Today’s Applications for New England and Beyond
Low temperature geothermal energy systems, aka ground-source heat exchange (GHEX) or ground-source heat pump systems, are based on the generally uniform temperature of the upper 500 feet to 1500 feet of the earth’s surface. Utilizing the energy from the earth’s core, these systems are often times more stable for heating and cooling than the more popular air-to-air heat pump systems. As efficiency and quality improves, these systems are becoming more popular around the country, with some specific applications to the New England region. The earth’s energy—and the systems that utilize it—provide a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective source for heating and cooling.
GHEX Systems That Meet Your Project’s Needs
Installation of a geothermal system at the University of Maine at Farmington.
S.W.COLE’s phased approach to GHEX projects includes working with the owners, general contractors and engineers to develop GHEX systems suited to the owner’s needs and the facility design. This approach is applicable to new construction, a redesign for an existing facility, stand-alone GHEX systems, or hybrid combinations with GHEX and other forms of heating or cooling.
Our GHEX evaluations include:
- Geological Evaluation. We review published material on bedrock, overburden and other conditions to develop a preliminary evaluation of potential GHEX systems that are best suited to a specific job site.
- Thermal Properties Testing and Evaluation. Our staff are experienced in providing thermal properties testing services to collect the necessary data for evaluation of geological and hydrogeological conditions for the proposed GHEX system location.
- Preliminary Well Field Sizing and Design. Our experienced staff utilize the thermal properties testing data to develop preliminary GHEX system designs, and then work with the HVAC and mechanical engineers, general contractors and owners to develop designs that will meet the owner’s needs.
- Third Party / Construction Inspection and Testing. Our staff of trained geothermal installers have experience in providing third party inspections of GHEX systems.
