Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal is a system that can provide heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth beneath the surface is fairly constant throughout the year.

A geothermal system is comprised of a heat pump, underground loops and a distribution network (such as air ducts). Find out more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is essential to the durability and efficiency of a geothermal heating and cooling system. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled or trenched in the backyard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The pipes will be filled with water-based solution and then circulated to absorb or distribute heat depending on the requirements of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant four to six feet below the surface, making it a natural source of energy for a geothermal system.

When the system is in heating mode the heat transfer fluid absorbs earth’s heat and then carries it to the heat pump in your house. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop, where it starts the process of circulating. In cooling mode, it employs the opposite method to eliminate the heat surplus. It then returns it to the loop to begin another cycle.

In a closed loop system, the piping is filled with a solution made of water, and then buried underground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the water supply of underground. The system can utilize a pond, lake or any other body of water to provide heat transfer fluid. This is also eco-friendly.

Open and closed systems can be vertical or horizontal, depending on your space requirements. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is ideal for areas in which soil depths are low or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

Whatever the kind of ground loop system, it is essential to select an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require large amounts of energy to operate and it is vital to have an efficient and well-designed system in place. A quality installation will ensure the longevity of your system, and will help you save money on electricity in the long run. It is essential to flush the system on a regular basis to get rid of any mineral deposits which could affect the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you choose the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth and is utilized to cool or heat buildings. It is a source of energy that can be harnessed using underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it into your building. Vertical ground loops are the most commonly used geothermal system. This kind of system is most commonly used in residential and commercial applications. This system makes use of a heat pump to transfer energy from the earth to your home or office. In the summer, it reverses to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store thermal energy that transfers from the earth to your home. These pipes are a crucial part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They circulate a mixture of water and propylene glycol which is a food grade antifreeze, through the system. The temperature of soil or water remains fairly constant for only a few feet below the surface. This enables the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, like gas furnaces or boilers.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench, or inserted into boreholes that are made to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches work best for large estates with lots of land vertical boreholes are suitable for businesses and homes with small spaces. The process of installing horizontal ground loops entails digging large trenches that take a lot of time and effort. In addition, the ground must be compacted to ensure that the loops have a firm hold on the soil.

On the other side the vertical loop system can be installed quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The technician makes holes that are 4 inches in diameter separated by 20 feet. He then connects the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes you need will be determined by your building’s size and the energy requirements.

To ensure that your geothermal cooling and heating system operating at peak performance It is essential to properly maintain the loop fields. This involves cleaning the loop fields as well as performing periodic tests for bacteriology.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and the ground or a nearby body of water, and not taking energy from the outside air. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and water are relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. There are four main kinds of geothermal heating loops, and the one you use will depend on your property size and layout. The type of loop that is used and the installation method determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal systems use a series horizontal pipes buried in trenches between four and six feet in depth. The trenches are constructed to accommodate three to four 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 cooled water to your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land space to surround the pipes. As technology advanced, it was found that layering a single longer pipe back and forth different depths in smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost without sacrificing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there is not enough land space available. It’s also a great alternative for homes situated in urban areas, where the topsoil is thin, and there is not enough space for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone area and cannot support an horizontal loop.

A geothermal pond or lake pump is the ideal option for your home if you have access to plenty of water. This kind of system is similar to a horizontal or a vertical ground loop geothermal heating pump however instead of using the earth for heating and cooling, the water is used. It’s important to remember that a geothermal system using lake loops or ponds will not work in the event of an electrical power failure. A backup generator needs to be installed to provide an electric source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a reliable alternative to conventional methods. However, when switching to geothermal homeowners must weigh upfront costs against the total savings on energy. There are a variety of variables that play into the equation including the local climate and soil’s makeup. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option may be cheaper, but it won’t provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater is an equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system into your hot water tank in your home. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and uses it to boost the efficiency of your home’s heating. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using existing resources.

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

During the summer, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent more in a climate that is dominated by heating than the conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater converts the energy removed from the home during cooling into heat for the hot water generator. This allows the geothermal system to make domestic hot water for 3-5 months of the year, at only a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps in the winter when geothermal systems are operating at its smallest capacity. The device adds the extra heat produced by the cooling system to the domestic hot-water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use this free energy and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is also a great way to reduce the amount of time geothermal heating systems are in use when it’s in a place that has a high demand for heating.