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)