What is Geothermal?
Sustainable energy source from the earth
Geothermal is name given to naturally occuring heat (thermal) that is produced from the earth’s core (Geo, Greek for Earth).
The thermal energy is located in the rock and fluid that fills in the various fractures in the earth’s crust. In many areas in North America, the heat gets to the surface in a diffused state.
Geothermal energy is unique in that it is renewable and has a natural energy flow.
Who uses Geothermal energy?
Sustainable energy source from the earth
Any business, industry or consumer interested in utilizing a renewable energy source, whether it be solar, hydroelectric, wind power and many others that are dependant on the sun.
Applications for geothermal usage include heating of communities, buildings or homes, electricity generation via geothermal power plants, direct heating, greenhouse complexes, industrial use and variety of resort and spas.
Geothermal Benefits
Energy Savings
Reduce energy consumption, where on average, efficiencies can be up to 400%. Using geothermal for cooling is 10 times cheaper than conventional air conditioning systems. On average, a typical home of 2500 square feet will require 4 tons of heating and cooling capacity with an average system installation cost between $5,000 and $7,500 per ton
Energy Efficient
Geothermal heat pumps use 25% to 50% less energy than conventional heating or cooling systems.
Carbon Emissions Reduction
One ton (12,000 BTU/hr) of GHP capacity over a 20 year operating cycle avoids 21 metric tons of CO2 emissions. So a typical home system can avoid 80-100 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Improved Indoor Air Quality & Safety
There is no combustion in a geothermal heat pump; therefore there is no chance of carbon-monoxide poisoning. By adding high-efficiency air cleaners with geothermal, these systems can improve inside air quality.
Produced Locally
Heat pumps are not limited by geography or geology. Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in most locations throughout British Columbia.
What are Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps use the natural insulating properties of the earth from just a few feet underground to as much as several hundred feet deep, offering a unique and highly efficient renewable energy technology for heating and cooling.
Most work by circulating water in a closed system through a “loop field” installed horizontally or vertically in the ground adjacent to or even beneath a building. Heat is taken from the building and transferred to the ground in the summer.
The system is reversible, and heat is taken from the ground and used in the building in the winter. The system only moves heat, which is much more efficient than using a fuel or electricity to create heat.
Geothermal heat pumps can support space heating and cooling needs in almost any part of the country.
Main types of Geothermal geothermal energy systems include geothermal heat pumps, power plants that produce electricity, and direct use in heating systems.