Thalassothermy is an innovative process that uses seawater as a source of thermal energy for heating and cooling buildings, leveraging the stable thermal properties of seawater. Heat pumps are essential for extracting heat from seawater at low temperatures (e.g., 10-15°C) and transferring it to a heat transfer fluid to heat indoor spaces during winter. In summer, the system can reverse the process to remove excess heat from buildings to seawater, providing a cooling solution. Thalassothermy offers advantages such as sustainability and low environmental impact by utilizing a renewable natural resource without direct greenhouse gas emissions, making it suitable for coastal areas. However, challenges like equipment corrosion in contact with seawater and high initial costs are potential considerations when implementing thalassothermy systems.
Advantages :
Durability and Low Environmental Impact: Thalassothermy utilizes a renewable natural resource – seawater – without generating direct greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing its carbon footprint.
Heating and Cooling Flexibility: This system can heat buildings in winter by extracting heat from seawater, and in summer, it can reverse the process to cool indoor spaces by dissipating excess heat into seawater.
Long-term Operating Cost Reduction: While initial installation costs may be high, thalassothermy offers long-term savings by reducing energy costs for heating and cooling buildings.
Disadvantages :
High Initial Costs: Installing thalassothermy systems involves high upfront costs due to the need for heat pumps and other specialized equipment suitable for seawater.
Corrosion Complexity: Equipment in contact with seawater must withstand corrosion, requiring regular and potentially costly maintenance to ensure durability.
Dependency on Seawater Access: This system is primarily applicable in coastal areas where access to seawater is available and practical, limiting its implementation in remote or landlocked inland areas.