Kaukojäähdytysverkostoja

Kaukojäähdytys, often translated as district cooling, is a system for providing cooling energy to multiple buildings from a central source. Similar to district heating, it involves distributing chilled water through a network of underground pipes. This chilled water is produced at a central plant and then circulated to individual buildings where it is used for air conditioning.

The central cooling plant can utilize various methods for generating the chilled water. These may include large-scale chillers powered by electricity, absorption chillers that use heat as their energy source, or even direct cooling from natural water bodies like lakes or the sea in suitable locations. Waste heat from industrial processes or power generation can also be utilized to power absorption chillers, making the system more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Benefits of district cooling include potential energy savings due to the efficiency of large-scale production and the ability to leverage diverse energy sources. It can also reduce the urban heat island effect compared to individual building cooling units. Furthermore, it can lead to lower maintenance costs for individual buildings and a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment as bulky cooling equipment is removed from rooftops and facades. The implementation of district cooling is often part of broader urban planning initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability.