Harnessing Natural Water Bodies for Building Cooling

Many buildings in Paris, including the famous Louvre museum, are cooled through a sophisticated network of pipes and machinery connected to the Seine River. This system is critical for controlling temperature and humidity, ensuring that artworks are well-preserved. The Louvre is a major client of this network, using far more cooling energy than typical office buildings.

Paris is one of several cities globally using nearby water bodies for cooling. Water's heat absorption capabilities are far superior to air, making this method efficient. Unlike conventional air conditioning, water-based systems don't contribute to increased local temperatures.

Challenges in a Warming Planet

As climate change causes a rise in global temperatures, building cooling demands are increasing. Simultaneously, higher temperatures in rivers and lakes reduce their cooling effectiveness. Existing networks may struggle to cope with these changes.

The warming of the Seine limits its cooling ability, posing a challenge for systems like Fraîcheur de Paris, which operates Paris's river-supplied cooling network. Maintaining efficiency becomes difficult as both demand and water temperatures rise.

Innovative Cooling Systems Around the World

Other regions are adopting similar methods. In the Netherlands, Eneco employs the River Meuse for cooling various structures in Rotterdam. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Cornell University draws from deep lakes to maintain efficient cooling.

Toronto's Enwave network extracts cold water from Lake Ontario at significant depths, integrating it into municipal water systems post-treatment. Such systems demonstrate an effective fusion of infrastructure and natural resources.

Efforts to Expand and Adapt

Paris plans to extend its cooling network in response to growing demands. The current setup spans 100 kilometers but is expected to more than double in size by 2042. This aims to increase the number of buildings served significantly.

Heat exchangers play a central role, helping to facilitate the transfer of heat from building interiors to water bodies through closed-loop piping systems.

Future Considerations and Limitations

Some proposed solutions, such as altering the Seine, face regulatory restrictions. Alternate approaches like underground reservoirs may need to be explored further. These systems must continue to evolve to remain effective while respecting environmental limits.

The push for more sustainable cities is urgent, particularly as urban heat increases. Ensuring affordable cooling in densely populated areas can help bridge the divide between wealthier and less affluent communities, aligning with municipalities' roles as providers of essential services.