Geothermal Well - Open Loop System
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While the majority of
geothermal installations use a
closed loop system, another
option is an open loop system.
Instead of using an antifreeze
solution sealed inside the
buried piping, an open loop
system uses water from a
surface or underground source,
such as a pond, lake or well.
The water is pumped into the
heat pump unit where the heat
is extracted; the water is then
discharged back into the
original source or into a return
well.
geothermal installations use a
closed loop system, another
option is an open loop system.
Instead of using an antifreeze
solution sealed inside the
buried piping, an open loop
system uses water from a
surface or underground source,
such as a pond, lake or well.
The water is pumped into the
heat pump unit where the heat
is extracted; the water is then
discharged back into the
original source or into a return
well.
Well water designs are the most common and most
cost-effective. The well supplies both household water and
water for the heat pump. Approximately three gallons per
minute of well water are needed per ton of cooling capacity.
A 3,000-square-foot, well-insulated home would typically
require 10 to 15 gallons per minute.
cost-effective. The well supplies both household water and
water for the heat pump. Approximately three gallons per
minute of well water are needed per ton of cooling capacity.
A 3,000-square-foot, well-insulated home would typically
require 10 to 15 gallons per minute.
Water quality is an important issue with open loop systems. Mineral deposits can build
up inside the heat exchanger, iron and other impurities can clog a return well, and
organic matter from ponds and lakes can quickly damage a geothermal system. Water
should be tested for acidity, mineral content and corrosiveness.
Open loop systems are generally avoided and even prohibited in some areas because of
environmental concerns. Aquifers can be depleted if the water is not re-injected.
Also, the risk of contamination is an increasing problem; improperly installed wells can be
a path for surface water run-off that carries pesticides, fertilizers, organic materials and
other contaminants into underlying aquifers.
up inside the heat exchanger, iron and other impurities can clog a return well, and
organic matter from ponds and lakes can quickly damage a geothermal system. Water
should be tested for acidity, mineral content and corrosiveness.
Open loop systems are generally avoided and even prohibited in some areas because of
environmental concerns. Aquifers can be depleted if the water is not re-injected.
Also, the risk of contamination is an increasing problem; improperly installed wells can be
a path for surface water run-off that carries pesticides, fertilizers, organic materials and
other contaminants into underlying aquifers.
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