Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Loop Systems

Closed Loop Systems

Closed loop geothermal systems consist of pipes that carry the refrigerant—an environmentally safe water-antifreeze mix—into the ground to be heated or cooled, and then run directly back to the heat pump for conversion.
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Horizontal System

The horizontal closed loop system utilizes pipe layed in the ground in horizontal loops. The average home needs three or four loops of pipe to generate sufficient heat, which in the horizontal system are placed in trenches four to six feet below ground. The horizontal system can take up a lot of space, which led to the invention of the Slinky system, scientifically know as a curtate cycloid coil system.

Slinky System

The geothermal Slinky system overlaps horizontal loops of pipe, laid out much like a flattened and spread out Slinky, in a shorter trench. The Slinky system is also popular for closed pond loops systems. In closed pond systems the Slinky system is attached to a frame and laid at the bottom of a body of water where heat exchange can occur as it does when the pipes are laid in the ground.

Vertical System

The vertical closed loop system also consumes less space. In the vertical geothermal system, two 100 to 400 foot holes are bored in the ground, pipes are placed in each hole and connected at the bottom by another pipe to make a u-shaped closed system. The boreholes are often filled with an insulating grout to enhance heat transfer from the ground.

Open Loop Systems

Open loop geothermal systems are different in that they use existing groundwater as the refrigerant drawn to the geothermal heat pump. Open loop systems take advantage of the naturally insulated temperatures of groundwater. In a closed loop system, the refrigerant is only heated or cooled a few degrees as it runs through the ground. Wells and lakes are much closer in temperature to the surrounding ground, and make the open loop geothermal systems more efficient at heat transfer.

Types of Open Loop Systems

There are three main types of open loop systems. One uses water from a well and returns the water to the same well after it has been processed by the heat pump. The second uses water from a pond or lake and also returns it to its original source. The third type pumps water from a well and returns the water to a nearby pond or lake. Open loops systems do require an extra submersible water pump that will pump water to the geothermal heat pump.

Each of these geothermal systems vary in cost, space limitations, and efficiency. The best geothermal heating and cooling system depends on your particular budget, location, and needs. When choosing geothermal emergy to heat your home, consider the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal systems before you buy.
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Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions about this article or QualitySmith services, please contact QualitySmith at 1-800-525-5567.