Open-loop low-enthalpy geothermal air conditioning system for improving energy efficiency in the cooling of the D-ALiX Datacenter
Low enthalpy geothermal energy is based on the ability of the subsoil to accumulate heat and maintain a fairly constant temperature, between 10 and 20 metres deep, throughout the year.
The technology developed for the use of low enthalpy geothermal energy is the renewable geothermal heat pump. This technology is capable of extracting heat from the earth’s subsoil, to be able to heat a fluid of high compressibility and low vaporization point, in order to transmit that heat to an installation in winter, and reversing the process, Transferring heat to the ground in summer, and thus transferring cold to the installation. The different heat pump systems make it possible to extract and use economically the heat contained in low-temperature bodies, such as soils, shallow aquifers, etc.
Considering the operation of this system, a direct application of it would be its installation for the improvement of the energy efficiency of the existing Datacenter air conditioning system in the ITER facilities.
This building has a complex redundant air conditioning system, thanks to which the main air flows are balanced and thus obtain optimal temperature values, necessary for the correct operation of the equipment.
In this connection, the installation of an open-circuit geothermal exchange system parallel to existing production equipment is planned. This system will produce cooled water at the target temperature covering the Data Center base demand up to design power. The demands that exceed this threshold will be covered by existing chillers. Several objectives will thus be covered:
- A significant reduction in electrical energy consumption and therefore in the associated costs, emissions and primary energy consumption.
- A reduction in the number of start-up compressors on existing chillers and associated maintenance and replacement costs.
- An increase in installation redundancy.
The proposed solution is based on the construction of a supply well to capture the water needed and the reinjection well for the return once the energy recovery has been completed.
This action is included within the Strategic Island Development Framework (MEDI) 2016-2025.
