Top 10 Ways District Cooling for Big Spaces is Insanely Catching up the World
A district cooling system delivers chilled water to buildings and takes away hot water in return for air conditioning purposes. The production of cooling for a large number of consumers in a cheaper, cleaner and easier way than they would do it by themselves is called district cooling. It has the immense potential to supply chilled water as per the cooling demand of individual buildings. In district cooling, a large
The three major components of district cooling are centralized chilling plant, distribution network and consumer substation. Just like we receive electricity and water at our homes, the district cooling provides chilled water for air conditioning to the connected buildings.
- Sustainable: District cooling uses alternative or renewable energy sources for cooling. No harmful chemicals like refrigerants, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and chlorofluorocarbons are involved. This system saves water because of recirculation of the same water.
- Economical: Operating costs are very low. Reduces the costs involved in building individual cooling systems which is around 30% the total cost of installing a district cooling system. District cooling has low lifecycle costs. It is cheaper to buy a big machine than to buy 20-30 individual smaller machines. That means district cooling benefits from the principle of economies of scale.
- Efficient: They reduce more than 50% power consumption as compared to traditional HVAC systems. Savings in district cooling are so huge that the overall capital cost is recovered in a span of 3-5 years.
- Flexible: When the demand rises, they are capable to increase the cooling and decrease it when the demand falls. New capacity can be added quickly and efficiently without halting the operation.
- Not Dependent on Grid Electricity: During power cuts or outages, district cooling is not affected. These systems are not dependent on the grid for electricity. The differential pressure between the return hot water and input cold water supply makes the water flow. Pumping water using electricity is not essential. District cooling avoids peak electricity consumption that is involved in traditional individual air conditioning.
- Utilization: Same cooling capacity of a district cooling can be used by different buildings or areas throughout the district at different times throughout the day and night.
- Reduces the strain on the grid: During peak hours when most of the conventional air conditioners are switched on, they need more electricity from the grid. Unlike district cooling, where centralized water chillers cool at peak hours without a surge in electricity demand.
- Cut regional emissions: Using a clean and renewable source like district cooling helps lower down the air pollution levels drastically and gives the community better air to breathe.
- Conserves energy and water: When less water and energy are needed, our natural resources of electricity and energy are saved on a much larger scale which leads to bringing harmony in our environment.
- Best response to climate change: Implementing district cooling is the best response to global climate change and investing into it is an option of long term sustainability.
To install a district cooling plant, there are four different phases:
i) Mapping of the cooling potential: Knowing the size of cooling demand of each building in the district cooling is mapping. Without district cooling, how much expense the building will take to get an air conditioning versus joining the district cooling solution.
ii) Conceptual design: Choosing the right concept and optimizing it for district cooling solution is a part of conceptual design. It is based on economy and energy.
iii) Detailed design: Specifying the components consists of detailed design.
iv) Commissioning: Supervision and construction management are a part of commissioning.
Make the right decision today to improve your society and bring a long term sustainable air conditioning solution with district cooling. To know more about setting up a district cooling plant in Bahrain and GCC contact EMCO W.L.L . Get a complete consultation, technical assistance and more today!
