Geothermal HVAC
Geothermal is a dual-purpose system that can provide both heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth below the surface is relatively constant throughout the year.
Geothermal systems consist up of a heatpump underground loops, and the distribution system. Learn more about this 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 comprised of pipes that are trenched or drilled in the backyard, and then connected to your home’s heat pump. The pipes are then filled with a water-based solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat according to the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground stays 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 earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump inside your house. The fluid is then transferred to the loop where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, it employs the reverse process to remove the heat surplus. It returns it to the loop to begin a new cycle.
In closed loop systems, the pipes are filled with a water-based product and is buried in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment and doesn’t pollute the water supply of underground. The system can also make use of a pond or lake to provide heat transfer fluid, which is more eco-friendly.
Based on the space available, closed and open systems can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is often used in areas where soil depths are low or in areas where existing landscaping must be maintained.
It is crucial to choose a reliable installer regardless of the type of system. It is crucial to have a well-functioning and well-designed system, since geothermal systems use a significant amount of energy. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and saves you money on electricity bills in the long term. It is also essential to have the system flushed frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup. This could hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and hinder the efficiency of the system. A GeoDoctor expert can help you choose the right system for your home.
Vertical Loop
Geothermal energy is the energy derived from the Earth that is used to heat and cool buildings. It is harnessed using a series of underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to your building. The most common type of geothermal system is known as a vertical ground loop. This kind of system is used most often in commercial and residential settings. The heat pump in this system absorbs the heat energy from the ground and transfers it to your home or office. In the summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.
The thermal energy that is transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a series of underground pipes. These pipes are a key element of any geo thermal hvac system. The tubes are made of high-density polyethylene. They move the mixture of water and propylene glycol which is a food grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the water or soil remains relatively constant at only a few feet beneath the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system can be more efficient than other heating methods, such as gas boilers and furnaces.
These loops can either be inserted into an excavation horizontally or in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are typically used for larger properties with plenty of land, while vertical boreholes are ideal for homes or businesses that have little space. Installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches, which can take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground must be compacted in order to ensure that the loops are securely attached to the soil.
On the other hand, a vertical loop system can be constructed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced 20 feet apart. Then, he installs the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes needed will depend on the building’s dimensions and energy requirements.
To keep your geothermal cooling and heating system running at its peak, it is important to properly maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning the loop fields and performing periodic testing for bacteriological issues.
Horizontal Loop
Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground or a nearby body of water instead of the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and water is fairly constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. The size and layout of your property will determine which loop to make use of. The type of loop used and the method used to install it determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal system.
Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems use a series of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that are about four to six feet deep. The trenches can hold up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into a manifold which is the central control unit for geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or cooled water to your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.
Initially, these piping systems were placed in vertical trenches that required a larger area of land to cover them. As technology improved, it was found that laying a single, longer pipe back and forth at different depths in smaller trenches could help reduce space requirements and costs without losing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.
In cases where there isn’t enough land, a vertical ground loop can be an option. It can also be an option for homes located in urban settings, in which the topsoil is scarce and there isn’t any space for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system could be a good option if your property is in an earthquake-prone zone and is not able to support the horizontal loops.
A geothermal pond or lake pump system can be the ideal option for your home if you have access to an abundance of water. This kind of system functions the same as a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump except the water is used for heating and cooling, not the earth. Remember that a geothermal loop system that utilizes lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of power outage. A backup generator must be installed to provide an electrical source during this period.
Desuperheater
Geothermal cooling and heating is a very efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to switching homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs with energy savings in the long run. Many factors are involved such as the soil’s composition and local climate. But one of the biggest choices is whether to put in ground loops or use an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive, however it might not offer the same efficiency.
A desuperheater can be described as a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system to your hot water tank at home. It is designed to function in winter when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your heating system. It reduces your energy usage by using pre-existing resources.
The ideal design for desuperheaters is determined by several physical, thermal, and geometric variables. These include the spray water temperature as well as the angle of injection, and the design of the nozzle. These are all factors that affect the performance and efficiency of the desuperheater.
In the summer, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a climate with a high degree of heating than traditional hot water heaters. The desuperheater converts the energy that is removed from the home during the cooling process into heat for the hot water generator. This enables the geothermal system to create domestic hot water for three months of the year, at less than the cost of other energy sources.
The desuperheater can also be useful in winter months, when a geothermal heating system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat produced by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize this energy free of charge and increase the heating capacity of the system. Desuperheaters are also a great way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is being used when it’s in a place that has a high demand for heating.