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Geothermal Heat Pumps Geothermal Heat Pump Overview The geothermal heat pump, also known as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. Its great advantage is that it works by concentrating naturally existing heat, rather than by producing heat through combustion of fossil fuels. The technology relies on the fact that the Earth (beneath the surface) remains at a relatively constant temperature throughout Geothermal heat pumps, such as this the year, warmer than the air above it during commercial-size system on the Georgia Tech the winter and cooler in the summer, very campus, use the relatively constant temperature much like a cave. The geothermal heat pump of the Earth at shallow depths to warm buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer. takes advantage of this by transferring heat Craig Miller, U.S. Department of Energy. (PIX stored in the Earth or in ground water into a 02211) building during the winter, and transferring it out of the building and back into the ground during the summer. The ground, in other words, acts as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. The system includes three principal components: Geothermal earth connection subsystem Geothermal heat pump subsystem Geothermal heat distribution subsystem. Earth Connection Using the Earth as a heat source/sink, a series of pipes, commonly called a "loop," is buried in the ground near the building to be conditioned. The loop can be buried either vertically or horizontally. It circulates a fluid (water, or a mixture of water and antifreeze) that absorbs heat from, or relinquishes heat to, the surrounding soil, depending on whether the ambient air is colder or warmer than the soil.
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Heat Pump For heating, a geothermal heat pump removes the heat from the fluid in the Earth connection, concentrates it, and then transfers it to the building. For cooling, the process is reversed. Heat Distribution Conventional ductwork is generally used to distribute heated or cooled air from the geothermal heat pump throughout the building. Residential Hot Water In addition to space conditioning, geothermal heat pumps can be used to provide domestic hot water when the system is operating. Many residential systems are now equipped with desuperheaters that transfer excess heat from the geothermal heat pump's compressor to the house's hot water tank. A desuperheater provides no hot water during the spring and fall when the geothermal heat pump system is not operating; however, because the geothermal heat pump is so much more efficient than other means of water heating, manufacturers are beginning to offer "full demand" systems that use a separate heat exchanger to meet all of a household's hot water needs. These units cost-effectively provide hot water as quickly as any competing system. For more information contact the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
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GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES
Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the ground (vertical boreholes typically are 100 to 400 feet deep) as a heat source to warm buildings in winter and as a heat sink to cool them in summer.
Overview
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) represent a major clean energy technology. As a commercially viable technology now, GHPs are well positioned to help our nation achieve the increasingly desirable benefits of more efficient, clean energy technologies. While the consumer benefits from the economic and comfortrelated benefits of using GHPs, everyone benefits from
the substantial environmental and energy benefits resulting from GHP use, especially as GHPs become more widespread in the market. The geothermal heat pump is ideal for residential, commercial, and government building applications. Understanding the environmental and energy benefits of GHPs helps broaden appreciation of the overall potential of this outstanding technology. Achieving the present market penetration level of nearly 500,000 GHP installations reduces U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. In a landmark technical report (source: Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier, EPA 430-R-93-004, April 1993), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that GHPs are the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space-conditioning systems available. The EPA also found that GHPs offer the lowest carbon dioxide emissions and lowest overall environmental cost of all the residential space-conditioning technology readily available today. The few emissions that are released occur at the power plant, where they are carefully monitored and controlled.
Nearly 500 schools nationwide depend on GHPs for heating and cooling. GHPs use less energy and produce fewer emissions than their traditional HVAC counterparts.
the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumptionand corresponding emissionsup to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment for residential applications.
Environmental Benefits
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Emissions Reductions
Nearly 40% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide are the result of using energy to heat, cool, and provide hot water for buildings. This is about the same percentage that the transportation sector contributes. The EPA found that under most electricity generating scenarios, GHP systems have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of all technologies analyzed, and the lowest overall environmental cost (source: Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier). Over an average 20-year lifespan, every 100,000 units of nominally sized residential GHPs will save more than 24 trillion BTUs of electrical energy, and save consumers approximately $500 million in heating and cooling costs at current prices. And over the same period, these 100,000 units reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1.1 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.
environmental cost.
