Geothermal Illustration
When people think of Geothermal they think utilizing volcanoes and hot water geysers for energy production. Although this is viable use of the energy production this is not t he type of Geothermal system we are referring to in the residential and commercial HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning). What we are talking about it the utilization of the Earth's stable ground water temperature as a means to transfer and store heat and coolth in the Earth in combination with a WSHP (Water Source Heat Pump). Because water retains and transfers heat and coolth much more efficiently and passively than ASHP's (Air Source Heat Pump) and products are much more reliable than any other type of HVAC system on the market. Where a conventional compressor may have a 12 year life spans WSHP's have been known to operate for 20+ years. This is important to consider when calculating the ROI (Return on Investment) although systems prices can be 15-30%% more money that the highest efficiency ASHP clients with a Federal Tax debt can easily recoup the increased cost with the 30% Federal Tax incentive currently being offered. All said there is no question as to why Geothermal Solutions are viable design considerations for homeowners and business owners that want to operate as efficiently as possible.
Currently Comfort Engineered Systems offers to types of loops for tie in with WSHP's. Ground Loops drilled to a depth of 250' per ton of cooling capacity and lake loops or lake plates for utilizing nearby bodies of water as the heat sync. Length of coils needed in bodies of water are dependent upon annual ambient temperatures of any body of water. That being said the most efficient solution is vertical loops drilled to a depth of 250' per ton of cooling capacity spaced no closer than 15' apart. This is because the Earth is used as a battery to store and transfer heat and coolth through seasonal changes. In the summer as well water temperatures rise and warm the surrounding earth this become a battery of stored energy in the off season when heating. And as the heat is drawn from the earth and the surrounding mass in the winter the system begins to charge that soil with coolth making the cooling season even more efficient. The utilization of the natural cycles clearly defines Geothermal as a viable solution today for the problems of tomorrow.
Because Geothermal solutions do not require as much energy as other forms of HVAC this makes it a wonderful candidate to be offset with a solar energy system. Additionally WSHP can be equipped with a De-Superheater which will act as a primary or secondary heating element for the buildings home hot water needs. This can be further coupled with Solar thermal to increase heating capacity and efficiencies while also serving the buildings hot water needs.
Currently Comfort Engineered Systems offers to types of loops for tie in with WSHP's. Ground Loops drilled to a depth of 250' per ton of cooling capacity and lake loops or lake plates for utilizing nearby bodies of water as the heat sync. Length of coils needed in bodies of water are dependent upon annual ambient temperatures of any body of water. That being said the most efficient solution is vertical loops drilled to a depth of 250' per ton of cooling capacity spaced no closer than 15' apart. This is because the Earth is used as a battery to store and transfer heat and coolth through seasonal changes. In the summer as well water temperatures rise and warm the surrounding earth this become a battery of stored energy in the off season when heating. And as the heat is drawn from the earth and the surrounding mass in the winter the system begins to charge that soil with coolth making the cooling season even more efficient. The utilization of the natural cycles clearly defines Geothermal as a viable solution today for the problems of tomorrow.
Because Geothermal solutions do not require as much energy as other forms of HVAC this makes it a wonderful candidate to be offset with a solar energy system. Additionally WSHP can be equipped with a De-Superheater which will act as a primary or secondary heating element for the buildings home hot water needs. This can be further coupled with Solar thermal to increase heating capacity and efficiencies while also serving the buildings hot water needs.
