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• 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 50F above
and below the annual average. However, only a few feet
below the surface, the changes in earth temperatures
are much less severe.
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.
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.
Energy Source
• During the heating season, the earth serves as a heat
source. (HE - Heat of extraction)
= Flow of Energy
Distribution Circuit (Heat)
Refrigeration Circuit
Evaporator Condenser
TXV
The Refrigeration Cycle
• Heating Mode Operation
The Refrigeration Cycle
• Cooling Mode Operation
Free Energy
• Geothermal Heat Pumps use only a small amount of
energy to capture a large amount of FREE energy from
the earth.
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
30
25
15
High Efficiency AC or Heat
Pump
10
Ordinary Air Conditioner or Heat
Pump
0
Geothermal Performance Comparison
Heating Efficiency (COP)
5.0
4.5
4.0
New Geothermal Unit
3.5
Previous Geothermal Unit
3.0
Heat Pump
2.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
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
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.
Uses existing
well
• 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.)
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
Horizontal Loop
Horizontal Bore Loops
Vertical Loop
5- 6 feet