Geothermal HVAC

Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that rely on natural gas, fuel oil, 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 an underground heat pump, loops and a distribution network (such as air ducts). Learn more about this efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is vital to the durability and efficiency of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the backyard to connect to your home’s heat pumps. The piping will be filled with a water-based fluid and circulated to absorb or distribute heat depending on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant from four to six feet below the surface, making it a natural energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the Earth’s heat and then carries it to the heat pump inside your house. The fluid is then transferred to the loop which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system uses the reverse process to remove the heat that is left and return it to the loop, where it starts a new cycle.

In a closed loop system the pipe is filled with a water-based solution and is buried in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and it doesn’t pollute the underground water supply. The system can also utilize the pond or lake as a source of heat transfer fluid, making it more sustainable.

Open and closed systems can be horizontal or vertical depending on your space requirements. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than a horizontal system and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is typically employed in areas with low soil depths, or where existing landscaping must 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 vital to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and will save you money on electric bills in the long term. It is also crucial to flush the system frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup that can hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and reduce system efficiency. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to determine the right system for your house.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy that comes from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. The energy is harnessed using underground loops that absorb thermal energy and transmit it to your building. The most common type of geothermal system can be known as a vertical ground loop. This kind of system is commonly used in residential and commercial applications. This system uses 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 thermal energy that is transferred from the earth to your building. These pipes are an essential component of any geo-thermal HVAC system. The tubes are made from high-density Polyethylene, and they circulate water as well as propylene glycol which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the soil or water remains fairly constant at just a few feet below the surface. This enables the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, such as gas furnaces and boilers.

Loops can be inserted into an excavation horizontally or in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are generally used for larger homes with lots of land available, while vertical boreholes are ideally suited for homes or businesses that have little space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. Additionally the ground has to be compacted so that the loops have a strong hold on the soil.

A vertical loop is simpler to set up than a horizontal field. The service technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter and about 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping in order to create an enclosed loop. The number of holes you need will depend on the dimensions of your building as well as the energy demands.

It is crucial to keep the loop fields in good condition in order to keep your geothermal system running at its top efficiency. This includes cleaning up debris and conducting regular tests for bacteriological health.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or the nearby body of water, and not from the outdoor air. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. There are four major kinds of geothermal heating loops, and which one your system uses depends on the size of your property as well as its layout. The type of loop you choose and the installation method used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems utilize a series of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that are four to six feet deep. The trenches can hold up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the central control unit. The manifold sends heated or chilled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

In the beginning these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology improved, it was found that layering a single longer pipe back and forth different depths in smaller trenches could reduce the amount of space needed and also costs without sacrificing performance. This was the birth of the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system is a good alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in situations where there is not enough land space available. It is also an option for homes in urban areas in which the topsoil is scarce and there isn’t any room for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be the ideal solution for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support an horizontal loop.

If you have plenty of water lakes or ponds can be an excellent option for your home. This kind of system functions similar to vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, but the water is used to heat and cooling, instead of the earth. Keep in mind that a geothermal loop system using the pond or lake cannot function in the event of a power failure. A backup generator should be installed to provide an electric source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a highly efficient alternative to traditional methods. However, when making the switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs against total savings on energy. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and local climate. One of the most important choices is whether to put in ground loops or install an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive, however it may not provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater is an equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal system into your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to operate in the winter when the cooling process of the system produces excess heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your home’s heating. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using resources already in use.

The ideal design of a desuperheater dependent on various physical geometric, thermal, and factors. These variables include the spray temperature, the angle of injection, and the shape of the nozzle. These are all important aspects that affect the operation and performance of the desuperheater.

During the summer, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent in a climate that is dominated by heating 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. This enables the geothermal system to create domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months of the year at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater can also help in the winter when geothermal systems are operating at its lowest capacity. The device takes away the extra heat produced by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the domestic hot water tank to use this free energy, and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is an effective way to reduce the time that geothermal heating systems are being used when it’s in a place that has a high demand for heating.