District Cooling is a utility service which provides chilled water through a centralized cooling plant through a network of pipes to multiple residential, industrial and commercial buildings for air conditioning purposes.
District cooling was first introduced in the 19th century as a scheme to distribute clean, cool air to houses through underground pipes. The first known district system began operating at Denver’s Colorado automatic refrigerator company in late 1889. By 1930, large district cooling systems were created for Rockefeller centre in New York and the U. S. capitol building in Washington DC.
Benefits of District Cooling
District Cooling benefits end – users, building/development owners and most importantly the community and environment. Reduced energy and maintenance costs are just the tip of the ice – berg.
Reliability:
Operation teams operate around the clock and have back up systems ready and available.
Higher energy utilization and reduced energy consumption.
Energy efficient and environmentally sound:
Enables owners to conserve energy, improve operating efficiency and protect the environment while simultaneously lowering government spending by reducing electricity infrastructure.
Employs strict emission controls, reducing CO2 production, resulting in air quality benefits.
Reduces the need for storage and usage of refrigerants on site making the site a safer and more environmentally sound environment.
Easy to operate and maintain:
The service is delivered directly to a customer’s building – ready to use. Customers do not need their own chillers. This results in less maintenance and monitoring.
Customers eliminate the need for refrigerant deliveries which normally involve handling and storage. This reduces the safety and liability concerns for employees and building occupants.
Comfortable and convenient:
Customers are guaranteed satisfaction and comfort, no matter what the external temperature is.
Significant reduction of vibration and noise problems.
The elimination of unsightly and noisy air conditioning units leave more building and roof top space for other uses.
Cost effective:
Reduction in the upfront capital costs by 40% - 50% due to eliminating the need for building chillers.
Less financial risk and a far better return on investment, as well as the elimination of annual maintenance contracts and costs associated with the operation of chillers.
