jäähdytysverkostoiksi

Jäähdytysverkostot, often translated as district cooling or chilled water networks, are centralized systems designed to provide cooling to multiple buildings within a geographical area. Instead of each building having its own individual air conditioning unit, a central plant produces chilled water which is then distributed through a network of underground pipes to cool various facilities.

The core components of a district cooling system include a central cooling plant, distribution pipes, and the substations located within or near the buildings served. The cooling plant typically houses large-capacity chillers that use refrigerants to cool water. This chilled water is then pumped through insulated pipes to the connected buildings. In the buildings, heat exchangers in substations transfer the cooling effect from the chilled water to the building's internal cooling system, which circulates air. The warmed water is then returned to the central plant to be re-chilled, completing the cycle.

District cooling offers several advantages over conventional, building-by-building cooling solutions. These include improved energy efficiency due to the economies of scale and optimized operation of large chillers. It can also reduce the need for individual cooling equipment on rooftops or within buildings, freeing up valuable space and reducing noise pollution. Furthermore, district cooling systems can utilize a wider range of energy sources, including renewable energy, for their operation, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. The centralized nature also simplifies maintenance and allows for more resilient and reliable cooling supply.