Production of heat and cold (Ocean Thermal Energy)

The principle of a heat pump consists of using sea water as a heat source in the winter, and as a cold source in the summer.

Seawater is pumped and sent to filters to remove any impurities which could seal the exchangers. It then progresses to the titanium heat exchangers which transfer this energy to the refrigeration cycle of the heat pump. The latter supplies the infrastructures it is allocated to with heat and/or cold, depending on the needs.

A pilot system was carried out at Saint Gille Croix de Vie (85-France) during the summer of 2013. The aim of this experiment was to show the feasibility of coupling a drainage system to a heat pump.

This process is implemented in La Baule to provide the energy needs of the Aquabaule aquatic centre (Learn more), and in St Jean de Luz to provide the energy needs of the Thalazur thalassotherapy centre (Learn more).