Ground Source Heating: Heat Pumps

If you are interested in using renewable energy to heat your home, then the ground source heat pump is going to be one of your best options. Another good one is solar energy, which can be used for either hot water systems or to create electricity. And then there is the air source heat pump, which works in much the same way as the geothermal heat pumps.

How do Ground Source Heat Pumps Work?

Although the efficiency rating for ground source heating is usually given as 300-500%, this is not technically true. In practice it is, but really it’s that it has a coefficient of performance of 3-5, but this means much the same thing. The difference is between the energy that we put in to the system, and the energy that comes in through nature.

What is being referred to here is that we only have to put in a small amount of electrical energy to get the pump working, and that we get out a lot more than that. The reason this is possible is because the extra energy is extracted from the ground.

The way this works is that pipes are installed underground, and through these pipes are refrigerant is run. The refrigerant is able to extract the heat from the ground, even through there isn’t an awful lot there, and then transfer it to your house so you can feel the benefit.

A refrigerant is a substance which has a low boiling point. That means it doesn’t require much heat in order to turn from a liquid in to a gas. That’s important because gases have more energy to them, it requires less for them to be hotter than a liquid. Crucially then, a refrigerant can extract the relatively small amount of heat found in the ground, become a gas, and heat a home effectively.

Ground Source Heat Pumps Installations

There are two main types of ground source heat pump installation. You can either have the pipes installed horizontally in trenches, or vertically in a deep hole.

With a horizontal installation, trenches are dug and coiled loops of the pipes that will carry the refrigerant are laid in the trenches. This requires a fair amount of space (e.g. a large garden) and you won’t get quite as much heat as you will with a vertical installation, but it is cheaper.

When you are looking for the maximum amount of heat to be generated, or you only have a limited amount of space, then the vertical installation will be your best choice. The only issue with this sort of installation is that it is more expensive, as it is harder to dig deep down, rather than shallow trenches.

Whichever kind of installation you go for, you should certainly choose an experienced company to carry it out for you. That’s because it’s important that it is designed specifically for your property, it if it too large or small then it is not going to work properly and will be hard to fix.

Renewable Heating

Heat pumps that make use of ground source heating are not the only ones available though. Although they are the best in terms of the consistency of the heat which they provide, air source heat pumps are also a good option. They take the heat found in the air around them, and the installation is a lot cheaper and easier.

The temperature underground remains pretty constant, but air temperature fluctuates more of course. This does not mean that an air source heat pump will not function when it is cold though, because the air is always going to have some heat in it. In fact there is only a few degrees of difference between what we would consider cold and warm.

As mentioned, there is also the possibility of using solar thermal panels to use solar energy to provide you with hot water. This is also an efficient way of using renewable energy to heat your home.

To discover extra info about ground source heat pumps, author Harrison Cox writes a lot more on the issue at ground source heating. Learn additional information regarding how it all works, such as how much money you’ll be able to make, also you can get a free quotation for an installation.

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Residential Geothermal Air Conditioning

Residential Geothermal Air Conditioning

How Do They Work?
Remember, a geothermal heat pump doesn’t create heat by burning fuel, like a furnace does. Instead, in winter it collects the Earth’s natural heat through a series of pipes, called a loop, installed below the surface of the ground or submersed in a pond or lake. Fluid circulates through the loop and carries the heat to the house. There, an electrically driven compressor and a heat exchanger concentrate the Earth’s energy and release it inside the home at a higher temperature. Ductwork distributes the heat to different rooms.
In summer, the process is reversed.

The underground loop draws excess heat from the house and allows it to be absorbed by the Earth. The system cools your home in the same way that a refrigerator keeps your food cool – by drawing heat from the interior, not by blowing in cold air.

The geothermal loop that is buried underground is typically made of high-density polyethylene, a tough plastic that is extraordinarily durable but which allows heat to pass through efficiently. When installers connect sections of pipe, they heat fuse the joints, making the connections stronger than the pipe itself. The fluid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a closed system.

Another type of geothermal system uses a loop of copper piping placed underground. When refrigerant is pumped through the loop, heat is transferred directly through the copper to the earth.

As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.

Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling uses the Earth’s constant temperature to achieve EER’s (Energy Efficiency Ratings) in the 30’s.  The heating COP (Coefficient of Performance) is approaching 5.  A 5 COP indicates that the Egg Geothermal Systems are producing 5 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed.  The other 4 come from the Earth.  That’s why this technology is called “renewable”.

