Alternative Heating & Cooling Ltd., Skibbereen, Co Cork, Ireland

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Four basic types of geothermal energy sources:

Closed loop systems circulate a water-based solution through a "loop" of small diameter, underground pipes. In cold weather this solution absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the geothermal unit. The geothermal system amplifies the heat and delivers it indoors. In warm weather the process is reversed, excess heat is carried from indoors and into the earth. You keep refreshingly cool during the hottest summer.

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1. Horizontal loops are often considered when adequate land surface is available. Pipes are placed in trenches, in lengths that range from 30 to 120m.

2. Vertical loops are the ideal choice when available land surface is limited. Drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter holes from depths of 60m to 120m (200 to 400 feet) deep. These closed loops are back filled completely and cannot be used as a well, which is an open loop as described below.

3. Pond (lake) loops are very economical to install when a body of water is available, because excavation costs are virtually eliminated. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake.

4. Open loop systems utilize ground water as a direct energy source. In ideal conditions, an open loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system. Although premdominantly used for commercial applications these can be economically utilised for domestic use where the water table is high. However it can be a gamble beware!!!


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