A Review on Key Technologies of Central Air Conditioning: Compressors, Heat Recovery, and AI-Driven Control

Tao-Ze Huang, Yan-Zuo Chang, Gui-Fan Chen, Chang-Bin Chen, Yu-Cong Luo, Huhao, Yan-Lin Zhang, Jia-Lin Liu, Wen-Min Wen

Central air conditioning, Magnetic levitation compressor, AI optimization control, Independent temperature and humidity control, Dual Carbon Goals

In recent years, the central air conditioning industry has seen extensive technological advances, covering compressor technology, system energy efficiency optimization, intelligent control and other fields. Breakthroughs have been achieved in energy-saving technologies including magnetic levitation compressors, variable and wide-frequency operation modes, integrated heat pump and heat recovery systems, as well as independent temperature and humidity control. In terms of intelligent control, AI-enabled load forecasting, online optimization and digital twin technology have also made remarkable progress. Meanwhile, the replacement of environmentally friendly refrigerants and the trend of copper reduction in materials are steadily advancing, exerting profound impacts on the industrial supply chain. Relevant research indicates an obvious integration of two technical routes: continuous improvement of hardware energy efficiency, and in-depth integration of intelligent control technologies into systems. This dual transformation is upgrading products from standalone units to system-level solutions, and shifting business models from one-time equipment sales to long-term operation and maintenance services. However, the intersection of technological development also brings challenges, such as difficulties in implementing standards for high-efficiency machine rooms, generalization deviations of AI algorithms in actual building scenarios, and complex renovation demands in the existing market. This paper also prospects the potential paths of technological evolution.

Received: 03 May 2026, Received in revised form: 01 Jun 2026, Accepted: 05 Jun 2026, Available online: 10 Jun 2026

10.22161/ijaers.136.5