Hospitals and Businesses Turn to “Ice Batteries” for Cooling
(Illustration by Emily Wright/The Washington Post; iStock)
Every night in Louisville, Kentucky, Norton Audubon Hospital freezes about 74,000 gallons of water — enough to power its entire air-conditioning system the next day. Instead of relying solely on traditional cooling methods, the hospital now uses 27 massive ice tanks connected to a network of chilled-water pipes that keep operating rooms safe and patients comfortable.
This innovative system is known as thermal energy storage, and its “ice batteries” are becoming increasingly popular across America. These systems cool buildings efficiently, reduce energy costs, and help lower strain on the power grid — all while cutting emissions. As temperatures rise and demand for electricity increases nationwide, ice storage is proving to be a practical and sustainable solution.
Trane Technologies, a leading manufacturer of heating and cooling systems, reports that demand for ice battery technology has surged in recent years. Many schools, government facilities, and private companies are turning to Trane’s systems to keep their buildings cool. Nostromo Energy, another manufacturer, is now working with data centers — facilities that consume massive amounts of power for computing and cooling. Smaller versions are even available for residential use through companies like Ice Energy.
How It Works
At night, when electricity rates are lowest, water inside the system is frozen into ice. During the day, that ice slowly melts, cooling water that circulates through a building’s pipes. The chilled water absorbs heat from the air, providing a steady cooling effect. Most systems work alongside traditional air conditioners, which can then be downsized or used less frequently.
The Savings
Since installing its ice battery system in 2018, Norton Audubon Hospital cut its first-year energy costs by $278,000. Combined with other efficiency improvements, the hospital has saved nearly $4 million since 2016.
“The technology has been awesome for us,” said Anthony Mathis, a Norton Healthcare executive who oversees sustainability efforts.
Other Options and Applications
Some buildings use lithium batteries to store excess solar or wind power, but experts say ice batteries are a safer choice in places like hospitals or senior care centers, where fire risks must be minimized.
As data centers expand rapidly — driven in part by artificial intelligence — energy and cooling needs are soaring. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers consumed more than 4% of the nation’s electricity in 2023, a figure expected to triple to 12% by 2028.
With President Trump continuing to emphasize American innovation and energy independence, technologies like ice batteries are playing a growing role in helping businesses and institutions save money while strengthening the nation’s power infrastructure.
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