EPA, 1993
While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes from scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the wintera few feet below the earths surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Because a GHP system is so efficient, it uses a lot less energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This means that less energyoften created from burning fossil fuelsis needed to operate a GHP. According to
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Annual Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Space Conditioning Equipment by Region (in thousands of kilograms per year)
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refrigerant than conventional air-conditioning systems. And using factory-sealed refrigeration systems also reduces leak potential from field connections and increases reliability.
This commercial-sized GHP unit, installed in Cavett Elementary School, Lincoln, Nebraska, provides reliable year-round comfort.
DOE Role
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), working closely with the EPA, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and industry, helped to create the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). The GHPC launched the National Earth Comfort Program, designed to foster the development of a fast-growing, self-sustaining, national GHP industry infrastructure. DOE has also supported research and development activities, especially through IGSHPA; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the National Ground Water Association; and DOEs national laboratories. The work has targeted several areas of GHP technology, lowering the cost of ground heat exchangers, and developing advanced design software. In partnership with the GHPC, DOEs Office of Geothermal Technologies seeks to increase annual installations of GHP systems to about 400,000 by 2005 and reach about 2 million installed (cumulative) that same year. Achieving the goal of 400,000 annual installations by 2005 will save consumers over $400 million per year in energy bills and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year.
as 100% of natural gas consumption. It also reduced summer peak demand by 7.5 megawatts, which is 43% of the pre-retrofit electrical consumption in family housing, and improved the load factor from 0.52 to 0.62. These energy savings correspond to an estimated reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 22,400 tons per year, which gives project participants green bragging rights immediately. As demonstrated by this Fort Polk project, GHPs shave peak loads and improve load factors. At Fort Polk, the whole-house load factor for a house with gas heating and water heating was 0.32 versus 0.60 for the GHP house. Financed by Co-Energy Group, a GHP energy service company, the project bears no up-front costs to the government. The $18 million contract was signed in February 1994, and the installation was completed in August 1996. The contractor will receive payments amounting to 80% of the energy GHPs can reduce savings while providing maintenance durenergy use by 23% to 44% ing the life of the 20-year contract. For compared to advanced maintenance, the Army will pay Coair-source heat pumps, Energy about 18 cents per square foot per year, saving the Army about 22% comand by 63% to 72% pared with previous maintenance costs. compared to electric
At the time of installation, this project was the nations largest energy savings performance contract (ESPC). Since this pioneer GHP project, both DOE and the Department of Defense have established a Super ESPC program. The agencies, through a competitive bid process, prequalify energy service companies based on past performance and their ability to finance work. Once selected, these energy service companies will be able to sign contracts with any federal agency within a matter of monthsmuch quicker than the normal bid process. DOEs Federal Energy Management Program and Office of Geothermal Technologies have developed a technology-specific Super ESPC for geothermal heat pumps for all federal agencies. The Fort Polk project received Vice President Al Gores Hammer Award in 1997 for hammering away at building a better governmentone that works better and costs less. This award, one of the Clinton Administrations highest, is given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated exemplary reinvention of government.
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Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory DOE/GO-10098-653 September 1998, Reprinted April 1999
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
OFFICE
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GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES
Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the ground (vertical boreholes typically are 100 to 400 feet deep) as a heat source to warm buildings in winter and as a heat sink to cool them in summer.
homeowner in both new and retrofit situations. Surveys by utilities illustrate a high level of satisfaction with GHPs compared to conventional systems. In fact, more than 95% of all GHP users would recommend a similar system to their friends and family. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GeoExchange systems are the most energyefficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available (source: Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier, EPA 430-R-93-004, April 1993). Simply put, a GHP system moves the heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the home in the winter, and pulls the heat from the house and discharges it into the ground in the summer. The underground (or underwater) piping loops serve as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer. While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremesfrom scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the wintera few feet below the earths surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Depending on latitude, ground temperatures range from 45F (7C) to 75F (21C). Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. The GHP takes advantage of this by exchanging heat with the earth through a ground heat exchanger rather than with the outside air as with air conditioners.
