Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal is a two-in-one system that can provide both cooling and heating. The temperatures of the earth below the surface are fairly constant throughout the year.
A geothermal system consists of a heat pump, underground loops, and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Find out more about the various components of this energy-efficient system:.
Ground Loop
The Ground Loop is essential to the durability and efficiency of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is made up of pipes that are either trenched or drilled in the backyard, and then connected to your home’s heat pump. The piping is filled with a water-based fluid and then circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground stays constant four to six feet below the surface, making it a natural source of energy for a geothermal system.
When the system is heating up, the liquid that transfers heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then carries the heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then transferred to the loop which then starts to circulate. In cooling mode, the system utilizes the opposite method to eliminate the heat surplus and return it to the loop, where it begins the next cycle.
In a closed loop system, the pipe is filled with a water-based solution, and then buried in the ground. The solution is safe and non-toxic to the environment, and it does not affect the water supply in underground. The system can also use the pond or lake to provide heat transfer fluid, which is even more sustainable.
Open and closed systems can be vertical or horizontal, according to the space you need. Vertical systems require less trenches than a horizontal system and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is typically employed in areas with low soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping needs to be preserved.
It is essential to choose an experienced installer regardless of the kind of system. It is essential to have a reliable and well-designed system as geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your system and allow you to save energy costs in the long-term. It is also essential to have the system flushed regularly to remove any mineral buildup, which can reduce the flow of heat transfer fluid and reduce the efficiency of the system. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to choose the right system for your home.
Vertical Loop
Geothermal energy is the energy from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. The energy is harnessed using a series of underground loops that absorb thermal energy and transmit it to your building. Vertical ground loops are the most common geothermal system. This type of geothermal system is used most often in commercial and residential settings. The heat pump in this system captures the heat energy from the ground and carries it to your home or office. 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 series of underground pipes. These pipes are an essential element in any geo thermal hvac system. The tubes are made from high-density Polyethylene and circulate water and propylene glycol, a food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil stays relatively constant at a few feet below the surface. This allows the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, like gas furnaces and boilers.
The loops can be placed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are usually utilized for larger properties that have a lot of available land, while vertical boreholes are best suited for businesses or homes with small spaces. Installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground must be compacted to ensure that the loops are securely fixed to the soil.
On the other the other hand the vertical loop system can be installed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The service technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping to create an enclosed loop. The number of holes required will depend on your building’s dimensions and energy requirements.
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 the loop fields and performing periodic testing for bacteriological issues.
Horizontal Loop
Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and the ground or a nearby body of water, instead of from the outdoor air. This is due to the fact that temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, in contrast to the fluctuating outdoor temperature. There are four primary types of geothermal heating loops and which one you choose to use depends on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop you choose to use and the method used to install it determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal system.
Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems use a series of pipes buried horizontally within trenches that are about four to six feet deep. The trenches are designed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold, which is the geothermal heat pump’s central control unit. The manifold pumps heated or chilled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.
Initially the piping systems were installed in vertical trenches which required a larger space to surround the pipes. As technology improved and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth at various depths in trenches that were smaller could help reduce space requirements and costs without sacrificing performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.
In situations where there isn’t enough land, a vertical ground loop system can be an option. It is also an option for homes located in urban areas, where topsoil is thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone region and is unable to support the horizontal loop, an alternative that is vertical might be the best option.
If you have plenty of water available, ponds or lakes can be the ideal option for your home. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heating system, but instead of using the earth for cooling and heating, the water is used. It is crucial to note that a geothermal system that uses lake loops or ponds will not function in the event of a power outage. A backup generator needs to be installed to provide a source of electricity during this time.
Desuperheater
Geothermal heating is a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs with total savings on energy. Many factors are involved including the soil’s composition and the local climate. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops or to use an external tank for hot water. The latter option is less expensive but may not provide the same level of efficiency.
A desuperheater is an equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal source into your hot water tank at home. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling process of the system produces heat that is not needed. The desuperheater removes this waste heat and utilizes it to improve the efficiency of your heating system. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using resources already in use.
The optimal design of a desuperheater dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These variables include the injection angle, the temperature of the spray water and the nozzle design. These are all significant factors that affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.
In the summer months, desuperheaters can save up to 80 percent more in a climate with a high degree of heating than the conventional hot water heater. This is due to the fact that the desuperheater utilizes the energy emitted by the house during the cooling process and converts it to useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can supply hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months of the year, at a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.
The desuperheater also comes in handy during winter, when the geothermal heating system is 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 make use of this energy for free and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater could be used to cut down on the length of time geothermal systems are in operation in a heating dominated climate.