CLAUSIUS TECHNOLOGY

CLAUSIUS TECHNOLOGY

   GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy

Moreover, by exploring Clausius heat pumps, you can access cutting-edge geothermal energy technology designed for efficient home heating. Leveraging geothermal energy stored beneath the Earth’s surface, even at temperatures below 30°C, Clausius heat pumps effectively harness natural ground heat. Consequently, this innovative approach ensures that homes benefit from both sustainable and cost-effective heating solutions.

Geothermal energy technology

Furthermore, geothermal energy, which is stored beneath the Earth’s surface, can be harnessed as heat even if the thermal level is below 30°C. This capability makes it a versatile resource.

In addition, air conditioning systems utilizing geothermal energy technology consist of three essential components: the collection system, the geothermal heat pump, and the emission system within the building. The emission system, which may include underfloor heating, fan coils, or low-temperature radiators, efficiently distributes heat throughout the space.

6 STEPS – gEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

1. Solar Collector Banking: are devices that capture sunlight and convert it into heat or electricity. Solar collector banking may refer to storing excess energy generated by solar collectors for later use.
2. Trench Collectors: in the context of geothermal energy involve burying pipes or heat exchanges in the ground to capture the Earth?s natural heat.
3. Vertical Collector: are systems that extract geothermal heat vertically from the ground, typically using boreholes.
4. Spiral Energy Accumulation: refer to a design where energy is collected and stored in a spiral configuration, in the context of a heat exchanger or storage system.
5. Energy Manifold for U-Tube System: In a geothermal or solar heating system, a manifold is a device that distributes or collects fluid (usually water or a heat-transfer fluid). A U-tube system refer to a configuration where pipes are shaped like a U for efficient heat exchange.
6. Commercial Heat Pump System: use electricity to move heat from a lower temperature source (e.g., the ground or air) to a higher temperature space (e.g., a building). This process is efficient for both heating and cooling.

gEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

Similarly, the geothermal heat pump acts as the central element, incorporating the same key components. During heating, it extracts heat from the ground and delivers it to the building’s interior. On the other hand, when cooling, it removes heat from the building and releases it into the ground.

Here’s how it works:

Heat Exchange:

Unlike conventional HVAC systems, which use air or water as the heat exchange medium, geothermal systems transfer heat to and from the ground. The earth’s surface maintains a relatively constant temperature year-round, typically ranging from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15.5°C), depending on the location and depth.

The units:

The geothermal heat pump unit operates as the core component of the system, incorporating a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant circulation system. When in heating mode, the unit draws heat from the ground and transfers it into the building. Conversely, during cooling mode, it expels heat from the building back into the ground.

Ground Loop System:

A ground loop system, consisting of underground pipes, facilitates the heat exchange with the ground.There are different types of ground loop configurations, including horizontal loops, vertical boreholes, and pond/lake loops, depending on site conditions and available space.

Horizontal Loops: These are installed in trenches dug horizontally in the ground. They are suitable for properties with ample land area.
Vertical Boreholes: Boreholes involve drilling boreholes vertically into the ground and inserting the pipes. They are used when space is limited or soil conditions are not suitable for horizontal loops.
Pond/Lake Loops: If a property has a nearby body of water such as a pond or lake, coils of pipe can be submerged to extract or dissipate heat.

Distribution System:

The systems can utilize ductwork for forced air distribution or radiant heating/cooling systems for delivering heat or cooling directly to the building’s interior spaces.

GEOTHERMAL UNITS

Geothermal units, often referred to as geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps, are the core components of geothermal heating and cooling systems. They leverage the earth’s stable temperature to efficiently manage building climate control. Fall into two main types:

Water-to-Air Geothermal Heat Pumps:

  • Heat Transfer: The units facilitate the movement of heat between the ground loop system and the building’s air distribution system.
  • In Heating Mode: Heat is extracted from the ground loop and distributed as warm air through ductwork or radiant heating systems.
  • In Cooling Mode: They extract heat from the indoor air and transfer it to the ground loop for dissipation.
  • Ideal Application: These heat pumps are particularly well-suited for buildings equipped with forced-air heating and cooling systems.

Water-to-Water Geothermal Heat Pumps:

  • Heat Exchange: These units facilitate the transfer of heat between the ground loop system and a hydronic (water-based) distribution network.
  • In Heating Mode: They draw heat from the ground loop and circulate it through pipes to radiators, underfloor heating systems, or fan coils.
  • In Cooling Mode: Heat is absorbed from the building’s hydronic system and returned to the ground loop.
  • Optimal Use: Particularly effective for buildings with radiant floor heating or hydronic fan coil units, water-to-water heat pumps offer excellent performance.

Both types of geothermal units consist of several key components:

Compressor: This component pressurizes the refrigerant, enabling efficient heat absorption and release.

  • Condenser: When in heating mode, it releases heat into the building’s distribution system. During cooling mode, it absorbs heat from the indoor air or hydronic system.

  • Evaporator: It absorbs heat from the ground loop in heating mode and transfers heat to the ground loop in cooling mode.
  • Refrigerant Circulating System: Responsible for moving refrigerant between the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, this system facilitates effective heat transfer.
  • Control System: This system regulates the unit’s operation, monitors temperature, and optimizes performance to ensure efficiency and comfort.

Benefits of geothermal systems include:

  • Energy Efficiency: Geothermal systems offer exceptional performance, with heating efficiencies 50% to 70% greater than traditional furnaces and cooling efficiencies 20% to 40% superior to conventional air conditioners.

  • Environmental Benefits: By producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuel-based systems, these systems contribute to a significant reduction in carbon footprint.
  • Reliability: Designed for longevity, geothermal systems boast durability, with heat pump units often lasting over 20 years and ground loop systems exceeding 50 years.
  • Cost Savings: Although the initial installation may be more expensive compared to conventional systems, geothermal technology delivers substantial long-term energy savings, potentially offsetting the initial investment over time.

AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS WITH GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP

  • Comprehensive Climate Control: This system offers heating, cooling, and domestic hot water (DHW) all in one installation.

  • Passive Cooling: Achieve passive cooling with very low energy consumption and cost, surpassing the efficiency of aerothermal heat pumps.

  • Silent Operation: Equipped with silent or soundproofed components, these units operate without noisy fans or drafts.
  • User Comfort: Convenient operation is ensured as all units use simple thermostats, requiring no user interaction.
  • Clean and Safe: Fuel-free design means there are no flames, smoke, or need for fuel storage tanks or chimneys.
  • Minimal Visual Impact: With components installed underground or indoors, the system leaves no visual footprint on the exterior.
  • Reliability: Designed for durability, these installations need minimal maintenance and utilize reliable, proven technology.
  • Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Significant reductions in heating costs are possible due to superior energy efficiency compared to traditional systems and other heat pumps, leading to considerable financial savings.