What type of air conditioning system utilizes water to cool the air?

Chilled water systems are specifically designed to use water as a cooling medium. In this type of system, water is chilled and then circulated through a network of pipes connected to air handling units or fan coil units. When warm air from the environment passes over these chilled units, the heat is transferred from the air to the water, cooling the air before it's distributed throughout the space.

This process is highly effective in large commercial and industrial applications where significant cooling loads are required, and the use of water instead of refrigerant can provide energy efficiency and maintain consistent temperatures.

Central AC systems, while they can use water, primarily rely on refrigerants for cooling. Ductless mini-split systems and window units are both types of air conditioning that operate using refrigerants as well, not water. Therefore, when considering systems that specifically utilize water for cooling air, chilled water systems are the clear choice.