|
There are four basic types of systems that can be installed to supply the geothermal unit with what it needs to heat and cool your home.
Horizontal Loops
These types of loops can be installed when an adequate amount of land is available. The typical horizontal loop dimensions are approximately 10-12’ wide and 300’ Long with a depth of about 5-1/2 ft. There are a few different configurations that can be used to accommodate a smaller lot or a congested lot.
Vertical Loops
These types of loops can be great for an application where land is minimal or if the lot is wooded and we don’t have adequate area for a horizontal loop. The vertical loop would consist of a well driller coming in and drilling a series of holes between 150-200’ deep and placing a U-tube in each hole and then connecting them and bringing them into the home.
Pond (Lake) Loops
This type of system can be installed when a pond or lake is close to the home and has enough surface area to maintain a relatively constant temperature. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake and fluid is circulated through the piping much like it is with the vertical or horizontal loop.
Open Loops
These use groundwater as a direct energy source. In ideal conditions, an open-loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system. Water from the well is pumped through the geothermal unit and then discharged into a lake, pond, stream or road ditch. The main things to think about when considering this option are as follows:
- If the water being used contains iron or mineral it can mean repeated service calls to clean the heat exchanger in the unit.
- If the well cannot provide enough water then a closed loop application should be considered.
- A place to discharge the water should also be considered when looking at an open loop application.
|