This house in Aurora, Colorado, uses a geothermal heat pump system that will provide all the heating, cooling, and hot water needs. For a home of 1,500 square feet with a good building envelope and a geothermal heat pump, energy costs are about $1 a day.
In addition, some electric utilities have financing packages that make the purchase of a GHP system even less expensive. Other utilities are providing special electric rates for homes with GHP systems installed
Cost Effective
Geothermal heat pumps save money in operating and maintenance costs. While the initial purchase price of a residential GHP system is often higher than that of a comparable gas-fired furnace and central air-conditioning system, it is more effiState-of-the-art building cient, thereby saving money every month. envelope construction and For further savings, GHPs equipped with highly efficient GHP a device called a desuperheater can heat systems allow some conthe household water. In the summer cooling period, the heat that is taken from tractors and utilities to the house is used to heat the water for actually guarantee energy free. In the winter, water heating costs are consumption costs of reduced by about half.
Durability
Because they use fewer mechanical components, and because those components are sheltered from the elements, leaves, dirt, and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. The underground piping used in the system often has 25- to 50year warranties, and the GHPs themselves typically last 20 years or more.
Low Maintenance
Geothermal heat pump systems have fewer maintenance requirements than most other systems. When properly installed, the underground components are virtually worry free. The components in the living space are easily accessible, which increases the convenience factor and helps ensure that the upkeep is done on a timely basis.
about $25 per month for each 1,000 square feet of living space.
On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or roughly $7,500 for a 3-ton unit (typical residential size). In comparison, other systems would cost about $4,000 with air conditioning. When included in the mortgage, the homeowner has a positive cash flow from the beginning. For example, say that the extra $3,500 will add $30 per month to each mortgage payment. But the energy cost savings will easily exceed that added mortgage amount over the course of each year. On a retrofit, the GHPs high efficiency typically means much lower utility bills, allowing the investment to be recouped in two to ten years.
Year-Round Comfort
Like the typical forced-air furnace or central air-conditioning system, a GHP system uses ductwork. A twospeed GHP system is so quiet inside a house that users do not know it is operating because there are no telltale blasts of cold or hot air, depending on whether its the heating or cooling season. GHPs also improve humidity control by maintaining about 50% relative indoor humidity, making GHPs very effective in humid areas.
Quiet Operation
Annual Heating and Cooling Costs by Region
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Source: EPA, 1993
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With GHPs, there are no outside condensing units like air conditioners, so theres no concern about A/C noise near patio areas or decks, or bothering the neighbors with the constant hum of a conventional air conditioner.
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A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (source: 300 Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier, EPA 430-R-93-004, April 1993) analyzed six loca0 Phoenix, AZ Burlington, VT Atlanta, GA New York, NY Chicago, IL Portland, OR tions representing major climate Geothermal heat pump Air source heat pump Gas furnace with central air Oil furnace with central air zones in the U.S. These cities (Burlington, VT; Chicago, IL; upper New York City; Portland, OR; Atlanta, GA; and Phoenix, AZ) were chosen to compare the performance and costs of emerging highefficiency space-conditioning equipment with equipment already on the market.
