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GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEMSADVANTAGES OF GEOTHERMAL
Connecticut Geothermal Association
www.ctgeo.org
Guy Wanegar, CGD
Topics No Fossil Fuels Utilized Onsite Clean Systems Lowest CO2 Emissions Safe Systems Energy Efficiency Versatility Energy Tracking Success Factors
There are No Fossil Fuels Utilized Onsite
No fuel stored on site No fuel piping on site No fuel combustion on site No worries about fuel deliveries during bad
weather Fewer worries about needing emergency service
Clean Systems No Odors No combustion (air quality) Equivalent to planting 750 trees per geothermal
heat pump installed
Carbon Dioxide
CO2 Emission values were taken from the US Energy Information Administration website
The only emissions caused by geothermal heat pump systems are emitted at gas-fired electric power plants In Connecticut, about 53% of electricity is
produced at Natural Gas fired power plants The remaining electricity is produced at
nuclear power plants – no CO2
Most (3/4) of the heat delivered by geothermal heat pump systems is ‘pumped’ from the earth – no CO2
Safe Systems No risk of fuel leaks or spillage No risk of explosion from a gas leak No Carbon Dioxide or Carbon Monoxide expelled
on site No Methane expelled on site
Energy Efficiency
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems run on electricity, but over 70% of the heat for heating comes from the earth.
Electric costs have historically been more stable, per Btu used, than fossil fuels.
When combined with solar PV, this is true renewable technology
When designed and installed properly, it will pay for itself in a short time
Operating Cost Estimates Software was used to calculate the operating
costs for an average home in Connecticut. The operating cost for a typical geothermal heat
pump system was compared to fuel oil, propane and natural gas, using current energy prices in Connecticut.
Cost Payback
Everybody asks: what’s the payback? At current energy prices, using the 30% IRS tax
credit for residential installations, the payback is about ten to twelve years vs. propane and oil systems having conventional air conditioning.
Last year, the payback period was five to seven years vs. propane and oil, respectively.
Payback
Next year’s payback - ? And it’s not just about payback. These systems
provide superior comfort, while being versatile and gentle to the environment.
Versatility
Geothermal systems can heat and cool simultaneously Commercial buildings can heat the outer rooms while
air conditioning the inner rooms, without relying on 100% of the loop field.
Heat pumps transfer heat from one area to another, or to the earth. Re: Making ice while heating water; Chilling milk while producing hot water for washing the
milking area.
Versatility
Geothermal heat pumps can transfer heat to water, air, or any similar substance, and remove heat just as easily.
Commercial applications can also take advantage of the many sizes (in BTU value) of geothermal heat pumps, sizing equipment for specific applications.
Energy Tracking
Geothermal systems are easily monitored to provide real-time energy use. A simple measurement of flow rate, temperature difference, and wattage number give concrete data on energy use
These calculations can provide insight as to when maintenance will need to be performed, or if a problem should arise.
Success Factors
Right-sized loop (enough heat-exchange loop in the ground to satisfy the heating and cooling loads)
Minimize fan watts (properly sized ducts) Minimize pumping watts (properly sized pipes) Properly sized pipes for radiant floor systems Properly designed temperature set-points and
delivery design for radiant floor systems (loops above floor decking, or within slab)