Ocean Thermal Energy for Air-conditioning: Case Study of a Green Data Center

Abstract

Solar energy is the source of a temperature difference of about 20°C between the surface and ocean layers 1 km deep. This renewable source of energy occurs at 2.5 km off the coast of Mauritius and can be used for air-conditioning in data centers that operate round the clock. The engineering, economic, and environmental implications of using naturally-available cold seawater for cooling of data centers are examined. The energy requirement of cold seawater air conditioning is 94% lower than that for conventional cooling systems. However, the risk of thermal shock and increased nutrient loading due to effluent disposal should not be overlooked.