GeoThermo Project

 
 
Statement of Work: Perform a study to provide economical heat and air conditioning to a residence using a geothermal source.
 
Description: Consider a 2500 sq ft house in Fairfield County. The residence will be predominately conditioned utilizing a geothermal source. The source is subterranean and possesses a relatively uniform temperature which remains constant (within +/- 5F)  throughout the year. A liquid with a high heat capacity will be piped to the appropriate level below the  ground and will be circulated to a heat pump. This exchanger will either heat or cool another fluid to provide conditioning to the residence. Fossil fuel, such as used in an internal combustion engine, may be required to operate all mechanical drives, such as heat pump and the  pump for the extraction. Pumps for heat exchange flow can be driven electrically by the power grid from a utility, although other sources of energy that will be cost-efficient may be employed.
 
Constraints:
1. The depth below ground level shall be determined by the reduction in temperature variation to +/- 5F. This depth is considered to be most cost effective since drilling to lower depths requires additional expense with little or no gain in temp variation reduction.
2. To assure that the heat exchange is not on continuously a means of storage shall be provided.

 
Requirements:
1. Determine the most cost-efficient means for this application, i.e., utilize fossil fuel to a minimum. This includes optimization of the components.
2. Run a cost benefit analysis before the study is completed. This should include estimates of the components cost as well as the system installation. Compare this to the present use of fossil fuel. The result should indicate the time for recovery of the initial expenses.
3. Simulate the components using computer modeling.

 
Deliverables:
 
1. Block diagram of both heating and cooling processes.
2. Specifications for all components.
3. Computer simulation with interactive capability.
4. Cost-benefit analysis
5. Consider employing waste heat from a cogenerator.