A district cooling system, and methods of operating and constructing the same

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a district cooling system including a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings, a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop and a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body The channel includes one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel to cool the water in the channel. The cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

Description

A District Cooling System, and Methods of Operating and Constructing the SameTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a district cooling system, and methods of operating and constructing the district cooling system.Background Art

[0002] A district cooling system operates by circulating a coolant chilled in a centralised location through a system of insulated pipes to meet residential and / or commercial cooling requirements. The coolant is traditionally cooled in the centralised location using conventional evaporative cooling methods, which involve the use of cooling towers and / or evaporative condensers. In this process, the coolant passes through the cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and water in thermal contact with the coolant would evaporate to draw heat away from the coolant. As the cooling towers and evaporative condensers rely on the evaporation of water to remove heat from the system, they require a constant supply of treated water. Water treatment can be costly, and the demand for water can strain local water resources. Evaporative cooling methods may not be suitable for all climates or locations, particularly in areas with high humidity where evaporative cooling is less effective. This limits their applicability in district cooling systems operating in diverse environments.

[0003] An alternative to evaporative cooling involves dissipating heat into water bodies (e.g. the sea) to utilise the reservoir of thermal capacity held by the water bodies. However, the approach requires waterfront access. Restricted access to waterfront locations limits the scale and application of cooling using water bodies.

[0004] Accordingly, what is needed is a district cooling system, and methods of operating and constructing the same that seek to address some of the above problems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.Summary of Invention

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a district cooling system including a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings, a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop and a channel configured to receive the water thathas been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body. The channel includes one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel to cool the water in the channel. The cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0006] The one or more ventilation shafts can be configured to cool the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body before the water is discharged into the water body. The district cooling system can also include one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings. Each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings, and each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0007] The conduit can include a water treatment plant configured to process the water drawn from the water body for cooling the cooling loop. The conduit can be located apart from the one or more buildings.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a data centre comprising a district cooling system. The district cooling system includes a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings, a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop and a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body. The channel includes one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel to cool the water in the channel. The cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a district cooling system. The method includes circulating a coolant through a cooling loop to cool one or more buildings, drawing water from a water body through a water conduit to cool the cooling loop, directing the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop into a channel comprising one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel, cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts, and discharging the cooled water into the water body. The cooling loop and the water conduit are thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from each other.

[0010] The step of cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts can include cooling the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body. The method can also include circulating the coolant through one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings. Each of the cooling loop and the additionalcooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings, and each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0011] The water conduit can include a water treatment plant, and the step of drawing water from the water body through the water conduit can include processing the water drawn from the water body. The conduit can be located apart from the one or more buildings.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of constructing a district cooling system. The method includes providing a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings, providing a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop, forming a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body, and providing one or more ventilation shafts at least partially along the channel. The one or more ventilation shafts is configured to cool the water in the channel. The cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0013] The method can also include providing one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings. Each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings. Each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0014] The step of providing the conduit can include providing a water treatment plant configured to process the water drawn from the water body for cooling the cooling loop. The conduit can be located apart from the one or more buildings.Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a side part-section view of a district cooling system according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figs. 2A and 2B show a plan part-section views of a district cooling system according to example embodiments.

[0018] Fig. 3A shows a side part-section view of a channel of the district cooling systems of Figs 1 and 2 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 3B shows a side part-section view of a channel of the district cooling systems of Figs 1 and 2 according to another example embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a district cooling system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of constructing a district cooling system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been depicted to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the illustrations, block diagrams or flowcharts may be exaggerated in respect to other elements to help to improve understanding of the present embodiments.Description of Embodiments

