Ice Energy’s The Ice Bear, which is used in conjunction with air conditioners, freezes tap water at night when energy demand and, often, power prices are low. During the day, it circulates standard coolant through coils embedded in the ice for cooling, using, according to the company, less electricity than an unassisted air-conditioning unit would.
The device is being used and tested for both commercial and residential buildings in California.
During the day, the device uses only 300 watts per hour, compared to 10,000 to 14,000 watts for commercial units providing equivalent cooling, Biz Journals reports. The Ice Bear lowers emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides by storing cooling power at night, when a higher percentage of the electrical power is generated by less-polluting sources, such as wind.
Several utilities have been testing the Ice Bear. Reviews are mixed but promising.
EBAY'S WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM PAYS FOR ITSELF
eBay saves water and energy with a program that'll achieve ROI within 18 months. How much could you save? Go to calculator>>
CLEAN ENERGY DOESN'T GET ANY COOLER THAN THIS
Hybrid Cooling Solutions from Ice Energy. There's no cooler way to improve your bottom line. Discover the power of Ice. >>
FINALLY! NEXT-GENERATION CARBON MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR BUSINESSES
Clear Standards environmental intelligence software helps businesses measure, analyze, and reduce their carbon footprint. No more spreadsheets! >>
The other day while out shopping for Energy Star rated household appliances with my wife, I got to wondering why we ... continue »
The EU cap-and-trade system has operated well and has had little or no negative impact on the overall EU economy, according to ...
click to view full size chart »
Political and business leaders are warning that Britain faces a sharp rise in its tax bill to fund the country's move to ...
Join the Discussion