We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webcasts
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • COVID-19
    • Events & Webinars
    • Business Resources
    • Industry Announcements
    • Health & Safety
    • Op-Ed
Home » Stormproofing with geothermal systems

Stormproofing with geothermal systems

April 7, 2015
Jay Egg
No Comments

I recently presented a paper on geothermal HVAC implementation to the New York City Council. Though the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling systems are great, one of the benefits of most interest was the stormproofing aspect. Hurricane Sandy, in 2012, was a hard hit for the Big Apple. Afterwards, residents wanted to know more about how geothermal can strengthen the resilience and infrastructure of their city.

With geothermal heating and cooling systems, the equipment can be housed entirely inside, reducing premature wear and tear. Placement of Roof Top Package Units (RTUs), condenser units and cooling towers can be eliminated or consolidated safely inside.

As recently as January 2012, we have witnessed the resilience of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Hurricane Sandy struck the northeastern U.S., and the New York Times reported, “Geothermal Designs Arise as a Stormproof Resource.” Property damage was significant, and many were left without heat or air when their outdoor equipment was destroyed by wind and water. Buildings with geothermal heat pumps fared better, sustaining no damage due to the “all-inside” nature of a geothermal heating and cooling system.

The presence of outside equipment on the roof or outside a building presents a kind of double jeopardy. Outside equipment will be naturally degraded by seasonal weather. Snow, rain, wind and blazing heat all take their toll in the first place. As if that is not enough, normal landscaping and maintenance claim their occasional victims. We’ve all arrived at a service call to find the HVAC unit has been vandalized or salvaged for copper. Every home and building owner has experienced one of these risks of outdoor equipment, or they one day will.

The costs associated with housing outside equipment in risk-prone areas can be high. Risks can be related to inclement weather, personnel protection or outright vandalism. For government buildings in Florida, hurricane-hardened shelters are required for outside cooling towers. The enclosure structures may be as large as a gymnasium, and cost millions.

Studies have been done on the effects of outside noise on personnel and the general public. With geothermal cooling and heating systems, these nuisances go away. A 2010 City of Los Angeles study indicated that even residential outside equipment for air conditioning is notably loud, and actually drowns out the sounds of birds and other natural ambience, leaving instead the dull roar of condenser fans. Commercial cooling equipment is louder than that, and cooling towers are louder still.

A large percentage of commercial buildings use cooling towers because of their ability to improve efficiency for the air-conditioning/chiller equipment in the building. But, a cooling tower is loud, and it consumes large quantities of fresh water due to evaporation and blow-down (about 50 GPD per ton). Increasing numbers of clients are making the switch to geothermal, claiming that elimination of fresh water consumption is the primary motive/benefit.

Refrigerant volume is also reduced through the use of geothermal HVAC systems, especially when compared with VRF and spilt systems. A geothermal heat pump (GHP) is a self-contained piece of equipment with a factory-sealed refrigerant system. Instead of copper refrigerant lines going to an outside condenser, a pair of pipes is connected to the GHP similar to the way a washing machine is connected.

With geothermal heating and cooling systems, you have another sales tool, and your customers can weather the storm and rest easy. The equipment is all inside, reducing premature wear and tear. Rooftops are cleaned up, condenser pads are turned into break areas and there is no equipment in the way of landscaping or passersby. And, don’t forget the peace and quiet! With federal and local tax credits and the highest energy efficiency available, geothermal systems become an easy sales opportunity.

Geothermal is a mainstream technology; why not treat yourself and your clients to the benefits of a geothermal heat pump? You can get on the "Geothermal Day 2015" bandwagon by visiting the site, www.GeothermalDay.com. National Geothermal Day aims to raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of geothermal energy and its vital role in building a clean and secure energy future. n

 

Jay Egg is a consultant and designer of geothermal HVAC systems, and the author of two books and several articles on the subject. He is the founder of Egg Systems, focusing on geothermal consulting, engineering and contracting technologies. He can be reached at jayegg.geo@gmail.com.

Engineers & Specifiers Green Building
  • Related Articles

    Geothermal HVAC (hydronic) and variable refrigerant flow systems

    Geothermal HVAC (hydronic) and variable refrigerant flow systems

    Ground-water sourced geothermal systems

  • Related Events

    Watts Webinar — "Commercial Rainwater Systems: Scale Driven Designs"

    PVF Roundtable Dinner with Terry Bradshaw

Pe egg
Jay Egg

Geothermal prime time

More from this author
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Edgen Murray Opens New Facility

  • Digital Exclusive: Energy Crisis Update from Houston

  • CISPI Issues Statement in Response to US CBP Findings to Antidumping and Countervailing Orders

  • Ferguson Assists Cities and Water Utilities to Manage Infrastructure During Sunday’s Big Game

Featured Video

Sureseal video

SureSeal Floor Drain Trap Seal

Industry Events

  • 28Apr

    2021 BLUE HAWK Annual Conference

    Austin, TX
  • 12Oct

    BOILER 2021 – ABMA Boiler Technology Conference & Expo

    Dallas, TX
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Es07 2020
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2021 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing