Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal is a system that can provide both heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth below the surface is fairly constant throughout the year.
Geothermal systems consist up of a heatpump, underground loops, and an distribution system. Find out more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.
Ground Loop
The Ground Loop is the most important element to a geothermal system’s efficiency and long-lasting. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the yard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The piping is then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with the requirements of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant between four and six feet below the surface, which makes it an ideal energy source for a geothermal system.
When the system is in heating mode the heat transfer fluid absorbs the earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump inside your house. The fluid is then moved into the loop which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, it uses the opposite process to remove the excess heat. It then returns it to the loop to begin the next cycle.
In a closed-loop system, the piping will be filled with a solution based on water and then buried beneath. The solution is safe for the environment. It is not a pollutant to the water supply in underground. The system can use a pond, lake or other body of water as a source for heat transfer fluid. This is also green.
Depending on the available space, closed and open systems can be installed either vertically or horizontally. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than a horizontal system and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is ideal for areas where soil depths are low or where existing landscaping needs to be preserved.
Whatever the kind of ground loop system you choose, 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 properly installed system will ensure the long-term viability of your system and help you save energy costs over the long term. It is important to flush the system regularly to remove any minerals that can reduce the efficiency and flow of the heat transfer liquid. 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 utilized to heat and cool buildings. The energy is harnessed using a series of underground loops which absorb the thermal energy and transmit it to the building. The most commonly used type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This type of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential applications. This system uses the heat pump to transfer thermal energy from the earth 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 home is stored in a set of underground pipes. These pipes are a crucial component of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of Polyethylene with high density and circulate water and propylene glycol which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil remains fairly constant at only a few feet beneath the surface. The closed loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, such as gas boilers and furnaces.
The loops can be inserted into a trench horizontally or inserted in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are best suited for large properties with lots of land, while vertical boreholes are ideal for businesses and homes with small spaces. The process of installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging extensive trenches that can require considerable time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops remain attached to the soil.
On the other side, a vertical loop system can be constructed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician digs holes of 4 inches in diameter, spaced 20 feet apart. He then installs the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on your building’s dimensions and energy requirements.
To keep your geothermal heating and cooling system running at its peak it is crucial to maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic bacteriological tests.
Horizontal Loop
Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. This is because temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, compared to the fluctuating outdoor temperature. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine which loop you make use of. The type of loop and the installation method used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.
Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems make use of a set of pipes buried horizontally within trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches are constructed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to an amanifold that is the central control unit for geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or cooled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.
In the beginning, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land space to surround the pipes. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost, without necessarily sacrificing performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.
A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heating system in situations where there isn’t enough land area available. It is also a good alternative for homes in urban areas in areas where the topsoil layer is thin, and there is not enough space for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be the ideal solution if your property is in an earthquake-prone area and cannot support the horizontal loops.
If you have a lot of water, ponds or lakes can be the ideal alternative for your home. This type of system works similar to vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump but the water is used for heating and cooling, not the earth. It is crucial to note that a system that utilizes lakes or ponds will not work in the event of an electrical power failure. A backup generator needs to be installed to supply an electrical source during this period.
Desuperheater
Geothermal heating is a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch, homeowners have to balance upfront costs and total savings on energy. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and local climate. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to put in ground loops, or use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option may be cheaper, but it might not offer as much efficiency.
A desuperheater is an equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal source into your hot water tank in your home. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to improve the heating performance of your home. It also reduces your energy consumption by utilizing pre-existing sources.
The optimal design of a desuperheater depends on several physical, thermal, and geometric variables. These include the injection angle, temperature of the water spray, and the nozzle’s design. These are all aspects that can affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.
During the summer, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent more in a heating dominated climate than a 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 into useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can supply hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months a year, at a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.
The desuperheater can also be useful during winter months, when a geothermal heating system is operating 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 enables the domestic hot water tank to use this energy for free and also increases the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater can even be used to cut down on the amount of time a geothermal system is active in a heating dominated climate.