For More Info see:

www.geothermalexperts.net

http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/property-assessed-clean-energy-pace-whats-going-to-happen-3259163.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/remodeling-articles/new-hvac-book-geothermal-hvac-green-heating-and-cooling-3259374.html

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Geothermal Heat Pump Types – Radiant Heat, Forced Air, Combo and Split

Geothermal Heat Pump Types – Radiant Heat, Forced Air, Combo and Split

There are 4 different types of geothermal heat pumps available today.

Each one has a different method of connecting to the heating distribution system in your home or building. Some types are more efficient than others at delivering space conditioning to the building, but that is a property of the distribution.

All of these GSHP types still get their energy from the ground loop, which transfers the absorbed heat into the internal refrigerant loop. It’s what happens to the heat after that is what makes the difference between types.

The four different types of geothermal heat pumps are water to air, water to water, combo and split heat pumps.

Water to Air
The first and probably most used geothermal heat pump is the water to air heat pump. This heat pump is used for houses with forced air systems, and basically replaces a traditional furnace. The ground loop brings in absorbed heat to the refrigerant loop (the water portion of “water to air”). That refrigerant is then compressed and cycled in front of a fan coil unit to be sent through duct work distribution to the house (the air portion of “water to air”. This process can also be switched in reverse to provide cooling to a structure.

One possible design issue is the sizing of the ductwork. Because geothermal systems are considered a low temp heat source, a higher volume of air is needed to deliver the same heating or cooling load. This will either require larger ductwork to accommodate for the greater air volume, or a specialized, small-duct, high-velocity forced air system like Unico or SpacePak.

Water to Water
The second type is a water to water, or hydronic. This type functions the same as all other heat pumps on the ground loop side of the refrigerant, but instead of sending the compressed and heated refrigerant to a fan coil, it is transferred directly into another water loop that circulates through the heat pump, and into the water-based distribution. This hydronic distribution is most commonly radiant heat (Radiant and Geothermal Article), but it can also be used in conjunction with a domestic hot water or a outside snow melt system.

Combo
The third type of heat pump is a combo unit. This combines the previous two types, providing both forced air and hydronic distribution. This is perfect in homes or buildings where both types of distribution are present. Some zones may be high heat loss, such as rooms with big windows, or near an exit door, and will require more heat in the space than just radiant or just forced air could provide alone. This is where a combo unit that can handle both could come in very handy.

Split
The last type on the market is known as a split unit. This type is basically the same as a regular geothermal heat pump on the water side, but it sends the refrigerant in a long loop to a remote air handler. This makes it easier in larger jobs to keep the heat pump in a mechanical room with all the loop field and flow center connections, and still have an air handler delivering heat to a remote location, such as the second story of a large house. This allows for greater flexibility in the overall design of the heating system.

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GeothermalHelp.com is your online resource and community for everything having to do with geothermal heating (aka ground source heat pumps, geoexchange, etc.). We have a large database of information about anything having to do with geothermal, including ground loops, costs, tax credit issues, maintenance, and much more. We also provide product reviews for the new products entering the industry. There is also a large directory of installers and other geothermal professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Have a question? Shout it on our forum and get expert advise from qualified professionals around the country.

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Having a Geothermal Pump Installed

Having a Geothermal Pump Installed

As a residential sales manager at Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning, a company that handles all types of heating and AC repair issues for clients in Charlotte, Ric Hendrickson says that geothermal pumps have become an especially popular option for homeowners who are looking for a safe and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool their homes during the winter and summer months.

Also known as ground source heat pumps or geothermal coolers, geothermal pumps are devices that utilize the consistent ground temperature to heat or cool homes in a completely natural way. Usually, HVAC companies have designed systems that will run a pump deep into the ground to capture the temperature and bring energy into the home without using any fossil fuels or gasses.

The Concept

Many HVAC companies have begun to utilize the concept of ground temperature consistency—which ensures that the temperature underneath the ground at certain levels will stay the same year round, no matter what the weather or climate—to heat and cool homes without using as much electricity. The way a geothermal pump works is somewhat complex. When a heating and air conditioning company comes out to install one of these systems, it will determine how deep the system needs to be placed in order to reach a certain ground temperature.

