Systems
Posted by admin on
February 19, 2010
Geothermal Heat Systems
The use of Geothermal Heat Systems is expected to double over the next six years. In a boom time for the geothermal energy industry consumers, business and government are investing heavily in this efficient and environmentally friendly form of heating.
In the wake of the Copenhagen summit leaders in developed nations are looking toward geothermal heat systems to help combat global warming.
Geothermal heat systems were first developed in the 1940s and were used throughout the 1970s in Europe. However the access to cheap coal produced electricity and the poor technology associated with geothermal heating at that time ensured they never became a main player in the energy industry.
However as oil prices continue to rise and governments endeavour to limit their carbon dioxide emissions geothermal heat systems are experiencing a rapid surge in popularity.
Geothermal heat systems work by delivering heat stored within the earth into buildings and can save users as much as 60 per cent on their electricity bills.
The most popular form of geothermal heat systems for residential use is a horizontally buried closed loop system. Piping is laid approximately one meter underneath the surface in a coil or straight system. A fluid circulates within the piping from the earth to the heat pump where it is used to heat a building.
Geothermal Heat Systems use a minimal amount of electricity as they only require to heat the fluid a few degrees due to the temperature of the earth compared to air based heating systems that can have to heat the outside air by as much as 20 degrees Celsius.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency rated geothermal heat systems as the most efficient and environmentally friendly form of heating.
Governments in developed nations including Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and some parts of the United Kingdom are now offering incentives aimed at switching consumers to alternative energies.
Geothermal heat systems take advantage of the natural energy occurring within the earth. The heat emanates from a radioactive decay of minerals at the centre of the earth where temperatures reach up to 6000 degrees Celsius. This energy can be used for high powered geothermal applications.
The earth also captures almost 50 per cent of all solar energy and remains at a fairly constant temperature all year round. It is this energy that is used in geothermal heat systems to drastically improve heat pump performance and efficiency.
The use of geothermal heat systems is predicted to double over the next half a decade as business and government endeavour to combat the problem of global warming.
With incentives and rebates for industry and consumers alike geothermal heat systems look set to play an increasing role in the renewable energy market.
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Related: how geothermal heating works, geothermal energy systems