Latest news with #sustainableCooling
Japan Times
13-05-2025
- General
- Japan Times
As world heats up, U.N. cools itself the cool way: with water
Deep in the bowels of the U.N. headquarters, a pump sucks in huge amounts of water from the East River to help cool the complex with an old but energy-efficient mechanism. As more and more people want to stay cool in a planet that is steadily heating up, energy experts point to this kind of water-based system as a good alternative to air conditioning. But in many cases they are hard to set up. The system has been part of the New York complex since it opened in the 1950s, chief building engineer Michael Martini said during a tour of the cooling equipment. The system, overhauled with the rest of the complex from 2008 to 2014, cools the U.N. center using less energy than a conventional air conditioning system. U.N. policy is to bring the air temperature down to about 24 degrees Celsius, or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer in New York, the river running beside the U.N. headquarters — it is actually a salt water estuary — stays much cooler than the surrounding air, which can reach 100 degrees. So cooling the building eats up less energy. As many as 26,000 liters per minute (7,000 gallons) of water flow through fiber glass pipes to the complex's cooling plant, which uses it and a refrigerant gas to produce cold. The system has two independent loops to prevent contamination of the water that flows back into the river at a higher temperature, said the head of the cooling system, David Lindsay. A boat on the East River passes United Nations Headquarters in New York. | AFP-Jiji Looking at the gleaming glass tower of the U.N. headquarters and the dome of the General Assembly, you would never know that the East River serves this purpose for the U.N. and is more than just part of the scenery. The U.N.'s New York headquarters is not its only building that depends on water. In Geneva, its Palais de Nations features a cooling system that uses water from Lake Geneva. And the U.N. City complex in Copenhagen, which houses 10 U.N. agencies, depends on cold seawater that almost eliminates the need for electricity to cool the place. This a huge benefit compared to the estimated 2 billion air conditioning units installed around a world. With the number of air conditioners due to increase so as to help people who are more and more exposed to dangerous temperatures, energy consumption for the purpose of cooling has already tripled since 1990, says the International Energy Agency, which wants more efficient systems. Examples of these are centralized air conditioning networks using electricity, geothermal systems or ones that use water, like the U.N. complex in New York. This latter system "has not been deployed as much as it should be for the issues we face today," said Lily Riahi, coordinator of Cool Coalition, a grouping of states, cities and companies under the aegis of the United Nations. Water supply pipes are seen at the Chiller Plant at United Nations Headquarters in New York. | AFP-Jiji Some big organizations have been able to run such systems on their own, like the United Nations or Cornell University in New York State, which relies on water from Lake Cayuga. But for the most part these systems require a lot of coordination among multiple stakeholders, said Riahi. "We know it's technically possible, and we know actually there are many cases that prove the economics as well," said Rob Thornton, president of the International District Energy Association, which helps develop district cooling and heating networks. "But it requires someone, some agent, whether it's a champion, a city, or a utility or someone, to actually undertake the aggregation of the market," he said. "The challenge is just gathering and aggregating the customers to the point where there's enough, where the risk can be managed," Thornton said. He cited Paris as an example, which uses the Seine River to run Europe's largest water-based cooling grid. These networks allow for the reduced use toxic substances as coolants, and lower the risk of leaks. And they avoid emissions of hot air — like air conditioning units spew — into cities already enduring heat waves. But hot water from cooling units, when dumped back into rivers and other bodies of water, is dangerous for aquatic ecosystems, environmentalists say. "This challenge is quite small, compared to the discharge from nuclear plants," said Riahi, adding the problem can be addressed by setting a temperate limit on this water.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
The East River keeps the UN HQ cool in New York — can this decades-old system help other cities too?
