GEO-EXCHANGE SYSTEMS AT MINES
As part of Mines’ goal to reduce its carbon footprint, it is investing in geo-exchange technology for heating and cooling of several new buildings. A geo-exchange is a type of geothermal system that transfers heat from the earth to and from a building for heating and cooling. A geo-exchange, sometimes called a ground-source heat pump, uses underground pipes to exchange heat from the earth in winter to a building. In summer, the same system works in reverse to transfer heat out of the building into the earth where it is stored for reuse. The system works by circulating water or a fluid through a network of underground pipes to absorb heat from the ground when it’s cold and move that heat to buildings for heating. In summer, the same system moves heat from a building into the ground. A collection of boreholes in the ground contain the closed ground heat exchanging piping loops.
What are the primary components of a geo-exchange?
A geo-exchange has three parts: 1) a ground-source heat pump, 2) closed ground heat exchange piping loops, and 3) distribution pipes to deliver heating, cooling, and hot water to buildings. This method is energy-efficient because it only transfers heat instead of generating heat, leading to significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Where is Geo-Exchange Technology Used on Campus?
Beck Venture Center
- 24 boreholes x 600’ depth
- Peak cooling load: 638.8 kBtu/h (53.2 tons)
- Peak heating load: 459.8 kBtu/h (38.3 tons)
- Number of heat pumps: 43, ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 tons
- Nominal heat pump tonnage: 92 tons
- GHX design intended to keep EWT to heat pumps between 85°F & 35°F
East Building and Parking Garage
- 36 boreholes x 600’ depth
- Peak cooling load: 1,203.8 kBtu/h (100.3 tons)
- Peak heating load: 1,720.0 kBtu/h (143.3 tons)
- Number of heat pumps: (?)
- Nominal heat pump tonnage:244 tons
- GHX design intended to keep EWT to heat pumps between 85°F & 35°F