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sure tested. The consumer should insist that a qualified and experienced contractor, who has received training at a recognized institution, install the system. For a list of installers and training locations, contact the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (see For
For all locations, the findings named Homeowners should also check with geothermal heat pumps as the most their utility and ask if they offer any This home has no efficient heating and cooling systems rebates or special electric rate prohot spots or cool spots. It over other types of space-conditioning grams. Another way to help finance [the heat pump unit] is equipment including high-efficiency the purchase of a GHP system is to good and quiet. And it is gas furnaces and air conditioners. roll the cost into an energy-efficient every bit as economical as Geothermal heat pump installations mortgage that would cover this and I thought it would be. in both new and existing homes can other energy-saving improvements to reduce energy consumption 25% to the home. The additional cost can be Ray Mosher, homeowner, Louisiana 75% compared to older or convencombined into the mortgage and will tional replacement systems. Annual produce a positive cash flow. Banks operating costs were also lowest with geothermal heat and mortgage companies can provide more information pumps. Add in the benefits of the desuperheater for hot on these types of loans. water savings, and its easy to see how a GHP system is DOE Spreads the Word about GHPs the most efficient available. In 1994, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), workGHPs Have Low Environmental Impact ing closely with the EPA, Edison Electric Institute, ElecBecause a GHP system is so efficient, it uses a lot less tric Power Research Institute, International Ground energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), National This means that less energyoften created from burnRural Electric Cooperative Association, ing fossil fuelsis needed to operate a GHP. According and industry, helped to create the GeotThe most unique to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy hermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). part of it is the energy consumptionand corresponding emissionsup to The GHPC launched the National Earth 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to Comfort Program, designed to foster the savings that youre going 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standevelopment of a fast-growing, self-susto get from a ground dard air-conditioning equipment. taining, national GHP industry infrastrucsource heat pumpthe ture. DOE has also supported research advantage of using the Financing a GHP System and development activities, especially earth rather than a Many geothermal heat pump systems carry the DOE through IGSHPA; the American Society of and EPA ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR propane tank or a natural Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Condilabeled equipment can now be financed with special tioning Engineers; the National Ground gas line. . . . It makes your ENERGY STAR loans from banks and other financial Water Association; and DOEs national property worth more. institutions. The goal of the loan program is to make laboratories. The work has targeted sevBill Dugan, GeoExchange system ENERGY STAR equipment easier to purchase, so these eral areas of GHP technology, lowering installer, Kansas loans were created with attractive terms. Some loans the cost of ground heat exchangers, and have lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or developing advanced design software. both. Ask your contractor about ENERGY STAR In partnership with the GHPC, DOEs Office of Geoloans or call the EPAs ENERGY STAR toll-free hotline thermal Technologies seeks to increase annual installaat 1-888-STAR-YES for a list of financing options. tions of GHP systems to about 400,000 by 2005 and reaching about 2 million installed (cumulative) that same year. Achieving the goal of 400,000 annual instalDesign and Installation lations by 2005 will save consumers over $400 million Installing a geothermal heat pump system is not a project for per year in energy bills and reduce U.S. greenhouse the do-it-yourselfer. Because the pipes are underground, they gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year. need to be designed and installed correctly, and properly pres-
Case StudyMinnesota
Located in the middle of Minnesotawhere temperatures can range from 90F (32.2C) with 95% humidity in the summer to -18F (-27.8C) in the winterDennis Eichingers 3,400-square-foot home averages a little over $44 per month in electricity bills. The owner has been very satisfied with the units quietness, high quality, reliability, and low maintenance. House guests also marvel at the comfort level of the housethey dont feel any drafts, just an even temperature throughout the house.
In the winter when the wind chill was 50F below zero, I know other people in new homes were cold, and we were not. We didnt have any trouble with drafts and we were real comfortable.
The five-ton ground source heat exchanger connects to five horizontal Slinky loops, totaling 3,000 feet of pipe, buried next to the home at a depth of eight feet (2.4 meters). GHP technology heats and cools as well as, or better than, conventional systems, even in Minnesotas extreme temperatures.
