Fjernkjøling

Fjernkjøling is a system for distributing chilled water or other cooling media from a central plant to multiple buildings for air conditioning and other cooling purposes. Similar to district heating, it leverages a network of underground pipes to transport the cooling energy. This centralized approach allows for more efficient operation and potentially lower energy consumption compared to individual cooling systems in each building.

The primary components of a fjernkjøling system include a central production plant, a distribution network of insulated pipes, and heat exchangers within the connected buildings. The production plant can utilize various cooling technologies, such as absorption chillers, compression chillers powered by electricity or natural gas, or even free cooling techniques that utilize low ambient temperatures. In the buildings, the chilled water from the fjernkjøling network passes through heat exchangers, where it absorbs heat from the building's air or process equipment, thereby cooling them down. The warmed water is then returned to the central plant to be re-chilled.

Benefits of fjernkjøling include reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved indoor air quality, and a decrease in the need for individual cooling equipment within buildings, which can save space and maintenance costs. It is particularly well-suited for densely populated urban areas and industrial zones where multiple buildings require cooling. The technology is a growing trend in sustainable urban development, contributing to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cities.