Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal is a two-in-one system that provides heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface remain pretty constant all year.

Geothermal systems consist of a heat pump, underground loops and a distribution network (such as air ducts). Find out more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and long-lasting. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or trenched in the yard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The pipes are then filled with a water-based solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat based on your home’s needs. The temperature of the ground is relatively constant between four and six feet below surface level, which makes it an ideal energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the earth’s heat and carries it to the heat pump within your home. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop where it begins circulating again. In cooling mode, the system employs the opposite method to eliminate the heat surplus and return it to the loop, where it begins another cycle.

In a closed loop system the pipe is filled with a water-based solution, and then buried in the ground. The solution is safe and non-toxic for the environment. It does not pollute underground water supplies. The system can utilize the pond, lake or other body of water to provide heat transfer fluid. This is also environmentally friendly.

Based on the space available Open and closed systems can be set up vertically or horizontally. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than a horizontal system and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is typically used in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

Regardless of the type of ground loop system, it is crucial to select an experienced installer. It is important to have a reliable and well-designed system, as geothermal systems use a significant amount of energy. A quality installation ensures the longevity of your geothermal system, and will save your money on electricity costs in the long run. It is crucial to flush the system regularly to remove any minerals that can reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you determine the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy that comes from the Earth that is utilized to heat and cool buildings. This energy is harnessed by using underground loops that absorb thermal energy and transmit it to the building. The most common type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This kind of system is typically utilized in commercial and residential applications. The heat pump in this system takes the thermal energy from the ground and carries it to your home or office. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The heat energy that is transferred from the ground to your house is stored in a series of buried pipes. These pipes are a key element in any geo thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of Polyethylene with high density and circulate water as well as propylene glycol, a food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of soil or water stays fairly constant for a few feet beneath the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers or furnaces.

The loops can be placed in a trench horizontally or inserted in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are ideal for large estates with lots of land, vertical boreholes are suitable for homes and businesses with little space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can require a lot of time and effort. In addition the ground needs to be compacted to ensure the loops have a firm hold on the soil.

A vertical loop is easier to install than a horizontal field. The service technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, and installs the piping to create a closed loop. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your structure and the energy needs.

It is essential to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system running at its best. This means removing any debris and conducting periodic bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and water are generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. There are four main types of geothermal heating loops and the one you choose to use depends on the size of your property as well as its layout. The type of loop you choose and the installation method used determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems employ series horizontal pipes that are buried in trenches ranging from four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into the manifold, which is the central control unit for the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold then sends chilled and heated water to your home’s cooling and heating ductwork.

In the beginning, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger expanse of land to encase them. As technology developed, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth at varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost, without sacrificed performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

In cases where there isn’t enough land, a vertical ground loop system is a good alternative. It is also an option for homes situated in urban areas, where the topsoil is a bit thin and there is little if any space for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone region and cannot be supported by a horizontal system.

If you have a lot of water in your home, ponds or lakes can be the ideal option for your home. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heating pump, but instead of using the earth for cooling and heating it uses water to heat and cool. Remember that a geothermal loop system that utilizes lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of a power failure. Installing a backup generator can supply electricity during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal cooling and heating is a highly efficient alternative to traditional methods. But when it comes to switching to geothermal homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs against total savings on energy. Many factors are involved including the soil’s composition and local climate. One of the most important choices is whether to put in ground loops or install an external hot water tank. The latter is less expensive, however it may not provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater can be described as a piece of equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal system to your hot water tank at home. It is designed to function during winter, when the cooling process of the system produces heat that is not needed. The desuperheater uses this waste heat to increase the efficiency of heating in your home. It lowers your energy use by using existing resources.

The optimal design of a desuperheater is dependent on various physical geometric, thermal, and factors. These include the spray water temperature and the angle of the injection, and the shape of the nozzle. These are all aspects that can affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In a climate dominated by heating, a desuperheater will save you up to 80percent more than a conventional water heater during the summer. This is due to the fact that the desuperheater utilizes the energy that is emitted from the home during the cooling process and converts it into useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months of the year at a fraction the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater is also useful in the winter, when a geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device removes the extra heat produced by the cooling system and then adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This enables the domestic hot water tank to make use of this energy for free and increases the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater could be used to cut down on the length of time geothermal systems are in operation in a climate with a high degree of heating.