Case StudyFlorida
Panama City, Florida, homeowner Keith Swilley partnered with his builder and local electric utility to create a 2,000square-foot home thats a model of efficiency. It saves so much energy that the home won the 1997 Energy Value Housing Award for the custom home category for hot/humid climates at the National Association of Home Builders Conference in Houston. Mr. Swilley used energy-efficient features from ceiling to floor, with cellulose insulation in the walls and attics, sealed ductwork, and efficient doors, windows, and lighting. However, the feature that saves the most energy is the GeoExchange system. The geothermal heat pump heats and cools the house and provides hot water for the residents with a desuperheater, which takes waste heat from the air-conditioning process and uses it in the water heater. The desuperheater actually helps the GeoExchange unit reach heightened levels of efficiency. The system was metered separately and has proven to be a valuable investment, as the homes total energy bill for 1996 was $906. Amazingly, only $253 of the total annual energy bill was used for heating and cooling the 2,000 square feet of conditioned space. The energy bills are even lower than I anticipated, said Mr. Swilley, and the comfort level in the winter and summer is much greater than expected. I never dreamed I could heat and cool my home for 69 cents a day!
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Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory DOE/GO-10098-651 September 1998, Reprinted April 1999
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
OFFICE
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GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES
Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the ground (vertical boreholes typically are 100 to 400 feet deep) as a heat source to warm buildings in winter and as a heat sink to cool them in summer.
Also known as a ground-source or GeoExchangeSM system, a GHP moves the heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the building in the winter, and pulls the heat from the building and discharges it into the ground in the summer. The underground (or underwater) piping loops serve as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer. In essence, its the same heat-exchanging process used by the common refrigerator or air conditioner, only its underground. GHPs come in either closed-loop or open-loop designs. Closed-loop systems circulate an environmentally friendly water/antifreeze solution through high density polyethylene pipes that are buried in the Earth. The solution absorbs heat from the ground during the winter and transfers it to heat pumps inside the building. In the summer, heat from the building is carried through the pipes and deposited in the cool ground. Open-loop systems operate in much the same way. They can be installed where a sufficient, predictable, and relatively clean supply of water (such as a pond, lake, or well) is available.
Schools choose GHP systems for many reasons, some of which include aesthetics, zone control, energy savings and lower maintenance costs, decreased space requirements, and safety.
Aesthetics
GHP systems allow for greater design freedom in schools. These systems can be installed nearly anywhere. Since there are no rooftop mechanical components, designs can allow for sloped roofs and minimize the space needed to contain less-than-attractive HVAC equipment.
Energy Cost Comparison* $/Square foot/Year (Electric and natural gas) Average of 5 schools with conventional HVAC systems
We have installed over 75 GHP systems in the Austin Independent School District alone. In addition to the savings, low noise, low maintenance, and numerous other benefits, these systems are also environmentally friendly and convenient to use.
Bob Lawson, Austin Independent Schools, Texas
such areas as cafeterias and gymnasiums, each operating only as needed. Still others may be used to provide hot water for kitchens and locker rooms.
Energy Savings
Energy savings are a significant advantage of GHP systems. Instead of creating heat by burning a fuel, GHPs move heat from one place to where its needed. Therefore, consumption of electricity is reduced 25% to 50% compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, allowing a payback of system installation in two to eight years and a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years.
In most school facilities, one GHP is used for one or two classrooms. The heat pumps may be in the classrooms as stand-alone consoles, in closets, or above hallway ceilings. Larger heat pumps are used for
A GHP system eliminates the need for boilers and cooling towers, which reduces the need for mechanical space. We have a decrease in the need for space because only pumps are needed. This translates to $100 per square foot of building savings, says Top school GHP use by state: Anstrand. In addition, because the Texas 102, Missouri 62, Kentucky 38 New Jersey 33, Nebraska 23 components of a GHP system can be installed anywhere, they eliminate the need for rooftop equipment. Since the GHP equipment is housed indoors, it lasts much longer than conventional HVAC systems that are exposed to harsh outdoor weather or vandalism.
Safety
GHPs are proven to be safe for schools. Since the piping and connections are buried, there is no dangerous outdoor equipment that children might be tempted to play on or vandalize. Polyethelene ground heat exchangersessentially the same as used for natural gas distributionare often guaranteed for 25 to 40 years.
