Cold Ocean Water to be Turned Into A/C

**Cass** · 11-09-2009 01:01 AM

MARK NIESSE,
Associated Press Writer
HONOLULU—The plan to pump frigid waters from the ocean's depths to air condition downtown Honolulu isn't a pipe dream, and it could reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels while slashing power bills that are the highest in the nation.

The long-studied cooling project by Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning would extend plumbing nearly 5 miles offshore, suck 45-degree water from 1,800 feet deep, circulate frosty water into buildings' existing A/C systems and then dump it back into the sea.
Hawaii's government recently approved an environmental study of the project, and the company said it plans to begin construction next year, with the 40-building system expected to come online in early 2012.
"We'll save so much energy for the buildings. It's a real benefit when you don't have to go out and buy foreign oil and you get to keep the money in Hawaii," said Frederic Berg, project director for the company.
Hawaii gets about 90 percent of its power from

**kristine33** · 11-16-2009 01:16 PM

This sounds really great. If this works and becomes a success, many could follow suit on this project. I'm just wondering, since it is water from the sea would they be doing desalination on it first? Seawater can be quite corrosive. Or either way, would the costs in the long run still be lower than just going fossil fuel?

**a2sasin** · 11-17-2009 09:33 PM

Pumping water from 1800 ft below sea level will take a lot of power. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of galons that will have to be circulated. Wouldn't it be easier and more energy efficient to use the a/c that we use today like car air conditioning with compressors?

**francis** · 11-28-2009 10:43 PM

no offense but it sound ambitious because the cost of constructing pipes and water gates would be tremendous. at the same time the effect on animal life's habitat would be damaging also in constructing those pipes and pumping station. Much more you will be needing pumping station that is powered by electricity to regulate the flow in the pipes. It would only offset the savings we get from those electricity usage. What do you think?

**Cass** · 11-28-2009 10:52 PM

Welcome to the Green Forum francis!

With all things in life there are trade-offs. The key is to obtain the cost benefit analysis from a reputable source. As is certain there are certain costs, certain benefits and certain trade-offs going this route. The author painted a fine picture in favor but unless we have all available details making a final decision is cumbersome and assumption prone.

**Lucywu2012** · 08-05-2010 08:59 PM

That's great ideas, thanks for sharing!

Cold Ocean Water to be Turned Into A/C
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