Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that can provide cooling and heating. The temperature of the earth below the surface remains relatively constant throughout the year.
A geothermal system consists of a heat pump, underground loops and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Learn more about this efficient system’s components:.
Ground Loop
The Ground Loop is the key to a geothermal system’s efficiency and long-lasting. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled, or even truncated in the backyard to connect to 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 constant between four and six feet below surface level, which makes it a great energy source for geothermal systems.
When the system is in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the Earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump within your house. The fluid is then transferred to the loop where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, it utilizes the opposite process to remove the heat surplus. 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 water-based product and is buried in the ground. The solution is safe for the environment. It does not pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also use lakes or ponds as a source of heat transfer fluid, which is more sustainable.
Depending on the available space depending on the space available, open and closed systems may be installed horizontally or vertically. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than horizontal systems and minimizes disturbance to your landscaping. It is commonly used in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.
Whatever the kind of ground loop system, it is important to choose an experienced installer. It is essential to have a reliable and well-designed system, since geothermal systems use a significant amount of energy. A well-designed installation will ensure the long-term viability of your system and allow you to save money on electricity in the long-term. It is important to flush the system regularly to eliminate any minerals that can reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to determine the right system for your home.
Vertical Loop
Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It is harnessed using underground loops which absorb the thermal energy and transmit it to the building. Vertical ground loops are the most commonly used geothermal system. This kind of system is commonly used in residential and commercial applications. This system makes use of an energy pump to transfer energy from the earth to your office or home. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.
The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a network of underground pipes. These pipes are a crucial part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene and circulate an emulsion of water and propylene glycol which is a food-grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the soil or water stays relatively constant within a few feet of the surface. This enables the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems like gas furnaces and boilers.
Loops can be installed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are typically utilized for larger properties that have plenty of land and vertical boreholes are best suited for homes or businesses with limited space. The installation of a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches, which can take a lot of time and effort. The ground must also be compacted to ensure that the loops remain connected to the soil.
A vertical loop system is more straightforward to install than a horizontal field. The technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter separated by 20 feet. He then installs the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes needed will depend on the dimensions of your building as well as the energy needs.
It is vital to maintain the loop fields in order to keep your geothermal system functioning at its peak. This includes cleaning the loop fields and conducting 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. This is due to the fact that ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, compared to the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. There are four main types of geothermal heating loops and the one you use will depend on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop used and the installation method determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal system.
Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems utilize a series of pipes that are buried horizontally in trenches that are four to six feet deep. The trenches can house up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into the manifold, which is the central control unit for the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold then delivers hot and cool water to your home’s cooling and heating ductwork.
Originally, these piping system were installed in vertical trenches which required a larger area of land to surround them. As technology advanced, it was found that laying a single, longer pipe back and forth at different depths in smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost without the loss of performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.
In situations where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop can be a good alternative. It is also a good option for homes located in urban areas, in areas where the topsoil layer is thin, and there is not enough space for horizontal loops. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone region and is unable to support the horizontal loop, the vertical loop may be the best option.
A geothermal lake or pond heat pump can be the ideal option for your home in the event that you have access plenty of water. This kind of system functions similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pumps, however, the water is used to heat and cooling, not the earth. Remember that a geothermal loop system using a lake or pond cannot function in the event of power outage. Installing a backup generator can supply electricity during this time.
Desuperheater
Geothermal heating and cooling is a very efficient alternative to traditional methods. But when switching to geothermal, homeowners must balance upfront costs against the total savings on energy. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and the local climate. One of the most important choices is whether to put in ground loops or use an external hot water tank. The latter option may be less expensive, but it may not provide as much efficiency.
A desuperheater transfers heat from geothermal heating systems to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling process of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to improve the heating efficiency of your home. It also reduces your energy consumption by using existing sources.
The best design of a desuperheater is dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These factors include the spray water temperature and the angle of the injection, and the design of the nozzle. These are all aspects that influence the performance and operation of the desuperheater.
In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater can save you as much as 80percent more than a conventional water heater during the summer. The desuperheater converts the energy removed from the house through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months per year, at a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.
The desuperheater is also able to help in the winter when the geothermal system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device removes the extra heat generated by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize the energy that is free and boosts the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of time geothermal heating systems are in use when it’s in a climate that has a large demand for heating.