Subterranean Success: Geothermal Energy Powering Schools Presented by: Jason Hukill, AIA, LEED AP.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal Energy Powering Schools

Presented by:Jason Hukill, AIA, LEED AP

Today’s Learning Goal:

Geothermal Terminology / Systems

Benefits of Geothermal Power

Limitations of Geothermal Power

Common Misconceptions

Sample Projects

Questions / Answers / Discussion Forum

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Geothermal: what is it?

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Geothermal Terminology / Systems

A central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in cold season) or a heat sink (in the warm season.)

Known by variety of names: Earth Energy, Geo-exchange, earth-coupled, or water source heat pumps.

Different System Types: Water loop, Deep Well, Earth Loop Systems

“Ground Source Heat Pump” is most common type in this region.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Ground Source Heat Pumps Take advantage of the moderate temperatures

in the ground to boost energy efficiency.

Should not be confused with traditional forms of geothermal power that use high temperatures.

Tempered water from ground well source is pumped to a heat pump unit (usually inside the building) and then forced through a vacuum refrigeration cycle to transfer the heat.

“Ground Source Heat Pump” is most common type in this region.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Implementing into your project Contact Geo-exchange surveyor to drill a test well / consult on findings for geo-

exchange potential of site.

Establish through master planning of site where geothermal fields will be located.

Establish a building connection point for loop system.

Ensure project team has adequate engineering experience on designing and specifying geothermal systems.

Calculate energy savings through modeling to assist in asset potential.

Give adequate mechanical space inside structure for equipment.

Monitor process and progress.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Typical Components

Bentonite Clay

Sand

Loop tubing

Routing Vault

Pump Unit

Well Field

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Typical Components

Bentonite Clay

Sand

Loop tubing

Routing Vault

Drilling Rig/Crew

Well Field

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Typical Components

Entry point for supply / return

Internal Water Piping

Water Source Heat Pumps

Ductwork Structures

Building

Benefits of Geothermal

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Take advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost energy efficiency. Free energy from mother earth.

50+ year lifespan on ground loop exchange system.

25-30+ year lifespan on equipment (inside)

Can be installed under parking lots, sports fields/tracks, etc.

Lower operational costs of system. (life cycle cost advantages)

Typically can be staged along side other construction.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Lifecycle Cost Advantages

Resulting in:•Power savings•Energy savings•Pocketbook savings

Return of Investment (ROI)Typically between 6-8 years depending on design and geo-exchange capacity.

20%-60% more efficient than traditional systems used.

Mechanical Screening

Architectural screening not needed

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Equipment Security

Exterior security of equipment not needed

After thought….

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Limitations of Geothermal

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Well field requires open space or land for installation.

Extremely limited to impossible for urban sites.

Initial staff shock. (you must train your maintenance staff)

Careful environmental conditions must prevail. Messy operation

Typical drilling rig operating

Common Misconceptions

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Too expensive….

Project needs to be near steam or fault areas….

Complexity of systems….

Added mechanical controls too much…..

Environmental Concerns with drilling operations…..

Too “out there” for my building…..

Sample Projects

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Blanchard High School

55,000 SFCompleted 2010’$15.2 mil

Geothermal systems costs:905k = 5.9% of budgetROI = est. 8 years

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Shawnee Early Childhood Center

55,000 SFCompleted 2008’$6.5 mil

Geothermal systems costs:400k = 6% of budgetROI = est. 7 years

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Shawnee Early Childhood Center

Geothermal systems costs:400k = 6% of budgetROI = est. 7 years

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Geothermal well field installed under playground

Sapulpa Midtown Elementary

90,000 SFCompletion in 08-2011’$12.8 mil LEED for Schools (certification pending)

Geothermal systems costs:800k = 6.3% of budgetROI = est. 5 years

Well field installation under sports fields.

NorthwestLibrary35,000 SFComp. 09-2011’$8.4 mil

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Educating the OccupantsEducation boards/displays can highlight a buildings sustainable features

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Educating the Occupants

Other board examples:

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Summary points to take with you….

Affordable

EFFICIENT 20%-60% more than base

Life cycle cost effective

System security / protection

Sustainable

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Discussion

Questions

Comments

Thoughts / Aspirations

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

Thank you.

Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools