Former Oklahoma University researcher demonstrates how geothermal heat pumps reduce energy and enhance the quality of air.
After several years working with geothermal energy James Bose at Oklahoma State University has invented a new home geothermal heating and cooling method.
Heat pumps operate as a refrigerator in reverse, they normally use electrical energy to move heat from one place to another rather than generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be 2-3 times more energy-efficient than conventional electric heating units.
A geothermal heat pump is a central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to/or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in the winter months) or a heat sink (in the summer months).
Geothermal pump units are among the most energy efficient technologies for providing HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) and water heating.
The set up costs are higher than classic systems (nearly $45,000 reduced by 30 per cent with government tax credit), but the difference is commonly returned in energy savings in 3 to 10 years.
The Gerald McClain’s geothermal system is based on:
- 6 one inch diameter pipes sunk 300 feet into the soft red clay below his home
- A water antifreeze mix in the pipes that picks up the ground’s constant 62 degree F. temperature
- Three heat pumps in the attic that use a small electric powered compressor to heat or cool the home
The energy for the pumps costs approximately $100 a month, much less than the normal heating and cooling costs in the area.
A well controlled heat pump unit will not only consume less electricity but will also help remove dust from the home, improving indoor air quality. Indoor dust can pose health risks especially to young children. Data released on the epa.gov site in September 2009 reveals that indoor dust is highly polluted by persistent and endocrine disrupting chemical substances such as poly-chlorinated biphenyls.
Heat pumps get energy performance by transferring heat around as opposed to liberating it. This is not to say there is no air movement with a heat pump, but the heat move reduces that process. So does the lack of a cold-cycle as it exists in many standard furnaces, which can act to blow dust through the house.
About the writer – Lorie Wampler writes for the heat pumps ratings blog. It’s a non-profit web site concentrated on her personal knowledge with air cooling to cut down energy usage and improve indoor air quality. With this she would like to increase the consciousness on eco-friendly tips for the home and change the public perception of energy efficiency.