Hundreds of schools in the United States reap the benefits and savings of geothermal heat pump systems to provide heating, cooling, and hot water. 2
In Lincoln, Nebraska, not only is the Austin (Texas) Independent School school district benefitting from the District was the nations first school savings of GHP systems, but the taxdistrict to install GHP systems on a payers are, too. With cooperation large scale. Since 1989, the majority from Lincoln Electric Systems and of heating and cooling systems that Lincoln Public Schools, four elemenhave been installed are GHP systems. tary schools recently installed GHP Nan Droz, board member of Before installing GHPs, the school systems. The heating and cooling Manheim Township School District district was facing problems maincosts are about $144,000 a year less (Neff Elementary School project), taining and upgrading their heating (for 19961997) than they would Pennsylvania and cooling systems because of the have been if those schools installed large number of schools. One maintemore traditional heating and cooling nance supervisor for the school district said, Stocking systems. These savings will reach about $3.8 million parts for the numerous heating and cooling systems in over just 20 years, allowing for other capital improveour schools was a nightmare. By standardizing on the ments to be realized. GeoExchange units, we eliminate chillers, boilers, conCompared to natural gas HVAC systems (air-cooled, vectors, etc., and all the chemicals, parts, and maintevariable air volume systems) that were installed in two nance associated with them. other schools at the same time, the schools had a total energy cost savings of 57%. There were also 42% and 20% reductions in electrical demand and electrical energy consumption, respectively. Not only will the school district taxpayers save approximately $3.8 million over the next 20 years, but the GHPs also help reduce peak demand for electricity compared to alternative systems.
Installation Methods
GHP systems can be used in virtually any area of the countryfrom Alaska to Floridabecause of the way they rely on the thermal stability of the Earth to heat and cool. The type of instalFor our current lation best for each school depends on a students and thousands number of factors, such as climate, propthat will take their place erty layout, and geologic conditions. The best economics are gained by installing in the next century, one the ground heat exchanger when a buildof the best means of ing is under construction. Piping may be achieving true, lasting arranged as a few wells per classroom or energy efficiency in our as a series of vertical wells for the entire schools is to convert them school. GHPs are a particularly viable to GeoExchange heating heating and cooling option in areas where stringent air emissions standards are diffiand cooling. cult to meet using conventional systems. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson For school facilities, GHP systems can be the lowest first-cost option when competing with four-pipe boiler and cooling-tower systems. In most other situations, GHP systems have lower lifecycle costs when considering overall energy and maintenance costs.
Once we began to study the different types of heating, it became very obvious to me that the geothermal plan was going to be the least expensive.
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and industry, helped to create the Geothermal Our GHP system Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). The was a retrofit. Over a GHPC launched the National Earth Comfort Program, designed to foster the seven-month period, we development of a fast-growing, selfhave saved over 40% on sustaining, national GHP industry infraheating plus the added structure. DOE has also supported benefits of cooling and hot research and development activities, espewater. cially through IGSHPA; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and David Grubb, Schyler R-1 Schools, Air-Conditioning Engineers; the National Missouri Ground Water Association; and DOEs national laboratories. The work has targeted several areas of GHP technology, lowering the cost of ground heat exchangers, and developing advanced design software. In partnership with the GHPC, DOEs Office of Geothermal Technologies seeks to increase annual installations of GHP systems to about 400,000 by 2005 and reaching about 2 million installed (cumulative) that
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Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory DOE/GO-10098-650 September 1998, Reprinted April 1999
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
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GHPs in schools can teach children early in their lives to start thinking about cost efficiency and their environment. They can learn about conserving natural resources and that they can be part of helping to protect and save our environmentall of this right in their own school.
The schools with geothermal systems have energy costs about half those of the schools with conventional heating and cooling equipment.
same year. Achieving the goal of 400,000 annual installations by 2005 will save consumers over $400 million per year in energy bills and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year.
OFFICE
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GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES
Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the ground (vertical boreholes are typically 100 to 400 feet deep) as a heat source to warm buildings in winter and as a heat sink to cool them in summer.
