One of the main energy saving mechanisms that we have on campus is for our air conditioning. FGCU has one of the largest ice thermal storage plants in the state of the Florida. This device converts cold water to a holding tank to the cooling capacity. The storage unit operates at night to allow the chilly water to make the ice. The ice is then used during the peak electric utility period to power the fluid to move to the heat exchangers. The storage plant sends cold water through tunnels which are located underground. These tunnels go to cool buildings according to each building’s cooling needs. During the night, the plant produces ice when the electricity is low, which helps save on the electric bill, and it also reduces the need for other generating utilities.
