GeoExchange®
Click here
for a brief video introduction about
geothermal technology.
You will need Windows Media Player®
(Available
Here) to view the presentation.
Best viewed in 320x240 resolution.
Click here
for a more in-depth video tutorial about
geothermal technology and how it can benefit you.
You will need Windows Media Player®
(Available
Here) to view the presentation.
Best viewed in 320x240 resolution.
 GeoExchange
(Geothermal/Earth Energy) energy is heat (thermal) derived from the earth (geo). It is the
thermal energy contained in the rock and fluid (that fills the
fractures and pores within the rock) in the earth's crust.
Ground-source heat pumps use the earth or groundwater as a heat
source in winter and a heat sink in summer. Using resource
temperatures of 4°C (40°F) to 38°C (100°F), the heat pump, a device
which moves heat from one place to another, transfers heat from the
soil to the house in winter and from the house to the soil in
summer.
The closed-loop portion of a ground-source heat pump system consists
of a long plastic pipe buried below the earth’s surface. This
plastic pipe is buried in the ground to allow heat transfer between
fluid in the pipe and the earth. The system consists of the
closed-loop buried pipe, a water-source (water-to-air) heat pump,
and an air distribution system for directing heated or cooled
(conditioned) air to specific locations in the building. In-floor
radiant heating is also commonly used. In some units, an extra heat
exchanger called a desuperheater is added to provide a portion of
the domestic hot water.
Depending on available land area, the pipe will be placed in either
a horizontal or vertical configuration. Using water sources such as
a lake is also common in certain areas for configurations such as
pond loops.
Horizontal Loops
Pond Loops
Vertical Loops
Geothermal energy is
proven, reliable and safe. It significantly reduces energy usage and
utility bills for homeowners and business owners. Hundreds of
thousands of geothermal systems are saving money and protecting the
environment across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
The current production of geothermal energy from
all uses places third among renewables, following
hydroelectricity and biomass, and ahead of solar and wind.
Despite these impressive statistics, the current level of
geothermal use pales in comparison to its potential. The key to
wider geothermal use is greater public awareness and technical
support.
Inside the geothermal heat pump
(click on the image to enlarge)
Heating Mode
Cooling Mode
* Parts of information courtesy of the Geo-Heat Center.
Click here
for additional information about the basics of Geothermal Energy.
Geothermal Energy, Clean Sustainable Energy for the Benefit of
Humanity and the Environment, from the Energy and Geoscience
Institute - University of Utah.
GeoExchange System Benefits
An investment in a geothermal system provides
an array of benefits not found with other space conditioning
systems.
Lower Operating Cost
A geothermal system operates more
efficiently than ordinary heating and air conditioning systems
because they can deliver an astounding four units of energy for
every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates into
an efficiency rating of 400 percent, compared to the most
efficient gas furnace, which rates only 94 percent. By combining
stored earth energy with safe electric power, many homeowners
realize savings up to 50% for heating, cooling and hot water as
compared with other systems on the market.
Lower Life Cycle Cost
 Because of the extraordinary efficiency
of a geothermal system, any added investment related to
installing a geothermal unit is usually more than offset by your
energy savings. In new homes, most homeowners will experience an
immediate positive return on their investment when the system
cost is added to the mortgage. In replacement installations,
homeowners find that any added investment over the cost of an
ordinary system is generally recovered in energy savings within
a few years. And with a long system life and less maintenance,
overall life cycle costs are lower with geothermal.
Enhanced Comfort
Provides precise distribution of
comfortable air all year long, eliminating hot spots and cold
spots. During heating, you’ll experience warm air without the
hot blasts associated with ordinary gas furnaces. And compared
to an air-source heat pump, the air is warmer. When cooling, a
geothermal unit delivers cool, dehumidified air. For ultimate
comfort, a zoning system can be added, using multiple
thermostats to precisely control temperatures in various zones.
 Safe
Because natural gas, propane or oil are
not required to operate a geothermal unit, there’s no
combustion, flames or fumes and no chance of carbon-monoxide
poisoning.
Clean
With the all-electric geothermal system,
there are no fumes produced during operation. By adding optional
high efficiency air cleaners, you’ll achieve high levels of
indoor air quality.
Quiet
Unlike ordinary air conditioners or heat
pumps, there is no noisy outdoor unit to disturb your outdoor
environment or your neighbours. Geothermal units are designed and
constructed for "whisper quiet" operation, similar to your
refrigerator. Some models include variable speed fan motors and
acoustical enclosures for the compressors.
Reliable
Unlike air conditioners and heat pumps,
geothermal units are installed indoors (like your refrigerator),
so they are not subject to wear and tear caused by rain, snow,
ice, debris, extreme temperatures or vandalism. Geothermal units
have proven to be very reliable and require less maintenance.
Environmentally Friendly
According to the Department of Energy and
the EPA, geothermal systems are the most environmentally
friendly way to heat and cool your home. The system emits no
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses which
are considered to be major contributors to environmental air
pollution. With a geothermal system, you can take comfort in a
better environment. In addition, the lower peak demand for
geothermal systems helps to postpone the need to build more
expensive electric generating plants.
Flexible
Geothermal systems are installed in homes
from the cold climate of northern Canada and Alaska to the heat
of Florida and Texas. Whether your home is new or old, large or
small, a geothermal system will deliver. One compact unit
provides heating, central air conditioning and domestic hot
water. Various sizes, configurations (horizontal, vertical,
splits), and options enable a system to be installed in
virtually any application.
The
latest version of
Adobe Reader is required to view publications on our website.
|
Company -