From that point, the installer will put in tubing and a pump, which is what actually moves water through the ground and creates the energy to be used to heat and cool the home. Once the energy starts flowing, it will circulate from the source deep in the ground beneath the home or building that it will service. A device known as a “ground loop” is installed underneath the building as a way to extract the temperature from the ground into the system. Once the heat extracted by the ground loop is brought back up into the home, it can be compressed and turned into whichever temperature the homeowner wants, depending on the season.

Energy Efficiency

These days, more and more homeowners have decided to have geothermal pumps installed at their homes. The best thing about geothermal heating and cooling systems is that homes with these types of systems in place can be heated and cooled without using nearly as much energy or fuels as traditional HVAC systems. It is actually one of the easiest, but yet most efficient ways to heat and cool a home.

While these geothermal heating and cooling systems do cost a fair amount to install, they cost far less to operate on a day-to-day basis than traditional systems and run far more efficiently than a gas furnace or air conditioner.

The Cost

Although there are many upsides to having a geothermal pump installed at your home or office, there is one main downside as well – cost. Having a geothermal pump installed is oftentimes going to be more expensive than having a traditional HVAC system put in. However, the continuing costs after that initial investment are likely to be far lower than with a traditional system. Needing a costly repair on regular AC in Charlotte is more common than someone needing a costly repair on a geothermal heat pump.

Additionally, the U.S. government is offering a number of tax incentives intended to encourage homeowners to take the plunge and have these environmentally friendly pumps installed on their properties. The government is supplementing the installation of these pumps up to 30%, with no price caps. So depending on what type of pump you are having installed, you could end up getting a 30% discount on the price by acting quickly, while the tax incentive is still in effect. Even though the initial investment is a little bit higher, that still is almost one-third off the cost of installation. Adding to the reduced cost of maintenance and energy bills, homeowners who choose to have geothermal pumps installed oftentimes end up coming out on top.

Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning is a premier installer of geothermal pumps in Charlotte, and the technicians at the company know all about how to handle heating and repairs on these systems. In fact, the staff at Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning has received training in many types of soil issues and geological conditions—which makes installing geothermal pumps a much easier and more eco-friendly process for everyone involved.

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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/having-a-geothermal-pump-installed-3535791.html

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The Benefits fo Geothermal Heating and Cooling Technology

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control.  Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.   

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home.  The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft.  With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance.  These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.  Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe.  These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials.  By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds.  Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts.  Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases. 

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system.  Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time.  While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs.  Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

Dolly@GreenAirExpert.net

http://www.geothermalexperts.net

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Geothermal heating/cooling systems are no longer experimental . . .

Geothermal heating/cooling systems are no longer experimental, as the article below, excerpted from the Albuquerque Journal, clearly shows. Most people seem unaware that geothermal sources of energy can be used in many areas, not just where hot springs are located! Were you aware that geothermal options like this existed?

“Albuquerque Journal
Thursday, August 13, 2009

Community College using deep tubes to heat, cool site

By Rosalie Rayburn
Journal Staff Writer
Central New Mexico Community College is counting on the earth to heat and cool its first Rio Rancho campus building.

A Texas-based drilling company recently began boring a series of holes into the dirt on the construction site where CNM will house classrooms for nursing, computer, information technology and liberal arts courses.

The 300-feet-deep holes will carry a network of polyethylene tubes that will circulate water into the building. Engineers who designed the system determined that the earth’s temperature at that depth is a steady 68 degrees. Water circulating from the holes will help raise the building’s temperature on frigid winter days and lower it during the heat of summer.

CNM officials picked the geothermal temperature control system over conventional heating and cooling technology because it offers a cost effective way to avoid using fossil fuels, said Luis Campos, CNM’s director of physical plant.

Geothermal heating and cooling technology has been around for at least 30 years, but it’s gained popularity in recent years. The city halls in Rio Rancho and Las Cruces and the new V. Sue Cleveland High School all use geothermal systems, said Jeff Greenup of Loop Tech Inc.

Greenup is overseeing the Loop Tech crew that’s drilling the wells for the CNM building. Loop Tech has done drilling for geothermal systems throughout the Midwest and at several sites in New Mexico, including Las Cruces city hall and the new high school in Rio Rancho.”
This is for class… for people who don’t know abou it. Explain your reaction to the article as if you were new to the idea?