2005. Achieving this objective will save consumers about $400 million per year in energy bills and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year. Business people who own these systems swear by them. According to Marion Pinckley, designer and construction manager for the worlds largest GHP system, their enthusiasm is well founded. The initial cost of a GHP system is often competitive with conventional HVAC equipment, and the operation and maintenance costs are usually much lower, typically yielding a simple payback of five years or less, explains Pinckley. In
in Sandstone, Minnesota, is the first integrated GHP system in Minnesota. Hansen chose the system based on a recommendation from Duluth-based utility Minnesota Power, which provided technical and project management assistance and helped defray the cost of the mechanical design. According to Minnesota Powers Randy Richgruber, the utility estimates that the system saves Hansen $5,000 each year compared with a conventional furnace and water heater, with a payback of less than five years.
The GHP system in this Minnesota gas station heats and cools the building; provides hot water, food refrigeration, and ice making; and melts snow to and from the car wash.
addition, every room in the building can have its own comfort control. In my 45 years in the business, Ive worked with nearly every HVAC system available, and you cant beat GHP systems for economy, comfort, flexibility, and environmental benefits.
integrated, these systems recover excess heat from one indoor zone of the building and use it where it is needed. For example, heat pumps on the sunny side of a large building with an integrated system can provide cooling while those on the shady side are providing heat. Each of these individual units is attached to the same earth connection by a loop inside the building. It is even possible to connect multiple buildings in the same general area to the same earth connection. If one of the heat pumps in a multi-pump installation does need servicing or replacement, the problem is easily isolated and corrected because of the modular nature of the equipment. The rest of the heating and cooling system is not affected. GHPs also save money in large buildings with multiple heat pumps by reducing the amount of space required for mechanical rooms. GHP systems use smaller ducts, because the air handling system only provides make-up air and does not carry heat. This results in smaller floor-to-floor heights as heating and cooling BTUs are transferred via small pipes rather than bulky ducting. By eliminating roof-mounted equipment, the roof lasts longer and the structural steel can be downsized.VAV system GHP system (multi-zone) Chilled water In large commercial installations, the initial costs of system Single zone rooftop system Mult-zone rooftop GHPs are very competitive with boilers and cooling towers. Major projects (larger than 300 tons) often attract bidders from all over the country for designing, drilling, and installation, thereby achieving very competitive prices.
Fans 1.2 Pumps 0.8 Indoor, outdoor fans and pumps Compressor 0.4 Heat pump and fans Compressor
Compressor
All these economies add up to a handsome return on investment for businesses that choose GHPs. If the initial cost of installing a GHP system is higher, these systems typically pay for themselves in reduced energy and maintenance costs in less than five years.
cool earth. GHPs located inside the building distribute the warmed or cooled air throughout the interior. In commercial installations, an underground heat exchanger and a fluid-pumping or circulation system are combined with packaged geothermal heat pumps. The heat pumps are placed throughout the building to provide multiple temperature-controlled comfort zones. GHPs can be configured for single rooms or zones with individual circulating pumps and ground heat exchangers. In large installations, the system consists of a ground heat exchanger with a single pumping station serving multiple heat pump units.
DOE Involvement
This commercial-sized GHP unit, installed in Cavett Elementary School, Lincoln, Nebraska, provides reliable year-round comfort. 3
PIX06570
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy HVAC choice among knowledgeable (DOE), working closely with the EPA, business people. Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and industry, helped to form the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC). The GHPC launched the National Earth Comfort Program, designed to foster the development of a fast-growing, self-sustaining, national GHP industry infrastructure. DOE has also supported research and development activities, especially through IGSHPA; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the National Ground Water Association; and DOEs national laboratories. The work has targeted several areas of GHP technology, lowering the cost of ground heat exchangers, and developing advanced design software.
Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, Inc. (GHPC) 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004-2696 (888) ALL-4-GEO (255-4436) http://www.geoexchange.org/ International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) 490 Cordell South Stillwater, OK 74078-8018 (405) 744-5175 (800) 626-4747 http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/
EPA
DOE
Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory DOE/GO-10098-648 September 1998, Reprinted April 1999
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