Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that can provide cooling and heating. The temperature of the earth beneath the surface is fairly constant throughout the year.

A geothermal system is made of a heatpump, underground loops and the distribution system. Find out more about the various parts that make up this energy-efficient system:.

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 slit in the backyard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The pipes are then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat based on the needs of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant from four to six feet below the surface, which makes it a natural energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating up, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat from the earth. It then transfers the heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then pushed into the loop, which then starts to circulate. In cooling mode, the system uses the opposite process to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop, where it begins another cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping is filled with a product based on water and then buried beneath. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It does not pollute underground water sources. The system can utilize the pond, lake or any other body of water as a source for heat transfer fluid. This is also environmentally friendly.

Both closed and open systems can be vertical or horizontal according to the space you need. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than a horizontal system and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is often employed in areas with low soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

It is important to select an experienced installer regardless of the kind of system. It is crucial to have a reliable and well-designed system, as geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your system and allow you to save money on electricity in the long-term. It is crucial to flush the system regularly to eliminate any minerals that could reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy from the Earth that is utilized to heat and cool buildings. It is a source of energy that can be harnessed through underground loops which absorb thermal energy and transfer it to your building. Vertical ground loops are the most popular geothermal system. This kind of system is typically used in residential and commercial applications. The heat pump in this system absorbs the thermal energy from the ground and then transfers it to your office or home. In the summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The heat energy that is transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a set of underground pipes. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of high-density Polyethylene and circulate water and propylene glycol, which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil remains relatively constant, even a few feet below the surface. The closed loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, such as gas boilers and furnaces.

These loops can be placed in a horizontal trench, or placed into boreholes that are dug to a depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are usually utilized for larger properties that have lots of land available and vertical boreholes are ideal for homes or businesses that have small spaces. The installation of a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. Additionally the ground needs to be compacted to ensure that the loops are able to hold a solid hold on the soil.

On the other side, a vertical loop system can be set up much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter, spaced 20 feet apart. He then connects the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes needed will depend on your building’s size and energy requirements.

It is vital to keep the loop fields in good condition in order to keep your geothermal system functioning at its top efficiency. This means cleaning the loop fields and performing periodic tests for bacteriology.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body of water instead of the air outside. This is because temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, unlike the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. There are four major kinds of geothermal heating loops and the one you use will depend on the size of your property as well as its layout. The type of loop and the method of installation employed determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating 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 are designed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the central control unit of the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or chilled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Initially, these pipes were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology developed and technology improved, it was discovered that laying a larger single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within shorter trenches reduced space requirements and cost without necessarily sacrificed performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

In cases where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop system can be an option. It is also an option for homes in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin and there is little if any space for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system can be a good option if your property is in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support an horizontal loop.

A pond or lake geothermal heat pump can be the ideal option for your home if you have access to an ample amount of water. This kind of system functions the same as a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pumps, however, the water is used for heating and cooling, instead of the earth. It’s important to remember that a system that utilizes lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of a power outage. A backup generator needs to be installed to supply a source of electricity during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal cooling and heating is a very efficient alternative to traditional methods. But when making the switch homeowners must weigh upfront costs against total energy savings. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and the local climate. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops, or install an external tank to store hot water. The latter option may be cheaper, but it won’t provide the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to increase the heating efficiency of your home. It also reduces the energy use by utilizing pre-existing sources.

The optimal design of desuperheaters is determined by several physical, geometric, and thermal factors. These variables include the angle of injection, the temperature of the spray water and the nozzle design. These are all significant aspects that affect the desuperheater’s operation and performance.

In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater could save you as much as 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. The geothermal system can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months of the 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 smallest capacity. The device adds the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize the energy that is free and boosts the system’s heating capacity. Desuperheaters are also a great way to reduce the amount of time that geothermal heating systems are in use when it’s in a climate with a high heating demand.