NEW YORK, May 12 — Deep in the bowels of the UN headquarters, a pump sucks in huge amounts of water from the East River to help cool the complex with an old but energy-efficient mechanism. As more and more people want to stay cool in a planet that is steadily heating up, energy experts point to this kind of water-based system as a good alternative to air conditioning. But in many cases they are hard to set up. The system has been part of the New York complex since it opened in the 1950s, chief building engineer Michael Martini told AFP during a tour of the cooling equipment. The system, overhauled with the rest of the complex from 2008 to 2014, cools the UN centre using less energy than a conventional air conditioning system. UN policy is to bring the air temperature down to about 24 degrees Celsius, or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer in New York, the river running beside the UN headquarters — it is actually a salt water estuary — stays much cooler than the surrounding air, which can reach 100 degrees. So cooling the building eats up less energy. As many as 26,000 litres per minute (7,000 gallons) of water flow through fibre glass pipes to the complex's cooling plant, which uses it and a refrigerant gas to produce cold. The system has two independent loops to prevent contamination of the water that flows back into the river at a higher temperature, said the head of the cooling system, David Lindsay. Looking at the gleaming glass tower of the UN headquarters and the dome of the General Assembly, you would never know that the East River serves this purpose for the UN and is more than just part of the scenery. The UN's New York headquarters is not its only building that depends on water. In Geneva, its Palais de Nations features a cooling system that uses water from Lake Geneva. And the UN City complex in Copenhagen, which houses 10 UN agencies, depends on cold seawater that almost eliminates the need for electricity to cool the place. This a huge benefit compared to the estimated two billion air conditioning units installed around a world. Why so rare? With the number of air conditioners due to increase so as to help people who are more and more exposed to dangerous temperatures, energy consumption for the purpose of cooling has already tripled since 1990, says the International Energy Agency, which wants more efficient systems. Water supply pipes are seen at the Chiller Plant at United Nations Headquarters. — AFP pic Examples of these are centralised air conditioning networks using electricity, geothermal systems or ones that use water, like the UN complex in New York. This latter system 'has not been deployed as much as it should be for the issues we face today,' said Lily Riahi, coordinator of Cool Coalition, a grouping of states, cities and companies under the aegis of the United Nations. Some big organisations have been able to run such systems on their own, like the United Nations or Cornell University in New York State, which relies on water from Lake Cayuga. But for the most part these systems require a lot of coordination among multiple stakeholders, said Riahi. 'We know it's technically possible, and we know actually there are many cases that prove the economics as well,' said Rob Thornton, president of the International District Energy Association, which helps develop district cooling and heating networks. 'But it requires someone, some agent, whether it's a champion, a city, or a utility or someone, to actually undertake the aggregation of the market,' he said. 'The challenge is just gathering and aggregating the customers to the point where there's enough, where the risk can be managed,' Thornton said. He cited Paris as an example, which uses the Seine River to run Europe's largest water-based cooling grid. These networks allow for the reduced use toxic substances as coolants, and lower the risk of leaks. And they avoid emissions of hot air — like air conditioning units spew — into cities already enduring heat waves. But hot water from cooling units, when dumped back into rivers and other bodies of water, is dangerous for aquatic ecosystems, environmentalists say. 'This challenge is quite small, compared to the discharge from nuclear plants,' said Riahi, adding the problem can be addressed by setting a temperate limit on this water. — AFP
Sustainability Times
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
Everything Is About to Change in Our Air Conditioners: Revolutionary Cooling Tech Replaces Toxic Refrigerants With Recyclable Metals Forever
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Slovenian researchers are developing a sustainable cooling technology using recyclable metals, aiming to replace harmful refrigerants . . 🔧 The innovative method employs nickel-titanium alloy and relies on mechanical stress for cooling, avoiding phase changes from liquid to gas. and relies on mechanical stress for cooling, avoiding phase changes from liquid to gas. 📉 This approach addresses the environmental impact of traditional systems, which contribute significantly to global warming . . 🤝 Collaborative efforts with European partners are underway to integrate this technology into the market, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. As global temperatures continue to climb, the need for efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies has never been more pressing. Traditional cooling systems, which rely heavily on harmful refrigerants, are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Fortunately, a team of Slovenian researchers is pioneering a groundbreaking approach that could revolutionize the industry. By harnessing the unique properties of recyclable metals, these scientists aim to develop a cooling technology that is not only more sustainable but also safer and more efficient. This innovation could mark a significant step toward mitigating the environmental impact of climate control systems. Outdated Cooling Systems Come with a Hidden Climate Cost The environmental impact of traditional cooling systems is staggering. According to researcher Jaka Tušek, a mere 2.2 pounds of certain refrigerants can have the same environmental effect as driving a car for 18,600 miles. These hydrofluorocarbons, once hailed as a safer alternative to older refrigerants, are now being phased out due to their high global warming potential. Although natural alternatives such as ammonia and isobutane are available, they pose other risks, including toxicity and flammability. Additionally, they tend to be less effective in hot climates, which is a growing concern as global temperatures rise. Recognizing the urgent need for innovation, the European Union has prioritized the development of sustainable cooling technologies through its Heating and Cooling Strategy, a key component of the European Green Deal. The E-CO-HEAT project, which runs until 2026, is at the forefront of these efforts. By focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of temperature control technologies, this initiative aims to address the increasing global demand for cooling solutions, which already accounts for 10% of worldwide electricity consumption. Sustainability Reports: Key to Transparent and Responsible Management Nickel-titanium Alloy Can Ensure Cooling While Remaining Solid At the heart of this revolutionary cooling technology is the nickel-titanium alloy, known as nitinol. Unlike traditional cooling systems that depend on the phase change from liquid to gas, nitinol