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1. What is a closed-loop system?
The term "closed-loop" is used to describe a geothermal heat
pump system that uses a continuous loop of special buried
plastic pipe as a heat exchanger. The pipe is connected to
the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop
through which an antifreeze solution is circulated. A
closed-loop system recirculates its heat-transferring
solution in a pressurized pipe.
2. Where can this loop be located?
That depends on land availability and terrain. Most
closed-loops are trenched horizontally in yards adjacent to
the building. But any area near a home or business with
appropriate soil conditions and adequate square footage will
work.
3. How deep and long will my trenches be?
Trenches are normally four to six feet deep and up to 400
feet long, depending on how many pipes are in a trench. One
of the advantages of a horizontal loop system is being able
to lay the trenches according to the shape of the land.
4. How many pipes are in a trench?
Normally, a run of pipe is laid at five feet then looped
back over itself at three feet once the bottom pipe is
covered with soil. This allows more length of pipe to be put
in one trench and has no adverse affect on system
efficiency. Other loop designs use four or six pipes and
allow for shorter trenches if land area is limited.
5. What if I don't have enough room for a horizontal loop?
Closed-loop systems can also be vertical. Holes are bored to
about 125-150 feet per ton of heat pump capacity. U-shaped
loops of pipe are inserted in the holes. The holes are then
backfilled with a sealing solution.
6. How long will the loop pipe last?
Closed-loop systems should only be installed using high
density polyethylene or polybutylene pipe. Properly
installed, these pipes will last for many decades. They are
inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat
conducting properties.
7. How are the pipe sections of the loop joined?
The only acceptable method to connect pipe sections is by
thermal fusion. Pipe connections are heated and fused
together to form a joint stronger than the original pipe.
8. Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
No. The loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees, or
shrubs. Most horizontal loop installations use trenches
about six inches wide leaving temporary bare areas that can
be easily restored with grass seed or sod.
9. Can I reclaim heat from my septic system disposal field?
No. An earth loop will reach temperatures below freezing
during extreme conditions and may freeze your septic system.
Such usage is banned in many areas.
10. I have a pond nearby. Can a loop be used here?
Yes, if it's deep enough and large enough. A minimum of six
feet in depth at its lowest level during the year is needed
for a pond to be considered. The amount of surface area
required depends on the heating and cooling load of the
structure. |
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