Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that provides heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface are relatively consistent year-round.
Geothermal systems consist up of a heatpump underground loops and the distribution system. Learn more about the various components of this energy-efficient system.
Ground Loop
The Ground Loop is vital to the effectiveness and longevity of geothermal heating and cooling system. It is comprised of pipes that are either placed in the backyard and connected to your home’s heat pump. The piping is then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat according to your home’s needs. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant from four to six feet below the surface, which makes it a natural source of energy for a geothermal system.
When the system is heating up, the liquid used to transfer heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then carries the heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then moved into the loop which then starts to circulate. In cooling mode, it employs the opposite method to eliminate the heat that is not needed. It returns it back to the loop in order to begin a new cycle.
In a closed-loop system the piping is filled with a solution made of water and buried underground. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It is not a pollutant to underground water supplies. The system can be used to use a pond, lake or other body of water as a source of heat transfer fluid. This is also green.
Based on the space available, closed and open systems can be set up vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is often used in areas where soil depths are shallow or in areas where existing landscaping must be maintained.
No matter what type of ground loop system you choose, it is essential to select a reliable installer. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to run and it is essential to have an efficient and well-designed system in place. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and will save your money on electricity costs in the long term. It is also critical to have the system flushed regularly to remove any mineral buildup. This can reduce the flow of the heat transfer fluid and reduce system efficiency. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to select the best system for your home.
Vertical Loop
Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. The energy is harnessed using a series of underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. Vertical ground loops are the most common geothermal system. This kind of geothermal system is used most often in commercial and residential settings. The system utilizes the heat pump to transfer energy from the earth into your office or home. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.
The thermal energy that is transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a network of buried pipes. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They circulate the mixture of propylene glycol and water, which is a food-grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the water or soil remains fairly constant, even just a few feet below the surface. This allows the closed loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems, like gas furnaces and boilers.
The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench, or inserted into boreholes that are drilled to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are ideal for large estates with lots of land whereas vertical boreholes work well for businesses and homes with limited space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops involves digging large trenches that take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted in order to ensure that the loops are firmly connected to the soil.
A vertical loop is simpler to set up than a horizontal field. The technician digging holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping to create an enclosed loop. The number of holes needed will be determined by your building’s size and energy requirements.
It is vital to maintain the loop fields to keep your geothermal system operating at its peak. This means removing any debris and conducting regular tests for bacteriological issues.
Horizontal Loop
Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body of water instead of the air outside. This is due to the fact that ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, in contrast to the fluctuating outdoor temperature. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine which loop to use. The type of loop you choose to use and the method of installation determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal system.
Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems make use of a set of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches can hold up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into an amanifold that is the central control unit of geothermal heat pumps. The manifold then sends hot and cool water to your home’s cooling and heating ductwork.
Initially, these piping systems were placed in vertical trenches that required a larger area of land to cover them. As technology improved and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth at varying depths in shorter trenches could decrease space requirements and costs without the loss of performance. This led to the development of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.
In situations where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop system is an ideal alternative. It is also a good alternative for homes in urban areas, in areas where the topsoil layer is thin and there isn’t enough space for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone region and cannot be supported by an horizontal loop.
A geothermal pond or lake pump is the ideal choice for your home when you have access to an abundance of water. This kind of system operates similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pump, however, the water is used for heating and cooling, instead of the earth. It is important to keep in mind that a system that utilizes lakes or ponds will not function in the event of a power outage. Installing a backup generator will supply electricity during this time.
Desuperheater
Geothermal heating is an efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs and total energy savings. There are a myriad of variables that play into the equation, including the local climate and soil makeup. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option is less expensive but may not offer the same level of efficiency.
A desuperheater transfers heat from geothermal heating systems to your home hot water tank. It is designed to operate in the winter months when the cooling process of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to increase the efficiency of heating in your home. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using resources already in use.
The ideal design of a desuperheater is dependent on several physical, geometric, and thermal variables. These factors include the spray temperature, the angle of injection, as well as the design of the nozzle. These are all crucial aspects that affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.
During the summer, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a climate that is dominated by heating than a conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater transforms the energy removed from the home through cooling into heat for the hot-water generator. This allows the geothermal system to produce domestic hot water for 3-5 months of the year at less than the cost of other energy sources.
The desuperheater can also help in winter when a geothermal system is running at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat produced by the cooling system and adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to make use of the energy that is free and boosts the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is also an excellent way to cut down on the amount of time geothermal heating systems are operating when it’s in a climate that has a high demand for heating.