Geothermal Systems

 

How Geothermal Systems Work

At the heart of a geothermal system are one or more ground source heat pumps, which operate in a manner similar to a common refrigerator. Unlike conventional heating systems that burn fossil fuels or use electricity to create heat, heat pumps simply move heat from one place to another.

The ground and lakes around us represent a vast reservoir of renewable thermal energy stored from the sun. This geothermal energy is estimated to exceed all other energy sources combined by more than two thousand times. At depths below 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters), the earth's temperature remains at or near the average annual air temperature above.

Ground source heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling at efficiencies unachievable by other heating or cooling equipment. If you would like a more detailed explanation of how geothermal systems work, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 
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Horizontal Loops


Horizontal loops are often considered when adequate land surface is available. Pipes are placed in trenches, in lengths that range from 100 to 400 feet.

 
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Vertical Loops


Vertical loops are the ideal choice when available land surface is limited. Drilling equipment is used to bore small diameter holes from 75 to 300 feet deep.

 
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Open Loops


Open loop systems are the fourth type and utilize ground water as a direct energy source. In ideal conditions, an open loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system.

 
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Pond Lakes


Pond (lake) loops are very economical to install when a body of water is available, because excavation costs are virtually eliminated. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake.

 

Geothermal Facts

Public awareness of geothermal systems is increasing rapidly. Polls show that more than 95% of all geothermal customers would recommend a geothermal system to a family member or friend.

  • The ground around us represents a vast reservoir of renewable thermal energy stored from the sun.

  • Geothermal systems collect this low grade thermal energy from the earth and concentrate it inside your home to provide heating through the geothermal heat pump. In the summer, the process is reversed and the heat pump provides air conditioning as it moves heat from your home and stores it back in the ground.

  • A professionally engineered geothermal system typically operates at a coefficient of performance of 3.0 -5.0, this represents efficiencies of 300% - 500%.

  • Geothermal systems eliminate the need for unsightly and noisy outdoor air conditioning units.

  • Installing a geothermal system in a typical residence has the same effect on Greenhouse Gas

  • Emissions reduced is the equivalent of removing 2 cars off the road or planting an acre of trees.

  • Geothermal systems reduce the need to extract, transport and burn fossil fuels.

  • Geothermal systems remove all risks of carbon monoxide from fossil fuel combustion.

  • Geothermal systems only utilize 17% - 25% of the total electrical consumption of the home.

Benefits of Owning a Geothermal System

 
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Engineering Services

Application and Integration of Multiple Technologies

  • Evaluation of site specific solutions

  • Complete design-build services

  • Site specific geothermal evaluation and feasibility reports

  • Formation thermal conductivity tests

  • Desktop geological reviews

Residential Service Areas:

  • Vancouver & Vancouver Island

  • BC Interior

Commercial Service Areas:

  • Vancouver & Vancouver Island

  • BC Interior

  • United States