Almost everywhere, the upper 10 feet (3.0 m) of Earth’s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60°F (10 and 16°C), depending on latitude.
A closed loop TERRASource geothermal system is used to circulate a carrier fluid (usually a water/antifreeze mix) through pipes/tubing buried in the ground. As the fluid circulates underground it absorbs heat from the ground and, on its return, the now warmer fluid passes through the heat pump which uses electricity to extract the heat from the fluid.
The re-chilled fluid is sent back through the ground thus continuing the cycle. The heat extracted and that generated by the heat pump appliance as a byproduct is used to heat the house.
The addition of the TERRASource system in the “energy equation” means that more heat is generated than if electricity alone had been used directly for heating.
Conversely, by switching the direction of heat flow, the TERRASource system circulates the cooled water through the house for cooling in the summer months.
The heat is exhausted to the same relatively cool soil (or pond) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air as a typical air conditioner does. Moreover, TERRASource technology makes geothermal heating economically viable in any geographical location.
Geothermal Loop Configurations
In conclusion, air is pumped across a smaller temperature difference and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use.