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals and characters in the drawings refer to like elements or equivalents. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following description. Herein, a district cooling system, and methods of operating and constructing the same are presented in accordance with present embodiments having the advantages of modularity, efficiency and scalability.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a side part-section view of a district cooling system 100 according to an example embodiment. The district cooling system 100 can include a cooling loop 102 configured to cool one or more buildings 104. The district cooling system 100 can also include a conduit 106 configured to draw water from a water body 108 for cooling the cooling loop 102, and a channel 1 10 configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop 102 and to discharge the water into the water body 108. An example of the flow of water from the water body 108 through the conduit 106, and the discharge of the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop 102 into the channel 1 10 is shown in Fig. 1 . The channel 110 can include one or more ventilation shafts 300 shown in Fig. 3. The one or more ventilation shafts 300 are provided at least partially along the channel 110 to cool the water in the channel 110. The cooling loop 102 is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit 106.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling loop 102 and the conduit 106 can be thermally coupled to one or more heat exchangers (not shown) to facilitate heat exchange between the cooling loop 102 and the conduit 106. As shown in Fig. 1 , a coolant can be circulated through the cooling loop 102 by one or more pumps (not shown) fluidly coupled to the cooling loop 100 to cool one or more buildings 104. The coolant can be purified water. The one or more heat exchangers and the one or more pumps can be housed in a cooling facility 112. The cooling loop 102 and the conduit 106 can also be partially housed in the cooling facility 112. The cooling facility 1 12 can be located apart from the one or more buildings 104. The cooling loop 102 can include one or more fluid manifolds and one or more flow control devices (e.g. valves), filters and sensors to distribute, regulate, or control the flow of the coolant to meet cooling demand of the one or more buildings 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the district cooling system 100 can include one or more cooling facilities 112. The one or more cooling facilities 112 can be housed in a single building or in a cluster of buildings within a compound. Centralisation of the one or more cooling facilities 112 can advantageously provide better cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The centralised one or more cooling facilities 1 12 can also provide centralised control and monitoring of cooling systems, and allow for centralised maintenance and repair of the systems, thereby improving overall system reliability. The centralised one or more cooling facilities 112 can also provide scalability and accommodate future upgrades. For example, additional cooling capacity can be added to the centralised system if cooling requirements increase over time.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling facility 112 can be located proximate the water body 108, on land near the edge of the water body. Locating the cooling facility 1 12 near the water body 108 can reduce the length of the channel 1 10, and the construction and maintenance costs associated of the cooling facility 112. Proximity of the cooling facility 1 12 to the water body 108 can also reduce energy costs associated with pumping the water through the cooling facility 112. The one or more buildings 104 can be positioned further inshore, at a distance further from the water body compared to that of the cooling facility 1 12, to advantageously optimise land usage near the water body, to reduce risk of water-related damage to the one or more buildings 104 and to reduce maintenance costs associated with proximity to the water body. The cooling loop 102 can extend from the 1 12 to the cooling facility 1 12 to one or more buildings 104, to deliver chilled coolant to cool the one or more buildings 104. The cooling loop 102 can be insulated to prevent heat loss. The insulation can also protect the cooling loop 102 from moisture, corrosion, and physical damage from decay and biofouling.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit 106 can similarly include one or more fluid manifolds and one or more flow control devices (e.g. pumps, valves), filters and sensors to distribute, regulate, or control the flow of the water through the conduit 106. The conduit 106 can also include one or more inlets to draw water from the water body 108, and one or more outlets to discharge the water used to cool the cooling loop 102 into the channel 110. The conduit 106 can also include a water treatment plant 1 14. The water treatment plant 114 can include one or more pumps configured to draw water from the water body 108. The water treatment plant 1 14 can be configured to process the water such that it is suitable to be circulated through the conduit 106 to cool the cooling loop 102. For example, the water treatment plant 1 14 can include a plurality of treatment stages (e.g. filtration, sedimentation and chemical treatment stages) to process the water. The water treatment plant 114 can also include antibiofouling measures to prevent growth of marine life within the conduit 106.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling facility 112 and water treatment plant 1 14 can be housed in a single building or in a cluster of buildings within a compound. The single building or compound can be located proximate the water body 108 to reduce the length of the conduit 106 and the channel 110, and their associated construction costs. The single building or compound can also be located apart from the one or more buildings 104 that the cooling loop 102 is configured to cool. In exemplary embodiments, the channel 1 10 can include one or more outlets to discharge the water into the water body 108.

[0028] Fig. 2A shows a plan part-section view of a district cooling system 200 according to another example embodiment. The district cooling system 200 is similar to the district cooling system 100 of Fig. 1. The district cooling system 200 can include a plurality of cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c configured to cool buildings 204a, 204b, 204c. Each of the plurality of cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from a conduit 206 configured to draw water from a water body (not shown) for cooling the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c. The district cooling system 200 can include a channel 210 configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c and to discharge the water into the water body. Each of the plurality of cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c can be selectively operated to meet cooling requirements of the buildings 204a, 204b, 204c.

