC) systems, which utilize solar energy to power AC compressors, present a promising pathway to reduce reliance on grid electricity and mitigate carbon emissions. This study evaluates the carbon reduction potential of PVAC systems across mainland China, highlighting substantial emission reductions in southern and southeastern regions with high solar irradiance and cooling demands. Incorporating negative emissions from exporting excess electricity to the grid further amplifies the potential benefits. The levelized cost of carbon abatement is about −1000 CNY/tonCO2e, indicating that investment on this carbon reduction technology is worthwhile. The results emphasize the importance of optimizing PV and battery system sizing to maximize emissions reductions. Additionally, the study demonstrates that lower emission factors for PV and battery systems enable the integration of larger capacities, while coupling PVAC systems with a cleaner grid significantly minimizes their carbon footprint. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and deployment of PVAC systems for sustainable building energy solutions.