Keskusjäähdytyslaitos

Keskusjäähdytyslaitos, often translated as central cooling plant or district cooling plant, is a facility that produces chilled water for cooling purposes and distributes it to multiple buildings via a network of underground pipes. This system is analogous to district heating, but instead of delivering heat, it delivers cooling.

The primary components of a keskusjäähdytyslaitos typically include chillers, pumps, and control systems. Chillers are the core machinery that remove heat from water, lowering its temperature. Various types of chillers can be used, such as absorption chillers, centrifugal chillers, or screw chillers, depending on energy sources and cooling demands. The chilled water is then circulated through the pipe network to buildings that require air conditioning.

The main advantages of a keskusjäähdytyslaitos include improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and lower environmental impact compared to individual cooling systems in each building. By centralizing the cooling production, economies of scale can be achieved, and more advanced, efficient technologies can be employed. It also frees up space within buildings that would otherwise be occupied by individual cooling equipment. Furthermore, these plants can often utilize waste heat or renewable energy sources, enhancing their sustainability.

Keskusjäähdytyslaitos systems are increasingly being implemented in urban areas, commercial districts, and university campuses to provide a reliable and efficient cooling solution for a cluster of users. The management and maintenance of the entire cooling network are handled by the central plant operator, simplifying the responsibility for individual building owners.