[0029] In an example embodiment, each of the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c can be fluidly and thermally isolated from the rest of the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c, such that each cooling loop 202a, 202b, 202c cools a respective building 204a, 204b, 204c. In another example embodiment, one or more of the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c can be fluidly and thermally coupled to the other of the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c, such that the coolingcapacity of the coupled cooling loops can be shared or dynamically allocated according to the cooling requirements of the buildings. For example, the cooling loops 202a and 202b can be fluidly and thermally coupled through one or more fluid manifolds 208 such that the coupled cooling loops 202a and 202b can cool buildings 204a and 204b, while the cooling loop 204c is fluidly and thermally isolated from the cooling loops 202a and 202b such that the cooling loop 202c cools only the building 204c. The cooling loops 202a, 202b and the one or more fluid manifolds 208 can be selectively operated to channel the coolant to either of buildings 204a or 204b, if one of the buildings 204a or 204b requires extra cooling demand. Coupling of the cooling loops 202a and 202b can also provide cooling redundancy, in event of equipment failure or maintenance. The cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c and the one or more fluid manifolds 208 can include one or more flow control devices (e.g. pumps, valves), filters and sensors to distribute, regulate, or control the flow of the coolant to meet cooling demand of the buildings 204a, 204b, 204c.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c and the conduit 206 can be thermally coupled to one or more heat exchangers (not shown) to facilitate heat exchange between the cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c and the conduit 206. The one or more heat exchangers and the one or more fluid manifolds 208 can be housed in a cooling facility 212. The cooling loops 202a, 202b, 202c and the conduit 206 can also be partially housed in the cooling facility 212. The cooling facility 212 can be located apart from the buildings 204a, 204b, 204c.

[0031] Fig. 2B shows a plan part-section view of another district cooling system 230 according to another example embodiment. The district cooling system 230 is similar to the district cooling system 200 of Fig. 2A. In the district cooling system 230, cooling loops 222a and 222b can be fluidly and thermally coupled through one or more fluid manifolds 228 such that the coupled cooling loops 222a and 222b can cool building 234a, while cooling loop 222c is fluidly and thermally isolated from the cooling loops 222a and 222b such that the cooling loop 222c cools only buildings 234b and 234c.

[0032] Fig. 3A shows a side part-section view of a channel 1 10, 210 of the district cooling systems of Figs 1 and 2 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 3B shows another side part-section view of a channel of the district cooling systems of Figs 1 and 2 according to another example embodiment. The channel 110, 210 can include one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b are provided at least partially along the channel to cool the water in the channel. In an example embodiment, the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b can be configured to cool the waterbefore the water is discharged into the water body 108 to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body 108, preferably to within 3°C of surface temperature of the water body 108, more preferably to within 2°C of surface temperature of the water body 108 and most preferably to within 1 °C of surface temperature of the water body 108. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b can provided at least partially along the length of the channel to cool the water in the channel. Each of the one or more ventilation shafts can also be provided partially along the width of the channel as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B to cool the water in the channel. Fig. 3A shows a ventilation shaft 300a provided on a section of the channel 1 10, 210 as a standalone structure. Fig. 3B shows a ventilation shaft 300b provided on a section of the channel 1 10, 210 as a structure provided integral with the cooling facilities 112, 212. In exemplary embodiments, heat from cooling loops 102, 202 can be dissipated into the ventilation shaft 300b, in addition to heat exchange with the conduits 106, 206. While Fig. 3B shows that heat is first dissipated into the conduits 106, 206 prior to being dissipated into the ventilation shaft 300b, a skilled person would readily appreciate that the opposite configuration is also possible (that is, dissipation first into the ventilation shaft 300b prior to heat exchange with the conduits 106, 206).

[0033] The one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b use stack effect to cool water in the channel 1 10, 210. The water has been used to cool the cooling loop 102, 202. Stack effect, also known as chimney effect or buoyancy-driven ventilation, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when warm air rises and escapes through openings (not shown) of the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b at higher levels, while cool air is drawn in through openings (not shown) of the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b at lower levels to replace the rising warm air. This creates a flow of air through the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b and can be harnessed for ventilation purposes. Stack effect is driven by the difference in temperature and density between air within the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b and the air outside of the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b, and can be affected by factors such as the height of the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b, the size and location of openings, the exterior temperature and the wind speed. Hence, heated water that has been used to cool the cooling loop 102, 202 can advantageously be cooled through evaporation before being discharged into the water body 108. In an example embodiment, the channel 110, 210 can be covered to avoid exposing any water spray to the open environment. Additionally or alternatively, the channel 1 10, 210 can be partially or completely provided underground, for example, below the cooling facility 112, 212. To promote airflow within the channel 110, 210 through the stack effect, the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b can be positioned, for example, at regular intervals along the channel 1 10, 210. Accordingly, byharnessing the natural airflow created by stack effect, the system 100, 200 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can precool the water in the channel 110, 210 before being discharged into the water body 108, and can save energy and associated costs.

