GEOTHERMAL ENERGY APPLICATION FOR A HEATING AND COOLING

Abstract

Geothermal (or Geo-exchange) is a type of HVAC System (Heating, Venting, and Air-
Conditioning).The earth absorbs almost 50% of all solar energy and remains a nearly constant
temperature of 10°C (50°F) depending on geographic location. Working with an underground loop
system, a geothermal unit utilizes this constant temperature to exchange energy between the
building and the earth as needed for heating and cooling. Geothermal is the most efficient Airconditioning
system because the ground temperature stays stable and has no regard for the above
ground ambient temperature. A geothermal heat pump simply takes advantage of this low
temperature energy source and pumps it up to a usable level to cool/heat the building. Geothermal
Heat Pumps draw energy out of the ground which stays relatively constant year round. According
to the Environmental Protection Agency , geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy
consumption—and corresponding emissions—up to 44% compared to air source heat pumps and
up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.
The biggest benefit of GSHPs is that they use 25%–50% less electricity than conventional heating
or cooling systems . Although geothermal energy is not the sole renewable energy solution, it can
play a significant role in helping to meet the heating, cooling, and energy needs of communities
across the India. The advantages of geothermal system are more pronounced in larger installations
and institutions.