chemical to thermal to electrical current

What we have

Powering Your Business with Earth’s Energy for Over 25 Years

For over two decades, our team has been committed to providing cutting-edge geothermal energy solutions. We specialize in tapping into the Earth’s natural heat to offer a sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly energy source for businesses of all sizes.

Geothermal Power Plants

At a geothermal power plant, wells are drilled 1 or 2 miles deep into the Earth to pump steam or hot water to the surface. You’re most likely to find one of these power plants in an area that has a lot of hot springs, geysers, or volcanic activity, because these are places where the Earth is particularly hot just below the surface.

 

How It Work

Hot water is pumped from deep underground through a well under high pressure.

When the water reaches the surface, the pressure is dropped, which causes the water to turn into steam.

The steam spins a turbine, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity.

The steam cools off in a cooling tower and condenses back to water.

The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth to begin the process again.

chemical to thermal to electrical current

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Not all geothermal energy comes from power plants. Geothermal heat pumps can do all sorts of things—from heating and cooling homes to warming swimming pools. These systems transfer heat by pumping water or a refrigerant (a special type of fluid) through pipes just below the Earth’s surface, where the temperature is a constant 50 to 60°F.

During the winter, the water or refrigerant absorbs warmth from the Earth, and the pump brings this heat to the building above. In the summer, some heat pumps can run in reverse and help cool buildings.

 

How It Work

 Water or a refrigerant moves through a loop of pipes. When the weather is cold, the water or refrigerant heats up as it travels through the part of the loop that’s buried underground. Once it gets back above ground, the warmed water or refrigerant transfers heat into the building. The water or refrigerant cools down after its heat is transferred. It is pumped back underground where it heats up once more, starting the process again. On a hot day, the system can run in reverse. The water or refrigerant cools the building and then is pumped underground where extra heat is transferred to the ground around the pipes.

Geothermal Power PlantsInstallation Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Geothermal System

Installing a geothermal system involves several crucial steps that ensure the system is tailored to your specific needs and operates efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect during the installation process

 

1. Site Assessment and Planning

A geothermal specialist will visit your property to evaluate its suitability for geothermal energy. This involves analyzing soil composition, bedrock, and the availability of groundwater or nearby bodies of water. The specialist will also assess the space available for installing the ground loop system (horizontal, vertical, or pond/lake loop).

The outcome of this step is a comprehensive report detailing the best geothermal system design for your property, including cost estimates and energy savings projections.

Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

2. System Design and Engineering

Engineers will use the data gathered during the site assessment to create a custom design for your geothermal system. This includes determining the size and type of the geothermal heat pump, the configuration of the ground loop, and how the system will integrate with your existing heating and cooling infrastructure.

All necessary permits and approvals will be secured during this phase, ensuring that the installation complies with local regulations.

Timeframe: 2-4 weeks

3. Ground Loop Installation

Equipment Used: Drilling rigs (for vertical loops), trenchers or excavators (for horizontal loops), and specialized piping.

For a vertical loop, wells are drilled deep into the ground (typically 150-400 feet). For a horizontal loop, trenches are dug at a shallow depth (6-10 feet) across a wide area. In the case of a pond/lake loop, coils of pipe are submerged in the water.

The ground loop piping is then installed in these wells, trenches, or water bodies. This piping is the heart of the geothermal system, as it facilitates the transfer of heat between your property and the Earth.

Once the piping is in place, it is carefully buried and connected to the interior heat pump system.

Timeframe: 1-2 weeks (varies depending on the loop type and site conditions)

4. Heat Pump and Indoor System Installation

Equipment Used: Geothermal heat pump, ductwork (if needed), and connection piping.

The geothermal heat pump, which is typically installed in your basement or mechanical room, is connected to the ground loop piping. If your home has existing ductwork, it will be connected to the heat pump; otherwise, a new distribution system (such as radiant floor heating) may be installed.

The system is designed to transfer heat from the ground into your home during the winter and remove heat from your home during the summer.

Timeframe: 1 week

5. System Integration and Testing

Equipment Used: Diagnostic tools, pressure gauges, and calibration equipment.

The entire system is connected to your electrical grid and any existing HVAC systems. Technicians will conduct a series of tests to ensure everything is operating efficiently, including checking for leaks, verifying fluid levels, and calibrating the heat pump’s performance.

The system is fine-tuned to ensure it meets your heating and cooling needs while maximizing energy efficiency.

Timeframe: 1-2 days

6. Final Walkthrough and User Training

After installation, a technician will guide you through the system’s features and operation. You’ll learn how to adjust settings, understand the maintenance schedule, and troubleshoot common issues.

You’ll also receive documentation on system performance, warranty details, and energy savings estimates.

Timeframe: 1 day