Geothermal

Equipment, similar to home air conditioning equipment is packaged into metal enclosures and placed throughout the building interior to heat and cool various spaces. Heat is either extracted from or rejected to low temperature water that is circulated throughout the building. The heat extraction/rejection process is performed very efficiently. That is to say for every unit of energy purchased, 3 units of heat or air conditioning is produced. The source of heat originates from gas boilers or from the Earth a natural renewable source.

Air conditioning on the other hand must reject interior heat to the atmosphere or, in the case of GeoExchange to the Earth. Mechanical cooling machines with large fans must be used if the heat is rejected to the atmosphere. When using GeoExchange Fields, heat is rejected to the Earth through an array of pipes placed into small diameter wells.

Why So Efficient

In large commercial buildings, substantial heat is produced from people and equipment. Water source heat pumps (WSHP) merely transfers this heat from areas where it is not needed to areas where it is needed. This minimizes purchased fuel from local utilities. If the ground is used as a heat source (as opposed to Natural Gas or Electricity) the system becomes extremely efficient. The result is a more comfortable environment and low operating costs.

With respect to air conditioning, operating costs are directly related to outdoor temperatures. If the air conditioning load is rejected to a cool ground versus 90° air temperature, operating costs are dramatically reduced. It has been shown through actual operations of GeoExchange systems, that energy costs are 25-40% lower than conventional heating and cooling systems.

System Durability

Since WSHP equipment is located indoors, life expectancy is increased. In addition, WSHP operate at lower temperatures and pressures which also results in increased life expectancy.

GeoExchange Fields consist of polyethylene pipe with no joints. Pipe is heat fused together in the field. Fused joints are actually stronger than the pipe material itself. The industry standard warranty for GeoExchange Systems is 50 years.

Comparing Systems

Hurst-Rosche Engineering staff can compare alternative heating and cooling systems as well as life cycle costs. Energy use estimates, together with maintenance costs projections would also be calculated. HVAC System recommendations would then be presented for the purpose of determining the best solution for your building.