Comments on: The Large Potential of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

By: Rich Williams

Rich Williams — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:18:41 +0000

Great information here and I’d like to make use of the GSHP concept but I have a great deal of trouble “selling” the initial cost of construction even when the “buyers” say they understand the long-term savings. A proposed 150K square foot building in north Florida with plenty of room for a GSHP field and an expected life-span of about 57 years should attract a great deal of savings, but folks just aren’t buying the up-front costs.

By: Penelope

Penelope — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:22:49 +0000

I love that you mentioned supply side having too much attention with regard to renewables. Just excersizing the use of geothermal in homes and businesses could eliminate the need for new power plants for 20 years (Oakridge lab report on Geothermal, August 2010). The real key here…reduced power generation construction means lower energy costs…on top of the 50% energy saving realized by installing geothermal heating and cooling in the first place. Exponentially Brilliant…I hope we keep on the track!

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:42:04 +0000

The GHPsRUS Project is a multi-year project to measure the costs and benefits of nationwide geothermal heat pump deployment. Be in the loop at GHPsRUS.com.

By: WholeBuffalo

WholeBuffalo — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:31:00 +0000

Nice info on geothermal, and totally correct on the effectiveness of demand side efficiency. Don’t dismiss insulation though–well insulated homes can reduce heating and cooling needs to nearly zero.

By: Geoff Henderson

Geoff Henderson — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:10:16 +0000

I think the remark that most research and attention has gone to the supply side of renewables. Maybe that’s fair enough, but it may have obscured energy saving potential.

It’s hardly a secret that the developed countries consume way too much energy per capita, with a few exceptions. A large wedge of climate change defence is reduction in consumption leading to lower GHG’s, so it is great to see more attention to the consumption side.
And thanks for the book tip Penelope.

By: Bob Wallace

Bob Wallace — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:01:59 +0000

Mark, I have set up alerts to track news about geothermal electricity generation and they trap a lot of information about new geothermal heat pump installations. But I see nothing that seems to come from any industry group which collects data about number/size of installations, costs, technological improvements and carbon emission avoidance.

Might it be a good idea for suppliers and installers to combine efforts in an effort to spread the word? Something like AWEA does for wind.

By: Davita

Davita — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:20:09 +0000

I’ve been involved in several geothermal projects. One recently didn’t go so well. I wish I had that book Penelope spoke of. I just bought an e-copy from Amazon, and right there in one of the chapters it said not to do what we did, and it failed. Save yourself a lot of heartache, and get yourself schooled with the Geothermal Book from McGraw-Hill.

By: Penelope

Penelope — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 04:40:43 +0000

Earthlink is right on the mark here. Geothermal HVAC technology is the most effective energy efficiency technology in the world today. Geothermal has the highest NPV, quickest ROI, and nothing else even comes close to the longevity of a geothermal heating and air conditioning system. McGraw-Hill released “Geothermal HVAC, Green Heating and Cooling” last month in an effort to educate consumers and professionals on the technology. I’m a LEED AP…after a few days of reading, I had dispelled all myths and knew more about geothermal heating and cooling than anyone else in I’ve ever met…really! Just Google”Geothermal Book” and see for yourself!

By: Joshua Nelson

Joshua Nelson — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:49:39 +0000

I have wondered why we aren’t taking advantage of the geothermal heating/cooling as well as geothermal energy. Overall, in my mind, it is one of the best renewables out there – it runs round the clock, without disturbances from changes in weather (which there will be more and more occurring in our new climate) and they can be constructed without the need of rare earth elements or other hard to find commodities.

Seems like geothermal truly is a win-win.

Cheers,
Joshua

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:14:17 +0000

Great article. Very good but underutilized technology.