Researchers in Argonne's Energy Technology Division have developed and nurtured this cooling concept. The process begins in a fashion similar to the local mini-mart's method of preparing a slushy. Chunks of ice are fed into a shaver, which crushes the cubes into particles that resemble melting snow. This mixture of ice particles is stored in water overnight in a central plant. The next day, the slurry is pumped through pipes from the central plant to surrounding buildings.
Ice slurry has up to five times more cooling capacity than chilled water.
By using ice slurry, users can get more cooling out of an existing chilled water distribution system or use smaller pipes, pumps and storage tanks in a new installation. The central plant system also would eliminate the need for individual building chillers and their attendant costs. Argonne's initial efforts to develop this system began in 1986. The Department of Energy funded the first six years of the study. After the initial research findings proved the idea feasible, Argonne continued the work through private funding.