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A Geothermal Heat Pump Provides Tremendous Energy Savings

If you are looking for a cost-effective heating or cooling system, a geothermal heat pump may fit the bill despite having a high initial outlay. These types of heat pumps consume up to 44% less energy than air-source heat pumps and as much as 72% compared with other conventional heating and cooling solutions. Geothermal pumps work by taking heat from beneath the earth’s surface and transferring it to your home, in contrast with air-source pumps that take heat from the air outside. And if the geothermal pump has a two-speed compressor and variable fans, you can enjoy even more cost-savings on your energy bills. They are also quieter compared to air-source units, last longer and need less maintenance, and operate efficiently even if the air outside is cool.

Another benefit of geothermal systems is that their design flexibility allows them to be installed as part of newly-constructed homes or in retrofit situations; their hardware also takes up less room, freeing up space that can be used for other productive purposes. They are also durable since they have only a few moving parts, and warranties on the heat pumps routinely last 20 years or more.

Geothermal pumps, however, cost several times that of an air-source unit to install; these costs however, will be more than recouped from savings in energy bills over five to ten years. A more affordable alternative, however, is a dual-source heat pump that uses both geothermal and air-source systems and has a cheaper installation cost and will work nearly as well as geothermal heat pump units.

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Know Anything In Relation To Geothermal Heating

Are you considering installing a Geothermal Heating system for your home? While many people may baulk at the price tag on a new geothermal heating system, we believe they are worth the money. Given the very long, trouble-free life span of such a system, the benefits of “free energy” could be enjoyed for several years and pay for themselves many times over.

What’s Geothermal Heating?

Like any sort of investment, the initial cost can seem daunting. However, since much of the hidden price of a “conventional” method is bound up in the buying price of fuel, one must consider the entire lifetime of operation. Just a little quick math can instruct that more than the likely lifetime, the price of operation and maintenance is dwarfed by the savings in energy bills, although you may wishfully assume the price of power doesn’t increase from current levels.

As many people, businesses and schools discovered when the buying price of heating oil doubled from one season to another, volatility in the energy commodity sector may have a tremendous impact on budgets and lives. Geothermal heating systems are just at the mercy of the rise in the price of installation, due to the embedded fuel costs in the buying price of materials (and labour, by extension).

And, there are tax credits in a few states and countries which will reward you for installing any sustainable power system, although some will only reward some types, for example solar panels or wind turbines. Make sure to talk with a state and federal energy departments or ministries to discover if you have assistance it is possible to make the most of to offset the additional price of a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Though they may not be quite as profound as those credits given in a few other countries, like Japan and Germany, it is still significant in several states and provinces, including nearly all of the ones that are capable of active geothermal power generation. Check also for pending legislation which will impact your purchase decisions – numerous avenues at the moment are giving rebates to assist meet local and regional carbon emission goals.

If you live in climates that will get quite warm in the summertime (and the list seems to get longer every year), passive geothermal systems such as heat pumps are capable of producing not merely the heat needed to keep a home cozy during the cold months but additionally, cooling for the summer. When the cost of a conventional heating and cooling system looks like a common geothermal system such as the coil-type closed loop heat pump systems, the price savings are tremendous.

If someone assumes that the cost of heating fuel (whether you use coal, gas, oil or even wood) is going up, installing a geothermal system to look after the majority of your heating and cooling needs is a wise investment.

This is a great way to create heat during the winter. Closed Loop Geothermal Heating Looking to get started with geothermal heating? Many times the government can give rebates for producing your energy such as this.

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Can anyone tell me how they like the geothermal heating for their house?

We are very seriously considering making this investment to help cut our heating bills. We use propane now. Please let me know of any pluses or minuses you may have experienced. Thank you

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Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century

Product Description
More than 20 countries generate electricity from geothermal resources and about 60 countries make direct use of geothermal energy. A ten-fold increase in geothermal energy use is foreseeable at the current technology level.

Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century provides a readable and coherent account of all facets of geothermal energy development and summarizes the present day knowledge on geothermal resources, their exploration and exploitation. Accounts of geothermal resource models, various exploration techniques, drilling and production technology are discussed within 9 chapters, as well as important concepts and current technological developments.

* Interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional disciplines such as geology, geophysics, and engineering
* Provides a readable and coherent account of all facets of geothermal energy development
* Describes the importance of bringing potable water to high-demand areas such as the tropical regions

BUY: Geothermal Energy: An Alternative Resource for the 21st Century

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