remains solid while undergoing its phase transformation. This phenomenon, known as elastocaloric cooling, occurs when mechanical stress is applied to the material, causing it to heat up, and is relieved, causing it to cool down. Not only is this process more environmentally friendly, but it is also inherently safer, as it does not involve toxic or flammable substances. The potential of elastocaloric cooling is immense. Although the current prototype operates at only 15% of its maximum efficiency, researchers believe there is significant room for improvement. In contrast, traditional vapor compression systems typically achieve 20-30% efficiency. The collaborative efforts of Tušek's team with partners in Ireland, Germany, and Italy, under the project name SMACool, are focused on optimizing this technology and developing an advanced air conditioning prototype that could one day replace existing systems. Miracle Down Under: Australian Patient Walks Free with Artificial Heart After 100+ Days The Path to Market Adoption and Industry Integration Bringing this innovative cooling technology to market is a complex endeavor that requires strategic planning and industry collaboration. The researchers are in the process of patenting their technology and are working on strategies for widespread industry adoption. This includes partnerships with tech companies and universities across Europe, all of whom share a commitment to advancing sustainable cooling solutions. One of the primary challenges in the transition to metal-based cooling systems is overcoming the entrenched infrastructure associated with traditional refrigerant-based technologies. However, as the environmental and economic benefits of elastocaloric cooling become more apparent, it is expected that industry stakeholders will increasingly recognize the value of this innovative approach. The E-CO-HEAT project aims to facilitate this transition by demonstrating the viability and advantages of metal-based cooling systems, paving the way for broader acceptance and integration. 'UK's robotic hound takes over' – This remote-controlled dog now conquers deadly nuclear zones Future Prospects and the Global Impact of Sustainable Cooling As the global demand for cooling continues to rise, driven by both climate change and increasing economic development, the need for sustainable solutions becomes ever more critical. The groundbreaking work being conducted by Tušek and his team offers a promising path forward, one that aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental impact. By replacing harmful refrigerants with recyclable metals, this technology could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of climate control. Looking ahead, the success of this innovation depends not only on continued research and development but also on the collective will of industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers to embrace sustainable alternatives. As we move toward a future where environmentally friendly cooling technologies are the norm rather than the exception, how will this shift influence our approach to energy consumption and climate resilience? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
As world heats up, UN cools itself the cool way: with water
Deep in the bowels of the UN headquarters, a pump sucks in huge amounts of water from the East River to help cool the complex with an old but energy-efficient mechanism. As more and more people want to stay cool in a planet that is steadily heating up, energy experts point to this kind of water-based system as a good alternative to air conditioning. But in many cases they are hard to set up. The system has been part of the New York complex since it opened in the 1950s, chief building engineer Michael Martini told AFP during a tour of the cooling equipment. The system, overhauled with the rest of the complex from 2008 to 2014, cools the UN center using less energy than a conventional air conditioning system. UN policy is to bring the air temperature down to about 24 degrees Celsius, or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer in New York, the river running beside the UN headquarters -- it is actually a salt water estuary -- stays much cooler than the surrounding air, which can reach 100 degrees. So cooling the building eats up less energy. As many as 26,000 liters per minute (7,000 gallons) of water flow through fiber glass pipes to the complex's cooling plant, which uses it and a refrigerant gas to produce cold. The system has two independent loops to prevent contamination of the water that flows back into the river at a higher temperature, said the head of the cooling system, David Lindsay. Looking at the gleaming glass tower of the UN headquarters and the dome of the General Assembly, you would never know that the East River serves this purpose for the UN and is more than just part of the scenery. The UN's New York headquarters is not its only building that depends on water. In Geneva, its Palais de Nations features a cooling system that uses water from Lake Geneva. And the UN City complex in Copenhagen, which houses 10 UN agencies, depends on cold seawater that almost eliminates the need for electricity to cool the place. This a huge benefit compared to the estimated two billion air conditioning units installed around a world. - Why so rare? - With the number of air conditioners due to increase so as to help people who are more and more exposed to dangerous temperatures, energy consumption for the purpose of cooling has already tripled since 1990, says the International Energy Agency, which wants more efficient systems. Examples of these are centralized air conditioning networks using electricity, geothermal systems or ones that use water, like the UN complex in New York. This latter system "has not been deployed as much as it should be for the issues we face today," said Lily Riahi, coordinator of Cool Coalition, a grouping of states, cities and companies under the aegis of the United Nations. Some big organizations have been able to run such systems on their own, like the United Nations or Cornell University in New York State, which relies on water from Lake Cayuga. But for the most part these systems require a lot of coordination among multiple stakeholders, said Riahi. "We know it's technically possible, and we know actually there are many cases that prove the economics as well," said Rob Thornton, president of the International District Energy Association, which helps develop district cooling and heating networks. "But it requires someone, some agent, whether it's a champion, a city, or a utility or someone, to actually undertake the aggregation of the market," he said. "The challenge is just gathering and aggregating the customers to the point where there's enough, where the risk can be managed," Thornton said. He cited Paris as an example, which uses the Seine River to run Europe's largest water-based cooling grid. These networks allow for the reduced use toxic substances as coolants, and lower the risk of leaks. And they avoid emissions of hot air -- like air conditioning units spew -- into cities already enduring heat waves. But hot water from cooling units, when dumped back into rivers and other bodies of water, is dangerous for aquatic ecosystems, environmentalists say. "This challenge is quite small, compared to the discharge from nuclear plants," said Riahi, adding the problem can be addressed by setting a temperate limit on this water. abd/ico/eml/dw/jbr