[0034] Advantageously, as the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b can cool water in the channel 1 10, 210 before discharge into the water body, inclusion of the one or more ventilation shafts 300a, 300b in the district cooling systems 100, 200 can allow the one or more heat exchangers that facilitate heat exchange between the cooling loops 102, 202 and the conduits 106, 206 to operate at a higher water AT compared to that in a conventional district cooling system for the same cooling capacity. That is, there can be a greater temperature difference between the water entering and exiting the one or more heat exchangers compared to conventional district cooling systems. The higher water AT can advantageously allow the district cooling systems 100, 200 to operate more efficiently with lower energy consumption. The higher water AT can also allow for reduced flow rates through conduits 106, 206, which in turn can reduce pump power requirements, energy consumption and operating costs. The higher water AT can also provide more options in terms of equipment selection and allow for greater flexibility in design and operation of the district cooling systems 100, 200.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of operating a district cooling system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The method 400 broadly includes step 402 of circulating a coolant through a cooling loop to cool one or more buildings, step 404 of drawing water from a water body through a water conduit to cool the cooling loop, step 406 of directing the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop into a channel comprising one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel, step 408 of cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts, and step 410 of discharging the cooled water into the water body. The cooling loop and the water conduit are thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from each other.

[0036] The step 408 of cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts can include cooling the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body, preferably to within 3°C of surface temperature of the water body, more preferably to within 2°C of surface temperature of the water body and most preferably to within 1°C of surface temperature of the water body. The method 400 can also include circulating the coolant through one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings, wherein each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable tomeet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings and wherein each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0037] The water conduit can include a water treatment plant, and the step 404 of drawing water from the water body through the water conduit can include processing the water drawn from the water body. In an example embodiment, the water conduit can be located apart from the one or more buildings.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 500 of constructing a district cooling system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The method 500 broadly includes step 502 of providing a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings, step 504 of providing a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop, wherein the cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit, step 506 of forming a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body and step 508 of providing one or more ventilation shafts at least partially along the channel, the one or more ventilation shafts configured to cool the water in the channel.

[0039] The one or more ventilation shafts can be configured to cool the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body, preferably to within 3°C of surface temperature of the water body, more preferably to within 2°C of surface temperature of the water body and most preferably to within 1 °C of surface temperature of the water body before the water is discharged into the water body. The method 500 can also include providing one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings. Each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops can be selectively operated to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings. Each of the one or more additional cooling loops can be thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

[0040] The step 504 of providing the conduit can include providing a water treatment plant configured to process the water drawn from the water body for cooling the cooling loop. The step 504 can also include providing the conduit such that it is located apart from the one or more buildings.

[0041] The district cooling system in accordance with embodiment of the disclosure can be used to cool one or more data centres. The conduit of the district cooling system can be located proximate a water body (e.g. sea, lake or river). The cooling loop and conduit can be located apart from the one or more data centres. The one or more data centres can be locatedaway from the water body, such that a distance between the one or more data centres and the water body is greater that between the conduit and the water body.

[0042] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

Claims1 . A district cooling system comprising: a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings; a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop; a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body, the channel comprising one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel to cool the water in the channel; wherein the cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

2. The district cooling system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more ventilation shafts are configured to cool the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body before the water is discharged into the water body.

3. The district cooling system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings; wherein each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings; and wherein each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

4. The district cooling system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conduit comprises a water treatment plant configured to process the water drawn from the water body for cooling the cooling loop.

5. The district cooling system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conduit is located apart from the one or more buildings.

6. A method of operating a district cooling system, the method comprising: circulating a coolant through a cooling loop to cool one or more buildings; drawing water from a water body through a water conduit to cool the cooling loop; directing the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop into a channel comprising one or more ventilation shafts provided at least partially along the channel;cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts; and discharging the cooled water into the water body; wherein the cooling loop and the water conduit are thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from each other.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cooling the water in the channel via the one or more ventilation shafts comprises cooling the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body.

8. The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, comprising circulating the coolant through one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings; wherein each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings; and wherein each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

9. The method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the water conduit comprises a water treatment plant, and wherein drawing water from the water body through the water conduit comprises processing the water drawn from the water body.

10. The method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the water conduit is located apart from the one or more buildings.

11. A method of constructing a district cooling system, the method comprising: providing a cooling loop configured to cool one or more buildings; providing a conduit configured to draw water from a water body for cooling the cooling loop; forming a channel configured to receive the water that has been used to cool the cooling loop and to discharge the water into the water body; and providing one or more ventilation shafts at least partially along the channel, the one or more ventilation shafts configured to cool the water in the channel; wherein the cooling loop is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the one or more ventilation shafts are configured to cool the water to within 4°C of surface temperature of the water body before the water is discharged into the water body.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, further comprising providing one or more additional cooling loops configured to cool the one or more buildings; wherein each of the cooling loop and the additional cooling loops is selectively operable to meet cooling requirements of the one or more buildings; and wherein each of the one or more additional cooling loops is thermally coupled to and fluidly isolated from the conduit.

14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein providing the conduit comprises providing a water treatment plant configured to process the water drawn from the water body for cooling the cooling loop.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein providing the conduit comprises providing the conduit such that it is located apart from the one or more buildings.

16. A data centre comprising the district cooling system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images