(Courtesy Wikipedia Commons) |
Equipment shelters at cell sites generate large amounts of heat and require constant cooling to ensure optimal performance of network equipment. This is typically accomplished with energy-intensive air conditioning units.
Geothermal cooling uses pumps to transfer heat from the building into cool underground wells, using much less energy than a traditional air conditioner that transfers the heat to the outside air. Geothermal systems are also highly reliable with long life expectancy and require minimal maintenance, further reducing operational costs.
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In the upcoming March/April issue of the GRC Bulletin, Koenraad F. Beckers, a GRC Scholarship winner in 2013, and Jefferson W. Tester of Cornell University's Energy Institute will present a paper "Utilizing Geothermal Heat Pumps to Provide Cooling for Cellular Towers – Demonstration Project at Cornell University" detailing the research mentioned above.