海岸近くにある多くの大型建物では、室内を涼しく保つために電気で動くエアコンを使用しています。

READING

Many large buildings near the coast use electricity-powered air conditioners to stay cool. Recently, some have begun using seawater air-conditioning, or SWAC. In this system, cold water is taken from deep parts of the ocean and sent through pipes to a building. The seawater cools another supply of water, which circulates through the building and lowers the temperature of rooms without entering the rooms themselves.

Supporters believe SWAC has several advantages. Ordinary air conditioners require large amounts of electricity, especially in hot regions. Because deep seawater is already cold, SWAC can reduce the energy needed for cooling. There is another benefit. Large outdoor cooling machines are not required, so buildings may produce less noise. This could make homes and public spaces around them more comfortable, particularly in busy areas where many cooling machines operate.

However, critics express concerns. After being used for cooling, the seawater becomes slightly warmer and must be returned to the ocean. Releasing this warmer water may change local water temperatures near the discharge area. Even small temperature changes could affect nearby marine organisms, especially species that are sensitive to environmental conditions. As a result, SWAC systems may disturb the area where local marine organisms live and interact with each other.