Regional cluster analysis of Mainland China based on factors of the reliability of air-conditioning systems

Abstract

With an aim to minimize the difference of use reliability of air-conditioning systems in different regions, a clustering method for classifying regions based on factors of the reliability of air-conditioning systems is proposed. This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation model of regional clustering on the basis of analysis and investigation about the regional differences of natural environmental factors and user habit factors that influence the reliability of air-conditioning systems. A judging criterion of refrigeration and heating of air conditioners is set to accurately quantify seven clustering indicators. The Ward method is used to calculate weight coefficients of different distance. The weighted Ward clustering algorithm is used for clustering regions from the perspectives of natural environmental factors and user habit factors, respectively. Two kinds of clustering results are integrated together to obtain the final results by secondary clustering analysis. Finally, the regional clustering of 31 provincial administrative areas in mainland China is presented to verify the applicability and validity of the method proposed in this study. The results of this study might establish the foundation for accurately predicting the use reliability of air-conditioning systems in different regions. It also provides good reference value for the similar study of refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters, solar street lamps, etc.