a recent article from advanced thermal solutions, inc. (ats) explores how geothermal cooling and heating technology works and the benefits that it could bring with it, which is of particular interest following the news that dandelion (a startup from google’s parent company alphabet) is ready to begin installing geothermal systems for residences.

earth’s outermost layer, the crust, and comprises just 1% of our planet’s mass.
(wikimedia commons)

geothermal systems use underground pipes to pump the moderate temperatures found at shallow depths to increase the efficiency of air conditioning and heating units in the home, while also providing cost savings for the users.

the article explained, “unlike conventional heating and air conditioning systems, which use the outside air to absorb and release heat, geothermal systems use heat pumps to transfer heat from below the surface.

“the pumps connect to closed loops of plastic pipes buried either horizontally or vertically in the ground below the frost line (about 100-200 meters), where the temperature is consistently between 40-80°f depending on location. called ground loops, the underground pipes are filled with water and sealed tight except where they are connected to the geothermal heating and cooling system inside the building.

“in winter, water running through the loops will absorb heat from the ground and pipe it into the home, while the system will run in the opposite direction to keep things cool during the scorching summer months. the pipes are connected to a heat pump and water heater inside the house and users can control the indoor climate through a smart thermostat.”

sustainability and renewable energy are prevalent in residences and businesses around the world and the increase in geothermal technology is part of the movement to find another solution.

“high-temperature geothermal heat has tremendous potential because it represents an inexhaustible, and virtually emissions-free, energy source,” the article said.

while most geothermal projects are focused on the shallower, easier to reach depths, there are extensive projects focused on drilling much deeper to harness even more of the thermal energy that is stored in the ground. one project noted by the article is drilling more than 40,000 feet into the earth’s surface and reaching temperatures of 185°c.

the article concluded, “at both shallow depths and miles down, the earth offers thermal energy that can harnessed for heating, cooling and power generation. compared to most other processes, geothermal energy is cleaner, continuous and, as technology advances, a low-cost alternative to fossil fuels or to solar and wind-powered systems.”

read the full article at https://goo.gl/zg7sqi.