Analysis of Energy Consumption, Economic Efficiency and Carbon Emissions of Ice Slurry Direct Supply System: A Case Study of China

ABSTRACT Traditional air conditioners suffer from low energy efficiency and exacerbate grid peak loads. While ice storage offers energy‐saving potential, the systematic regulation of ice packing fraction (IPF) on cooling consumption and its synergy with dynamic carbon emissions remains unexplored. This study investigates the energy use, carbon footprint, and economics of ice slurry cooling across six Chinese climate zones, revealing for the first time the regulatory effect of IPF gradients. We demonstrate that pump power consumption decreases exponentially with increasing IPF, yielding 40%–60% reductions per 5% IPF increment. Critically, carbon reduction rates plateau (8.67%–8.92%) above 20% IPF, with peak reductions reaching 22% at 30% IPF. We propose a novel “IPF‐electricity price‐dynamic carbon emission factor” collaborative framework—incorporating a viscosity‐driven pump model and a dynamic COP optimization algorithm—providing a universal approach for low‐carbon cooling transitions. Economic analysis identifies 25% IPF as the key inflection point, beyond which further concentration increases yield minimal cost savings (only 0.08%). This integrated framework quantifies economic and emission thresholds, enabling optimal, sustainable cooling management.