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alternative energy ground heatingIn the world of alternative energy ground heating is a popular and growing technology. In fact alternative energy ground heating is probably a more accurate term than geothermal energy, which is often used to refer to the same thing. The phrase ground-source heating is also used widely to refer to this technology and this is a also more accurate description than geothermal. Essentially, it involves tapping the energy stored as heat in the sub-surface of the earth and using the differential between that and the local, on-surface temperature to either provide household heating or cooling, depending on factors like the season and so on. While some view alternative energy with suspicion ground heating has proven itself to be a reliable and low-maintenance source of heating and cooling, as well as an effective one, especially in warmer climates. While the temperature differential in temperate climates like the UK may only be around 10° C or so, this is perfectly useable, though to get the best results, systems installed here should be used in conjunction with top-notch, fastidously installed building insulation. In warmer climates, such as the western or southern United States, this heat difference is usually significantly higher, meaning the alternative energy ground heating supplies has more heating and cooling potential. True geothermal energy is used in places like Scandinavia where deep bore holes are sunk to reach high temperature resources. There are two basic types of alternative energy ground heating used for small industrial or domestic purposes: Direct and (you guessed it) indirect. Both esentially involve passing water through pipework laid within the chosen ground-source area and, using the temperature difference between there and the target building, either raising or lowering the temperature in said building. The pipework acts as a heat-sink to the ground in hot temperatures, and as a collector system for the heat stored within the heat-source area in colder temperatures. Direct use simply routes the water straight into the chosen heating or cooling target area, while indirect uses pumps commonly referred to either as ground source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps. These simply pump the heat around the system, making better use of smaller temperature differentials. Rated among the whole gamut of alternative energy ground heating is the third most popular, ahead of both solar power and wind power, even though it grabs fewer headlines. The most widespread? Hydro electric then biomass. There are really three layouts which are used when putting together a ground-source heating system. The three options address around how to lay out your pipework. This can be done horizontally, vertically or horizontally in water. Looking at the horizontal option, the pipes are laid out in trenches which should be at least 2m deep. A typical installation would probably require about 450m of straight pipe, or just 70 - 80m of the more efficient coiled pipework. Vertically involves the use of bore holes and is more common in colder climates. Here the bore holes tend to be around 150m deep, with an equivalent system as that above needing some 300m of straight pipe. Horizontal in water - usually a lake or good sized pond - where an appropriate solution, will require less distance of pipework that horizontal in trenches due to the better heat conductive qualities of water over earth. Thus, when choosing an alternative energy ground heating is certainly a viable option for most applications. And with more and more players getting into fitment and supply, it's becoming a more cost effective one too. alternative energy ground heating newsGround source heating materials boost schools' sustainability - specifinder.com (press release) Grants for Air Source Heat Pumps announced - HeatingandVentilation.net Local firms extend their green expertise - Rochdale Online Top of the class for renewable energy performance - Process & Control Today ENER-G launches sustainable cheap energy heat pumps at Oxford - energyhelpline.com BREEAM Assessor & Sustainability Consultant - news.careerstructure.com |
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