Client: Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning (HSAC)
Year: 2013
Location: Downtown area of Kakaako, Honolulu
Project Highlights
- Cold seawater (at 44°F) is drawn from a deep seawater intake pipe will be 5 feet in diameter, 2000 feet deep, and reach 4 miles offshore
- Reducing electricity consumption for air conditioning by up to 75%
Utilizing Seawater to Chill Downtown Honolulu
FVB conducted a comprehensive design peer review of the groundbreaking Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning (HSWAC) project. The initiative aims to provide a sustainable, energy-efficient cooling solution for downtown Honolulu. Leveraging the natural cold temperatures of deep seawater, the HSWAC system is designed to deliver 25,000 tons of cooling capacity, sufficient to cool approximately 40 large buildings or 15 million square feet of space. This innovative approach is expected to reduce electricity consumption for air conditioning by up to 75%, significantly lowering operational costs and carbon emissions.
FVB evaluated the project’s design criteria, efficiency measures, operational performance, and reliability. The review confirmed that the HSWAC system meets or exceeds international best practices, providing valuable recommendations to optimize performance and ensure long-term success. FVB’s involvement underscores the project’s credibility and commitment to excellence in sustainable urban infrastructure.
HSWAC represents a major advancement in urban sustainability and energy efficiency, positioning Honolulu as a leader in environmentally conscious development. The project reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligns with climate adaptation goals, and supports urban resilience by providing a reliable and cost-effective cooling solution. Its implementation showcases the viability of alternative cooling methods, setting a precedent for future developments worldwide. By harnessing the power of seawater, this innovative system offers an efficient and eco-friendly solution for cooling buildings in the heart of Honolulu.
Keywords
Seawater cooling, peer-review, low-carbon cooling