Methodology to analyze the feasibility of deep seawater cooling systems

Deep Seawater Cooling (DSWC) system emerges as an energy-efficient alternative to the conventional cooling system. It harnesses the naturally available and stable low temperature of deep seawater to provide cooling. The feasibility of DSWC systems mainly depends on pipeline design, site location, and investment and operational costs. This study proposed a sequentially structured methodology to evaluate the energy and economic feasibility of DSWC systems for any applications. The proposed methodology is also suitable for heating applications. Unlike previous studies, this methodology incorporates seabed profile, erosion and deposition velocity limits, pipeline strength criteria, diameter optimization, and economic analysis. In the present study, the proposed feasibility methodology is demonstrated for a cooling application of data center in tropical regions such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which offer ideal conditions for DSWC systems due to minimal seasonal temperature variations. Analyzing a DSWC system designed for a 100 MW cooling load, the study demonstrates annual energy savings of 79 % and a payback period of eight months, underscoring its energy efficiency and economic feasibility. Furthermore, DSWC system reduces greenhouse gas emissions because of significant energy savings, promoting sustainability in data center operations. The findings provide valuable insights about the practicality of DSWC system in tropical regions to researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers.