Navigating Demand-Side Energy Requirements through District Cooling and Technology Integration

Increased urbanization, rising per-capita incomes, changing lifestyles, and extreme climate events have all increased power demand, particularly for cooling. In response, various technologies and solutions are being deployed to manage energy demand effectively. District cooling systems (DCS), long used in many countries, are gradually making inroads in India. This sustainable approach to cooling is becoming a focal point in discussions among governments, multilateral organisations, and non-profit entities. DCS offers efficient cooling and integrates diverse supply-side technological solutions, addressing the circularity gap in urban communities.

Understanding District Cooling Systems: A Game-Changer for Urban Efficiency

District cooling systems generate chilled water at a central plant and distribute it through an insulated network of pipes to multiple buildings within a campus. This method reduces the installed mechanical load and physical infrastructure by up to 50%, by leveraging diversity which can be understood through varying cooling demand throughout the day - peaking during the day for commercial buildings and at night for households. This variability allows DCS to optimise infrastructure requirement, making it cost-effective and environmentally sound.

A notable example is the Gujarat International Finance Technology City (GIFT City) project, which employs DCS to manage its cooling needs. Similarly, DLF Cyber City in Gurgaon has adopted this technology, highlighting DCS's scalability and effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

Technological Advancements: Pioneering the Future of Cooling

District cooling systems is also unique in the way that it enables integration with modern technologies for maximising efficiency and sustainability. DCS incorporates renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to enhance the climate-friendliness of the power source on the supply side. Additionally, district cooling systems can create circular loops by utilising waste heat from disposal or power plants and water from sewage treatment plants, significantly reducing wastage.

Furthermore, setting up thermal energy storage systems to store excess energy from renewable sources or the grid during off-peak hours, provide a reliable cooling supply even when energy production is low or grid tariffs are high. The stored energy in ice, chilled water or in innovative phase change materials during off-peak hours, can reduce aggregate power demand, unburden the grid, and take advantage of lower energy prices.

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and smart grid systems can transform district cooling systems by optimising efficiency and sustainability. AI improves smart grids through real-time monitoring and data analytics, predicting energy demand, facilitating dynamic pricing, and automating demand response. This improves resource use, minimises downtime, and ensures continuous operation. AI-driven predictive maintenance forecasts equipment failures for proactive maintenance and longevity of equipment life.

Economic and environmental benefits: a win-win for cities and the planet

The economic and environmental benefits of district cooling systems are substantial. For instance, DLF Cyber City in Gurgaon has reduced power demand by 100 MW and saved approximately 36,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually through DCS adoption. These systems relieve the strain on power infrastructure by reducing energy consumption and operational costs, resulting in lower electricity bills. Additionally, these systems reduce initial capital investment by spreading costs over a longer period. Reliable standard industrial equipment used in DCS can last up to 30 years, further lowering maintenance costs.

DCS utilises advanced green refrigerants like CO2, hydrocarbons (HCs), ammonia (NH3), and hydrofluroolefins (HFOs). These refrigerants have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP), reducing environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency. Environmentally, DCS contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing urban living conditions.

By optimising energy use and integrating renewable sources, DCS minimises the carbon footprint associated with cooling. Moreover, such grid-independent integrations including city-distributed gas, compressed natural gas and thermal energy storage reduces the risk of downtime during power outages increasing reliability and efficiency of DCS. Moreover, DCS frees up valuable urban space for other developments, enhancing real estate value and contributing to urban growth.

Challenges and Future Outlook: Overcoming Hurdles on the Path to Progress

Limited awareness of the impact of the current mainstream approach to cooling and the higher energy consumption is one of the biggest hindrances to including DCS in the urban context. A supportive regulatory framework is needed to incentivize developers to adopt DCS and continuous collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders is crucial for creating solutions that overcome hurdles and pave the way for wider adoption of DCS. While integrating advanced technologies can be technically demanding such as ensuring compatibility and managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, their integration represents a significant stride towards sustainable urban development. These advancements offer a viable solution for managing electricity demand, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more comfortable living environment. As temperatures rise, adopting these technologies will be crucial to alleviating the strain on power grids and promoting environmental sustainability and will set the foundation towards resilient urban infrastructure.

- Sudheer Perla, MD – Tabreed Asia & Country Manager – India, Tabreed