Conference Agenda

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that in the coming years, the frequency and intensity of heat waves will increase significantly. This rise will be matched by a greater need for air conditioning by populations, while the performances of current methods are expected to reach their limits. It is in this context of a need for a more resilient technology that this study takes place. The SWAC technology (Sea Water Air Conditioning) uses deep seawater to cool buildings. There are three operational SWAC systems in French Polynesia, including two that are instrumented for performance monitoring. Using the installation in Tetiaroa as a case study, a SWAC-with-building-integrated model was developed in EnergyPlus to replicate its behavior. This led to an accurate depiction of the performance compared to measured results.

The study presented here explores the integration of SWAC systems into standardized building models to evaluate their potential for energy resilience across various regions and climates. Our approach follows the recommendation of Annex 80 of the IEA by integrating this original SWAC model with two innovative frameworks: (1) prototype building models developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), representing various buildings (offices, hotels, hospitals), combined with climate files produced by Annex 80 that include projections of future climates (2050–2100) in numerous regions; and (2) a global cartography of SWAC feasibility that accounts for geographic and bathymetric variations in pipe length requirements.

By combining these frameworks, the study bridges a critical gap by adapting a localized SWAC model with standardized building prototypes and adjusting sizing and operational parameters—such as pipe length—to regional conditions. The results underscore SWAC’s significant potential as a sustainable cooling solution, demonstrating its ability to reduce energy consumption while ensuring thermal comfort in a global warming context.