Geothermal Earth Loop Installation Options
Direct Energy Earth Loops enable direct exchange of renewable thermal energy with the earth. Standard refrigeration tubing is used because of its high thermal conductivity. An important savings in installation cost of the EarthLinked® system is the reduction in drilling cost for the small bore holes. The 75mm holes for the system require drilling only 11% of the volume of the 150mm holes required for other GeoExchange systems.
The loops are designed in three different configurations (horizontal, vertical and diagonal) to meet most new and retrofit applications. This allows for the selection of the most economical loop configuration for each installation.
Horizontal: The horizontal loop application is an excellent choice for areas where overburden depths of at least 1.1-1.8m exist. Excavation costs must be compared to the cost of drilling either the vertical option or the diagonal option illustrated above.
There are also restrictions that apply to the horizontal loop field such as the inability to plant deep-rooting trees, erect buildings such as garages or out-buildings, and swimming pools (either in-ground or above-ground) would be prohibited. Despite these restrictions however, a number of homeowners opt for this type of loop field and successfully implement this design on a regular basis.
Vertical: The vertical loop application is available in all areas of the country. For this type of loop application, the services of a drilling contractor would be required to drill the 3″ bore hole required for the loop itself. As you can see from the illustration, the vertical loop option requires less space and therefore minimizes restrictions in use above the loop field.
Diagonal: The diagonal loop is probably the best choice in loop application. With its small “footprint” there are minimal restrictions in use above the loop field; this allows the property owner complete freedom to utilize their property in any way they choose. The manifold area is the only area that must be protected from buildings, trees or pools above. As with the vertical loop option, the diagonal also requires the services of a drilling contractor to drill the 75mm bore holes required.
Fast, Easy Installations
Loops using vertical or diagonal bore holes are typically installed in 1-3 days. Horizontal loops can be installed in a similar timeframe.
Direct Energy Geothermal loops are easier to install because they use a much smaller bore hole and less excavation than water-based systems. Therefore, smaller and more maneuverable drilling equipment can be used.
Drilling & Installation Photos
Click on an image to enlarge:
| Back to Top |
