Evaluation of the Impact of Sandstorms on Air-Conditioning System Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption under Kuwait Climatic Conditions is an open-access, peer-reviewed research paper by Eng: Khaled E Albuloushi Eng: Sayed Fadhel Sayed S. Shams Abdullah, published in Volume 15, Issue 8 of the International Journal of Advanced Research in Science and Technology (IJARST), a UGC-approved journal (Print ISSN 2319-1783, Online ISSN 2320-1126).
Eng: Khaled E Albuloushi Eng: Sayed Fadhel Sayed S. Shams Abdullah
This study investigates the impact of sandstorms on the operational performance, thermodynamic efficiency, and power consumption of central air-conditioning systems operating under extreme desert conditions in Kuwait. Experimental field measurements were conducted on a 10-ton (120,000 BTU/h) rooftop packaged unit manufactured by York International during the peak summer months (June–August) of 2024 and 2025 in Bayan District, Hawalli Governorate. The study evaluates the influence of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and airborne dust deposition on condenser heat rejection, refrigerant pressures (low pressure, LP; high pressure, HP), compressor discharge temperature, subcooling behavior, and electrical current draw. Under normal operation at 48°C ambient temperature, high-side pressure was recorded at 275 PSIG. During sandstorm-induced condenser fouling, high-side pressure increased to approximately 350 PSIG, accompanied by elevated compressor discharge temperature and increased power consumption. The results confirm that sand accumulation significantly degrades condenser heat transfer efficiency, increases compression ratio, and raises compressor workload. Preventive maintenance and periodic condenser cleaning were found to restore operational efficiency, reduce power consumption, and extend system lifespan in desert climates.
Keywords: Air-conditioning efficiency; Sandstorm impact; Condenser fouling; Power consumption; Subcooling; Compressor load; HVAC maintenance; Kuwait climate.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62226/ijarst20262758
REFERENCES
[1] World Meteorological Organization (WMO), State of the Global Climate 2022 Report, Geneva, 2022.
[2] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Climate Change and Environmental Impact Report, 2020.
[3] ASHRAE, ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC Systems and Equipment, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 2021.
[4] Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Environmental Monitoring Data Reports, 2021–2022.
5] H. Cho, Y. Lee, and J. Kim, “Performance degradation of air-cooled condensers under particulate fouling conditions,” Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 150, pp. 1375–1385, 2019.
[6] M. A. Alhazmi and S. M. Zubair, “Thermodynamic analysis of vapor compression systems operating at high ambient temperatures,” International Journal of Refrigeration, vol. 98, pp. 78–89, 2019.
[7] A. H. Fakheri, “Heat exchanger fouling: Mitigation and performance impact,” Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 157, pp. 1–13, 2018.
[8] S. Al-Hajri, K. Al-Rashidi, and M. El-Maghlany, “Energy consumption analysis of HVAC systems in hot desert climates,” Energy and Buildings, vol. 158, pp. 345–357, 2018.
10.62226/ijarst20262758
PAGES : 2406-2411 | 6 VIEWS | 3 DOWNLOADS
Eng: Khaled E Albuloushi Eng: Sayed Fadhel Sayed S. Shams Abdullah — “Evaluation of the Impact of Sandstorms on Air-Conditioning System Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption under Kuwait Climatic Conditions.” International Journal of Advanced Research in Science and Technology (IJARST), Volume 15, Issue 8. DOI: 10.62226/ijarst20262758.
Eng: Khaled E Albuloushi Eng: Sayed Fadhel Sayed S. Shams Abdullah | Evaluation of the Impact of Sandstorms on Air-Conditioning System Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption under Kuwait Climatic Conditions | DOI : 10.62226/ijarst20262758
| Journal Frequency: | ISSN 2320-1126, Monthly | |
| Paper Submission: | Throughout the month | |
| Acceptance Notification: | Within 6 days | |
| Subject Areas: | Engineering, Science & Technology | |
| Publishing Model: | Open Access | |
| Publication Fee: | USD 60 USD 50 | |
| Publication Impact Factor: | 6.76 | |
| Certificate Delivery: | Digital |