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Introduction to Geothermal Comfort Systems

Introduction to Geothermal Comfort Systems . Defining “Geothermal” Energy. Dictionary definition Relating to the internal heat of the earth The Earth acts as a giant solar collector, absorbing approximately 50% of the energy emitted by the Sun.

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Introduction to Geothermal Comfort Systems

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  1. Introduction toGeothermalComfort Systems

  2. Defining “Geothermal” Energy Dictionary definition Relating to the internal heat of the earth The Earth acts as a giant solar collector, absorbing approximately 50% of the energy emitted by the Sun. Air temperatures may fluctuate as much as 50F above and below the annual average. However, only a few feet below the surface, the changes in earth temperatures are much less severe.

  3. Heat Pumps • Heat pumps “move” energy from one location to another, instead of creating heat by burning fossil fuels, such as a gas furnace does. -- (like your refrigerator). • Geothermal Heat Pumps use the earth or well water to provide heating, cooling and hot water for your home. • A geothermal heat pump “moves” energy to/from the ground, eliminating the outdoor equipment associated with ordinary heat pumps or air conditioners.

  4. The Basic Ground Source Heat Pump System The earth loop is placed in the ground either horizontally or vertically, or it can be placed in a pond. Water and anti-freeze is circulated through the pipe, transporting heat to the heat pump during the heating mode and away from the heat pump during the cooling mode. The heat transfer takes place inside the heat pump in a water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger.

  5. Energy Source During the heating season, the earth serves as a heat source. (HE - Heat of extraction) During the cooling season, the earth serves as a heat sink. (HR - Heat of rejection)

  6. Heat Pump Operation Geothermal heat pumps consist of four circuits: Distribution circuit The system that distributes the conditioned air or water solution throughout the home or building and returns it to the unit. Refrigerant circuit A sealed and pressurized circuit of refrigerant including compressor, expansion valve, water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger(s), air coil, reversing valve. The refrigerant is either R-22 or R-410A.

  7. Heat Pump Operation Geothermal heat pumps consist of four circuits: Ground loop circuit The piping system buried in the ground has fluid that is circulated by pumps to and from the geothermal unit. Hot water circuit Domestic water can be heated in a geothermal unit with a device called a desuperheater. A piping connection is made from the geothermal unit to the water heater.

  8. Heat Pump Operation Each of these circuits is closed and sealed from the others—there is no direct mixing. However, heat energy does transfer from the refrigeration circuit to the other three circuits. The refrigerant flow will change direction when the unit changes modes (heating or cooling).

  9. Heat Pump Operation The Four Circuits in a Geothermal Heat Pump = Flow of Energy (Heat) Distribution Circuit Refrigeration Circuit Earth Loop Circuit Hot Water Circuit

  10. Heating Mode Operation

  11. Cooling Mode Operation

  12. The Basic Refrigeration Cycle Compressor Low Pressure Vapor State High Pressure Vapor State Evaporator Condenser Low Pressure Liquid State High Pressure Liquid State TXV

  13. The Refrigeration Cycle Heating Mode Operation

  14. The Refrigeration Cycle Cooling Mode Operation

  15. Free Energy • Geothermal Heat Pumps use only a small amount of energy to capture a large amount of FREE energy from the earth.

  16. Equipment Performance Ratings ARI has designated the efficiency ratings for water-to-air heat pumps as: Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) EER = BTU output divided by power watt input For cooling operation under steady state test conditions Coefficient of Performance (COP) COP = BTU output divided by BTU input For heating operation under steady state test conditions

  17. Geothermal Performance Comparison

  18. Geothermal Performance Comparison

  19. Operating Cost Comparison • Annual Heating, Cooling & Hot Water costs for typical 2,500 sq. ft. home, local weather, local fuel rates (computer analysis results) • Geothermal $ 780 • High Efficiency Nat. Gas & A.C. $ 1,497 • Air Source Heat Pump $ 1,608 • High Efficiency Propane & A.C $ 2,305

  20. Return on Investment (Due to Energy Savings) • New Homes: Typically positive cash flow from “day one”. • Added cost in mortgage is offset by reduced monthly operating cost. • Existing Homes: Additional cost of geothermal system is usually recovered in about 5 years.

  21. Loop Types • Closed Loop (w/ antifreeze) • Horizontal • Vertical • Pond • Open Loop • Well Water

  22. Positive & Negatives Open well systems + can be cheaper initial install cost + constant supply of consistent btuh’s requires substantial water over life of system if well fails no heating or cooling not allowed in some local areas

  23. Well Water (Open Loop) Uses existing well Requires 1.5 gpm/ton

  24. Open Loop Systems • Key Considerations • Adequate water supply (5-9 gpm in addition to household requirements) • Good quality water (low mineral content) • Adequate discharge location (drainage ditch, field tile, pond, etc.)

  25. Positive & Negatives Closed loop systems + low maintenance + typical one time install, long warranty on pipe - higher up front installation cost - variable supply of btuh’s so sizing is critical requires dedicated space for wells or trenches

  26. Horizontal Loop

  27. 2- Pipe Horizontal Typically 3-4 trenches, 250 feet long each

  28. 4- Pipe Horizontal Typically 2 trenches, 180 feet long each

  29. 6- Pipe Horizontal Typically 1 or 2 trenches, 120 feet long each

  30. Horizontal 4 & 6 Pipe Loops

  31. 5- 6 feet 10 ft. 2-3 feet Slinky Typically 3 or 4 trenches, 100-150 feet long each

  32. Horizontal Slinky Loops

  33. Horizontal Bore Loops Typically 3-4 bores, 200 feet long each

  34. Vertical Loop

  35. Vertical Loop Typically 3 to 5 bore holes, 130 feet deep each

  36. Vertical bore without backfill

  37. Vertical Loop/Grouted Geothermal pipe Bentonite Grout backfill

  38. U-Bend used for Vertical Loops

  39. Vertical Loop Drilling Use drilling rig like ones used for water well drilling.

  40. Pond Loop Minimum ½ acre, 8 ft. deep

  41. Spacers allow for more circulation around pipes

  42. Top View Side View Typically 3 to 5 coils, 300 feet long each

  43. Horizontal Pond/Lake Loops Slim Jim Lake Plate Heat Exchanger

  44. Racked Loops

  45. Position, Fill & Submerge

  46. Applications • Forced air heating and cooling • Supplemental water heating • Forced Air Zoned Systems • Dedicated water heating (radiant floor, snow melt, domestic purposes, pools) • Add-on splits to fossil fuel furnaces

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