An Explanation of GeoExchange Systems
The earth absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy on a daily basis, which is 500 times more than humans require.
This energy, transformed into a renewable and clean resource, provides us with a consistent source of energy. In the cold season, GeoExchange heat pumps take the absorbed energy from the earth and transfers it into usable heat for your space. In the warm season, the heat from your space is drawn out and returned to the earth. GeoExchange is the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning system available today, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. GeoExchange systems have been known by various names, including Geothermal Heating and Cooling, Ground Source Heat Pumps and Earth Coupled Heat Pumps. The name “GeoExchange” is the new international trade name for technology which heats and cools by taking heat from or returning heat to the earth.
These heat pumps are connected to a series of pipes, called loops, which are located underground or underwater. These pipes are also connected to units within the building, drawing or returning heat from the earth to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. This proven technology is environmentally friendly and extremely cost-effective, saving 70% or more on annual heating costs.
As an additional benefit this technology can provide inexpensive hot water.
Because GeoExchange heat pumps work differently from traditional heat pumps, and are contained indoors, they require very little maintenance. Not being exposed to the elements, debris or vandalism, and having fewer moving parts makes them highly dependable. Properly installed underground components, with up to a 50-year warranty, are virtually worry-free.
GeoExchange systems offer the highest indoor air quality available today.
A study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that high-efficiency GeoExchange systems are, on average, 48% more efficient than gas furnaces and more than 75% more efficient than oil furnaces. The most advanced GeoExchange system even outperforms the best gas heat pumps by an average of 36% in the heating mode and 43% in the cooling mode, less the cost of gas.
There are two energy sources for GeoExchange technology: the earth, or ground or surface water. Ground water has a stable temperature of about 4-12 degrees Celsius (39-55 degrees Fahrenheit) in most parts of the world.
The ground/surface water heat is accessed by using open or closed loops. Closed loops work with a direct expansion system, in which the water evaporates in underground heat exchangers or brine loop systems. Open loop systems draw water from one source and then discharge it back to the earth.
Ground-source systems also have a constant temperature and can be used for both residential and commercial spaces. A series of pipes are laid, vertically or horizontally, in which the heat is extracted from the earth by either direct heat expansion or a brine system.
Aquaculture- The GeoExchange Way
Lockhart Industries are the pioneers of implementing GeoExchange heating and cooling systems in fish hatcheries throughout Canada’s West Coast. With our first 150USgpm design, we developed a means of saving up to $100k USD in operating costs over four months, enabling payback in less than one year. No matter the type of fish hatchery, the professionals at Lockhart Industries can create and implement a GeoExchange system that is fully customized, cost efficient and environmentally sound.
Commercial, Industrial or Institutional GeoExchange / GeoThermal Systems
There are multiple types of GeoExchange systems that our clients can choose from, including Open Ground Water Loop, Closed Loop Earth, Surface Water and Boiler/Tower systems. Whether you need space conditioning for a small or large business, Lockhart Industries can provide a GeoExchange system that will meet your needs.
Geothermal / GeoExchange Loop Types
There are four types of GeoExchange loops for commercial use that can either be installed in the earth or submerged in water: Surface-Water Closed Systems, Open Loop Systems, Vertical Ground Closed Systems and Horizontal Ground Closed Systems. Each type is unique, offering different strengths, and requiring expert installation to provide years of comfort. Loop systems can be new installations, or retro-fits for existing buildings. Surface-Water Closed Systems can be used when there is a nearby body of water that never drops below 6ft deep, and it is the most economical of the four types. Open Loop Systems are suited for houses that are served by their own well. The quality of the well-water must be considered, as some well-water can corrode the heat pump. Horizontal Ground Closed Loop Systems are economical, but they require a larger property, as the pipes are buried in the earth. Vertical Ground Closed Loop Systems can be used when space is more limited, since the pipes get drilled into boreholes straight into the ground that can be 60-300ft deep. This type of system requires less piping, since temperatures at those depths are more stable.
More information about geothermal heating for your home or commercial business:
All About GeoExchange/GeoThermal
Commercial GeoExchange Systems
GeoExchange for Aquaculture
Loop Types
Combining Geo with Solar
GeoExchange video explanation
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