Geothermal HVAC
Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that rely on fuel oil, natural gas, propane or electricity geothermal can provide two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface are relatively consistent year-round.
Geothermal systems consist of the heat pump, underground loops and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Find out more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.
Ground Loop
The Ground Loop is crucial to the efficiency and durability of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is made up of pipes that are either placed in the backyard and connected to your home’s heat pump. The piping is filled with a water-based solution and circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground is relatively constant between four and six feet below surface level, making it an ideal energy source for geothermal systems.
When the system is in heating mode in the heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs Earth’s heat and carries it to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop where it begins to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system employs the opposite process to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop, where it starts another cycle.
In a closed loop system the pipes are filled with a water-based product and buried in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment and does not affect the water supply in underground. The system can also use lakes or ponds as a source of heat transfer fluid, which is even more eco-friendly.
Based on the space available depending on the space available, open and closed systems can be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require less trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is commonly utilized in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.
Whatever the kind of ground loop system, it is crucial to select an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require large amounts of energy to operate, and it is crucial to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and will save you money on electric bills in the long term. It is crucial to flush the system frequently to remove any minerals which could affect the efficiency and flow of the heat transfer liquid. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to determine the best system for your home.
Vertical Loop
Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is utilized to cool or heat buildings. This energy is harnessed by using underground loops that absorb the thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. The most common type of geothermal system can be known as a vertical ground loop. This type of system is commonly employed in commercial and residential applications. The system utilizes the heat pump to transfer heat from the earth into your home or office. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.
The pipes that are buried store the thermal energy that flows from the earth to your home. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal HVAC system. The tubes are made from high-density Polyethylene and circulate water and propylene glycol, which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the soil or water is almost constant just only a few feet below the surface. This enables the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, like gas furnaces or boilers.
These loops can be installed in a horizontal trench or put into boreholes made to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are typically utilized for larger properties that have a lot of available land and vertical boreholes are best suited for homes or businesses that have small spaces. The process of installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging extensive trenches that can take a lot of time and effort. The ground must also be compacted to ensure that the loops remain attached to the soil.
On the other side the vertical loop system can be installed much more quickly and easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced 20 feet apart. Then, he installs the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes you need will depend on your building’s dimensions and energy requirements.
It is essential to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system running at its peak. This includes cleaning the loop fields as well as performing periodic tests for bacteriology.
Horizontal Loop
Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or nearby bodies of water, and not being able to draw energy from the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and water is fairly constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. The size and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you use. The type of loop that is used and the method of installation determine the efficiency and effectiveness your geothermal system.
Horizontal geothermal systems use a series of horizontal pipes that are buried in trenches between four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the central control unit of geothermal heat pumps. The manifold is a conduit for heated or cooled water to your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.
Initially, these piping systems were placed in vertical trenches that required a larger expanse of land to encase them. As technology improved and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth various depths in trenches that were smaller could decrease the amount of space needed and also costs without losing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.
A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there is not enough land available. It’s also a good alternative for homes situated in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin, and there is not much space for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system could be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone area and cannot be supported by the horizontal loops.
If you have a lot of water lakes, ponds or ponds could be an excellent option for your home. This kind of system functions exactly like a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, but the water is used for heating and cooling instead of the earth. It is important to keep in mind that a system that utilizes a pond or lake loop will not function in the event of a power failure. A backup generator must be installed to provide an electrical source during this time.
Desuperheater
Geothermal heating is a reliable alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to making the switch homeowners must balance upfront costs and energy savings in the long run. Many factors are involved such as the soil’s composition and climate of the area. But one of the biggest choices is whether to plant ground loops or build an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive, but it might not offer as much efficiency.
A desuperheater transfer heat from geothermal heating systems to your home hot water tank. It is designed to function in the winter months when the cooling process of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater removes this waste heat and uses it to boost your home’s heating performance. It also reduces your energy consumption by utilizing pre-existing resources.
The best design of a desuperheater dependent on various physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These factors include the injection angle, the temperature of the water spray, and the nozzle design. These are all significant aspects that affect the operation and performance of the desuperheater.
During the summer, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a climate with a high degree of heating than the conventional hot water heater. This is due to the fact that the desuperheater utilizes the energy removed from the house during the cooling process and converts it to useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months a year at a fraction the cost of other energy sources.
The desuperheater can also help in the winter when geothermal systems are running at its lowest capacity. The device is able to add the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot-water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use the energy that is free and boosts the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater is an excellent way to cut down on the time that geothermal heating systems are being used when it’s in a place that has a high demand for heating.