Air-conditioning accounts for a substantial portion of the energy consumption of a building, one that is often under-estimated. Cool air is generally supplied by electrical equipment installed directly in the building. This causes significant electricity consumption peaks, particularly during the summer. Analysis methods are therefore required in order to investigate regional energy consumption resulting from urban air conditioning.

This project focuses on the southern part of Canton Ticino, in Switzerland, and is supported by real data from the local electricity company. The study investigates the electrical energy consumption of major consumers in order to verify if there is a demand for air conditioning, and then analyses how this demand affects electricity consumption and if this demand can be satisfied by means of a tele-cooling network. The potential tele-cooling network connections were selected by means of a structured procedure. The pathways identified, the energy consumption density and the power peaks were mapped using Territorial IT Systems (Sistemi Informativi Territoriali - SIT). The analysis demonstrates that tele-cooling networks could represent an alternative to electrical air conditioning systems, benefiting consumers, services and the environment.