Book 25, Question 65 · Video
How does cold water from Lake Ontario cool Toronto's downtown buildings?
Pipes reach about three miles out into the lake and draw up very cold water from deep down, near 39 degrees Fahrenheit. In downtown buildings, this cold water passes through heat exchangers that cool the air-conditioning system's own water, then goes on to the city's drinking water supply. The two waters do not mix. It saves a great deal of electricity.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does cold water from Lake Ontario cool Toronto's downtown buildings?
The Big Idea
Toronto has a clever way to cool its downtown buildings. It uses icy water from deep in Lake Ontario! Let's dive in.
Deep Pipes
Step one: Deep Pipes. Pipes reach about three miles out into the lake. They draw up very cold water from deep down, near 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat Exchangers
Step two: Heat Exchangers. In downtown buildings, this cold water passes through heat exchangers. They cool the air-conditioning system's own water, and the two waters do not mix.
Saving Energy
Step three: Saving Energy. Then the lake water goes on to the city's drinking water supply. The system saves a great deal of electricity.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Cold water waits deep down. Pipes bring it up. Exchangers swap heat. Buildings stay cool.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! This system has been running since 2004. Deep water stays cold. The water becomes drinking water. Saves lots of electricity.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, fill a cup with warm, not hot, water. Set it inside a bigger bowl of cold water with ice. Wait ten minutes. Feel the temperature of each. The cold water cooled the cup without mixing!
Outro
Toronto cools downtown buildings by pumping very cold water from deep in Lake Ontario through heat exchangers, cooling buildings without mixing waters and saving lots of electricity. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!