Electicity needed for geothermal system?
Last Post 29 Jul 2007 10:56 AM by megatek. 3 Replies.
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sharon florioUser is Offline
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17 Jun 2007 01:49 PM

Hi - just wondering how much electricity is need to power a geothermal system?
Thank you,
Sharon

gameboyUser is Offline
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13 Jul 2007 02:17 PM
I'm no expert, but I think it varies depending on what type of geothermal you have.
If you are pumping fluid through long lengths of pvc, it takes a lot more than if you are using a direct exchange system that is pushing freon or similar through a horizontal field.

The air handler for the forced air system that is delivering the conditioned air consumes far greater electricity.

Thus, the geothermal components are a small part of the total energy equation.
wallers164User is Offline
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14 Jul 2007 09:49 AM
The last post is correct that water-based geothermal takes more electrical power per unit of heat or cooling produced. The DX geothermal system is more efficient and the COP runs between 3.5-4.0, meaning that the performance is for every unit of power delivered to run the system (electircal), it produces 3.5 to 4.0 units of heat or cooling. That is very high output and dependable.

Jim
Jim Smith<br>EarthSource Energy Solutions, Inc.<br>1415 Beacon Street, Suite 200<br>Brookine, MA 02446<br>[email protected]
megatekUser is Offline
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29 Jul 2007 10:56 AM

One more thing not to forget - water source heat pumps (geothermal) are availible in two stage compressors.  The two stage or two speed compressors can greatly increase the heat pumps overall efficiency. They can operate in (think of it as) low, medium or high speed to meet your needs.

Depending on your local earth temperatures, you can see COP's in excess of 5.  There is no potential for refrigerant leaks outside, and the tubing is usually guaranteed by the installer for 50+ years.   The electricity used for the pumps is typically on the order fo 4 light bulbs (400Watts) only when the heat pump is running. 

Your real consideration will be the overall compressor power consumption and the need for emergency backup electric strip heaters.  Strip heaters will typically require about 50-70 amp breakers (depending on the size you get, they are optional) and the compressor will typically require about 30-40 amp breakers. 

Feel free to visit our site to lear more and good luck ! www.hydroheat.com

John Herbert<br> Sales Engineer<br>www.hydroheat.com
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