In an effort to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of campus energy systems, a district cooling system utilizing renewable energy sources is being proposed. The campus currently relies on traditional air-cooled chillers for cooling, which are energy-intensive and have significant environmental impacts. With increasing energy costs and a push towards reducing carbon footprints, there is a need to explore alternative methods that leverage renewable energy and innovative technologies.
The proposed campus-scaled district cooling system will harness shallow geothermal energy through a large-scale geothermal heat pump. This system will extract low-temperature groundwater, which will then flow into a compression chiller designed specifically for low-temperature cooling loops. The geothermal heat pump, a key component of this system, will be powered by renewable electricity sources such as solar and wind energy, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.
Additionally, an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system will be integrated to manage and store thermal energy seasonally. This will allow the system to efficiently balance the varying cooling demands throughout the year, storing excess thermal energy during periods of low demand and utilizing it during peak periods. The conventional air-cooled chillers will be replaced by groundwater-cooled chillers, significantly improving the overall energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of the cooling process.
The implementation of a campus-scaled district cooling system utilizing a large-scale geothermal heat pump, supported by renewable energy sources and an ATES system, presents a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional cooling methods. By leveraging shallow geothermal energy and renewable electricity, this system will reduce the campus’s reliance on fossil fuels and decrease its overall carbon footprint. The transition from air-cooled to groundwater-cooled chillers will enhance the efficiency of the cooling process, leading to significant energy savings and contributing to the campus’s sustainability goals. This innovative approach not only addresses the immediate cooling needs but also sets a precedent for future renewable energy integration in campus infrastructure.