Geothermal cooling uses the stable temperature of the top 10 feet of the earth’s surface to extract thermal energy and transfer cool temperatures to a warmer area. It can be implemented through water-to-air or water-to-water systems and has a lifespan of up to 50 years. It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning.
Geothermal cooling is a process by which shallow ground within a system is used to regulate temperature. The top 10 feet of the earth’s surface maintain a stable temperature between 50° and 61°F (10° and 16°C). This stable temperature is harnessed, using a geothermal device, to extract thermal energy from a system and thus transfer cool temperatures to a warmer area.
Surface temperature has almost no effect on the ground below the frost line. Using this knowledge, a pump can be placed underground, in an area such as a basement, that effectively pulls the maintaining cool temperature out of the ground. This device is connected to a ring of copper or high-density polyethylene tubing, which is literally buried beneath the earth’s surface. This loop contains a coolant that is pumped through the pipe, exchanging hot energy in the building for cooler energy in the ground and acting almost like a heat sink. This process is known as direct exchange and is very effective in keeping a place at a cool and stable temperature.
Geothermal cooling uses two different methods to implement the cooling process: water-to-air systems or water-to-water systems. Water-to-air systems replace central air conditioning systems by using a liquid coolant to transfer energy into the air which can then be blown into a structure. Water-to-water systems use a large system of liquid spread throughout the building which is cooled, keeping the area at a stable temperature. The water-to-water system has the advantage that it also works very effectively for heating.
The United States Department of Energy estimates that approximately 50,000 geothermal cooling devices are installed in homes and businesses each year. The cost per ton of capacity averages $2,500 US Dollars (USD). The average home requires a three-ton appliance. The energy savings equate to the device paying for itself in about five to ten years. The components within the geothermal cooling pump last approximately 25 years, while the buried copper or polyethylene ring has a life span of 50 years.
The main benefit of using geothermal cooling is that it doesn’t use fuel or chemicals to regulate the temperature. Central air conditioning devices use materials that can be harmful to the environment. They also create carbon emissions that pollute the atmosphere. With the average home producing 5,550 tons of emissions each year according to the US Energy Information Administration, geothermal cooling is a viable option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a comfortable home environment.
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