Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that can provide heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface remain relatively consistent year-round.

A geothermal system is comprised of an underground heat pump, loops and a distribution network (such as air ducts). Learn more about the different components that make up this energy-efficient system:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is essential to the efficiency and durability of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is comprised of pipes that are either placed in the backyard and connected to your home’s heat pump. The pipes are then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat according to the needs of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant four to six feet below the surface, which makes it a natural energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating, the liquid that transfers heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then transmits that heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then moved into the loop where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, it uses the opposite process to remove the excess heat. It then returns it back to the loop in order to begin a new cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping is filled with a product based on water and buried underground. The solution is safe and non-toxic to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the water supply of underground. The system can also use lakes or ponds to provide heat transfer fluid, making it more sustainable.

Both closed and open systems can be horizontal or vertical, according to the space you need. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than a horizontal system and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is used in areas where soil depths are shallow or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

It is important to select a reliable installer regardless of the kind of system. Geothermal systems require substantial amounts of energy to operate and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your system and help you save energy costs over the long term. It is crucial to flush the system frequently to remove any minerals that could reduce the flow and effectiveness of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy derived from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. The energy is harnessed using underground loops that absorb the thermal energy and transfer it to the building. The most commonly used type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This type of geothermal system is typically used in commercial and residential settings. The heat pump in this system captures the heat energy from the ground and transfers it to your office or home. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.

The heat energy that is transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a series of buried pipes. These pipes are a crucial element in 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 soil or water remains fairly constant, even just a few feet below the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system can be more efficient than other heating methods like gas boilers or furnaces.

These loops can either be placed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed into boreholes that are drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are typically utilized for larger properties that have lots of land available, while vertical boreholes are best suited for businesses or homes that have small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which could require a lot of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops are firmly attached to the soil.

On the other side, a vertical loop system can be installed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician makes holes of 4 inches in diameter spaced about 20 feet apart. He then connects the pipe to form a closed circuit. The number of holes needed will be determined by your building’s size and the energy requirements.

To keep your geothermal cooling and heating system at peak performance it is crucial to maintain the loop fields. This includes removing debris and conducting periodic bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and the ground or the nearby body of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine which loop you make use of. The type of loop used and the method of installation determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal systems employ series of horizontal pipes that are buried in trenches between four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold, which is the central control unit. The manifold is a conduit for heated or chilled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

Initially, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger area of land to surround them. As technology developed and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce costs and space requirements without losing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

In situations where there’s not enough space, a vertical ground loop can be an ideal alternative. It’s also a good alternative for homes in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin and there isn’t enough space for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone zone and cannot be supported by an horizontal loop.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump system can be the ideal choice for your home if you have access to an ample amount of water. This kind of system functions exactly like vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, except the water is used for heating and cooling, instead of the earth. Keep in mind that the geothermal loop system that is based on a lake or pond will not function in the event of power failure. Installing a backup generator will provide power during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to making the switch homeowners must consider balancing the initial costs with the total energy savings. Many factors are involved including the soil’s composition and local climate. One of the most important choices is whether or not to bury ground loops, or install an external tank to store hot water. The latter is less expensive, but it might not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal system to your hot water tank in your home. It is designed to operate during winter, when the cooling process of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and utilizes it to improve your home’s heating performance. It reduces your energy usage by using existing resources.

The best design of a desuperheater dependent on various physical, geometric, and thermal factors. These variables include the injection angle, the temperature of the spray water, and the nozzle design. These are all elements that can influence the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In the summer months, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent in a heating dominated climate than the conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater transforms the energy taken from the house during the cooling process into heat for the hot-water generator. Geothermal systems can supply hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months per year at a fraction the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater is also able to help in winter when the geothermal system is operating at its smallest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat generated by the cooling system and then adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to make use of this free energy and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater may also be used to cut down on the amount of time a geothermal system is active in a climate with a high degree of heating.