A Comparative Energy Efficiency Analysis Between Inverter-Driven and Conventional Air Conditioning Systems

Abstract

The strong demand for energy efficiency in buildings and industries has driven the search for more sustainable and technologically integrated air conditioning systems. This study conducts a comparative analysis of energy efficiency in air conditioning systems, considering the integration of electrical and mechanical parameters based on data from manufacturers and technical literature. Adopting a literature review approach, the research examines publications from 2015 to 2025 in databases such as SciELO and Google Scholar, focusing on studies that provide efficiency parameters such as COP, EER, and SEER. The analysis reveals that VRF and chiller systems excel in energy performance, largely due to the use of inverter compressors and intelligent controls, while split and rooftop systems, though simpler in design, demonstrate lower efficiency under partial loads. The importance of automation, the adoption of BLDC motors, and the use of new environmentally friendly refrigerants in reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are also highlighted. It is concluded that the integration of electrical and mechanical components, combined with automation and predictive maintenance technologies, represents the primary pathway toward energy optimization and sustainability in the HVAC sector, underscoring the need for future experimental studies to validate the theoretical findings in practice.