ITHACA, NY — In searching for cooling options for Cornell University, a team of New York engineers turned to the “cold, deep water of Cayuga Lake.” Applying lake source cooling eliminated the use of refrigerant-based chillers, reducing energy use by 86%. It also saves more than 20 million kWh per year.
“Use of lake source cooling provides a passive and technologically simple cooling option for Cornell University, using a natural, non-polluting, and renewable source,” said W.S. “Lanny” Joyce, project manager. “It is designed and operated with great care to protect the lake.”