Researchers from the Far Eastern Federal University have commenced an investigation into the feasibility of utilising natural cold for air conditioning within the passenger terminal building at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport. This was announced by the airport’s press office.
The aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of preserving snow for subsequent use during the summer months. The experiment involves studying the storage duration of snow and its properties under varying thermal insulation conditions.
The Technical Directorate of the airport terminal complex has proposed using melted snow for cooling the terminal’s facilities. Calculations indicate that one metric tonne of snow can provide one hour of air conditioning at a capacity of 92.2 kW, which is sufficient to maintain a comfortable temperature across an area of 860 square metres. To ensure continuous cooling for four months, over 4,000 tonnes of snow would be required.
To build up a snow reserve, plans are in place to construct an open-air storage facility, where snow collected from clearing the airport apron, access roads, and car parks will be deposited. To slow down the melting process, various insulation materials, such as sawdust or expanded polyethylene, are being considered. The effectiveness of these materials is currently being examined by researchers from the FEFU Department of Energy.
Ten experimental snow storage areas with different thermal insulation coverings have already been established on the airport’s grounds. Scientists are taking monthly measurements of the snow’s density and temperature, as well as visually documenting the rate of its melting on a daily basis. The data obtained will help in developing a method for calculating snow storage durations and providing recommendations for creating an effective storage facility.
If the experiment proves successful, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport will become the first in Russia to implement a project for accumulating natural cold for air conditioning during the summer period. Similar solutions are already employed at Oslo Airport and New Chitose Airport (Japan), but this practice is not yet widespread in Russia. Sakhalin’s climatic conditions, with its snowy winters, make this project a promising one.
The research will continue until the end of August, and the analysis of the results will be completed by December. Based on the data obtained, technical specialists will develop a cooling system design for the terminal and construct the storage facility. This eco-friendly approach will reduce energy consumption and lower harmful emissions. With the growing demands for environmental sustainability, the seemingly utopian project becomes relevant and in demand.
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