Seawater Air Conditioning University of California-San Diego
If you’re already an internationally recognized pioneer in global climate change research and a sought-after leader in applied sustainability practices, what’s next on your to-do list? Plenty.
The University of California – San Diego, nestled along the Pacific Ocean on 1,200 acres of coastal woodland, recently embarked on a clean renewable energy campaign that offers significant long-term savings….using seawater.
“We’re undergoing record growth right now which also means our energy demands are on the rise,” said Gary C. Matthews, vice chancellor, Resource Management and Planning. “With size, complexity and growth challenges comparable to a small city, we see ourselves as a living laboratory for climate solutions. The seawater air-conditioning program is one example of how we intend to become a global model of sustainability for universities and communities across the world.”
The university will use cold seawater to supply cooling essential for air conditioning its facilities. An initial study of the nearby La Jolla underwater trench suggests a seawater cooling system could produce savings of $4 million a year and 100 million fresh water gallons per year.
The innovative system is currently in a pre-planning stage and is expected to go online in the 2011-2012 timeframe.
