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Geology, Environment, Energy

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy harnesses natural, clean, and renewable energy stored in the ground, capturing it through buried probes or water wells. It amplifies this energy using a heat pump for heating, hot water, and cooling purposes. Geoinsubrica handles the sizing, design, and supply of complete geothermal systems with vertical, horizontal, and groundwater-based geothermal probes.

HOW IT WORKS, WHEN IT’S CONVENIENT, AND HOW LONG DOES A GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM LAST.

Choosing a geothermal system means ensuring a comfortable home environment, pleasantly warm in winter and cool in summer, using environmentally friendly technology that is economically advantageous.

Low-temperature geothermal systems are widespread in residential areas, especially in Northern Europe and the United States, while they are still relatively unknown in Italy.

The ability to produce not only hot water for winter heating and sanitary uses but also cold water for cooling during summer makes geothermal systems the ideal alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems.

The great advantage comes from the fact that a geothermal system combines in a single installation the same functions typically performed by two different devices, namely boilers and air conditioners.

A geothermal system, if properly sized, is capable of heating and cooling a building “ON ITS OWN” without the need for additional appliances.

In any case, these systems are well suited for integration with other high-efficiency heat generators.

For example, combining them with solar thermal systems or condensing boilers is very interesting.

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

The three fundamental elements of a geothermal system are:

CAPTURE SYSTEM
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The heat source is the temperature difference between the ground (or water) and the fluids circulating in the geothermal system. The temperature in the upper 100 meters of the Earth’s subsurface remains relatively constant, typically between 12 and 14 °C (54 to 57 °F), making it ideal for heat exchange. This constant temperature allows the system to efficiently exchange heat during winter (when outdoor temperatures are lower) and provide cooling during summer (when outdoor temperatures are higher).

The choice of the capture system, depending on the geological and climatic characteristics of the chosen installation site, determines the different plant options for geothermal systems.

Geothermal resources are available throughout Italy. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of the subsurface intended for use as a heat source. Specific types of soil, or the presence or absence of groundwater or hydrogeological constraints, determine the technical feasibility of a geothermal system.

GEOTHERMAL PROBES

VERTICAL GEOTHERMAL PROBE

Vertical geothermal probe: used for exploiting deep subsurface (typically around 120 meters deep) – operates on a temperature difference of a few degrees Celsius (4-5).

HORIZONTAL GEOTHERMAL PROBE

Horizontal geothermal probe: developed over large areas (approximately 450 sqm) at a shallow depth of about 2-3 meters. They can be arranged in the ground in various configurations (area, linear in trenches, etc.) and operate with low temperature differences (1-2°C).

EXTRACTION WELLS

Collection and reinjection wells for thermal exchange (depth varies depending on local hydrogeology and required flow rate) – temperature difference varies based on the characteristics of the extracted water.

The GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP concentrates the thermal energy received from the ground to heat water, both for sanitary use and for heating/cooling systems. When the fluid enters the heat pump, it transfers heat to another circuit containing a refrigerant gas. The refrigerant then passes through a compressor that compresses it, significantly increasing its temperature. Finally, through a condenser, the heat is transferred to the system while the refrigerant returns to a liquid state to receive thermal energy from the ground again.

The low-temperature EMISSION SYSTEM typically consists of radiant floor panels, which ensure a constant temperature that pairs well with both heating and cooling using low-enthalpy geothermal energy sources.

ADVANTAGES OF THE GEOTHERMAL PLANT

-It’s a renewable energy source that is free (excluding the electricity consumption of the heat pump) and ensures year-round operation of the system for 365 days;

-Operating costs are about 60% lower compared to a methane boiler heating system;
A geothermal system allows dual functionality for both heating and cooling the home, eliminating high costs for summer air conditioning;

-Geothermal systems are also well-suited for integration with other renewable implementations like solar thermal systems (such as photovoltaic panels) to reduce energy costs used by the geothermal heat pump.

A reasonable estimate suggests that with a geothermal system, you’ll save about 50% annually compared to a traditional system. So imagine for yourselves how much you can save over many years!