Geothermal Systems
The MEP Engineers have experience designing many open loop and closed loop geothermal systems. Many of the open loop well systems have proven to be the most efficient in the industry. LEED energy models have proven these systems to have 50% or more energy savings over code minimum equipment. Our engineers have experience designing one of the largest closed loop systems in the state of Iowa with over 1000 vertical wells.
Open Loop
An open loop geothermal system typically involves one well drilled into the ground that supplies ground water to the building and one reinjection well that rejects the heated or cooled water back into the below ground water supply. Open loop systems are more efficient than closed loop systems because the water temperature is more consistent when being pumped from the ground water supply, however open loops are only feasible in areas that are close to the water table and are approved by the DNR.
Closed Loop
A closed loop geothermal system typically can involve several hundred wells that have loops of plastic piping buried in the ground. These systems circulate water through the tubing rather than exchanging water with the water table as an open loop system does. Closed loop systems are not as efficient as open loop because the temperature of the ground will rise or fall as heat is rejected or absorbed from the ground. This reduces the equipment cooling or heating efficiency, but closed loop systems are still far more efficient at cooling than a chiller, cooling tower or refrigerant DX system.
The MEP Engineers have experience designing many open loop and closed loop geothermal systems. Many of the open loop well systems have proven to be the most efficient in the industry. LEED energy models have proven these systems to have 50% or more energy savings over code minimum equipment. Our engineers have experience designing one of the largest closed loop systems in the state of Iowa with over 1000 vertical wells.
Open Loop
An open loop geothermal system typically involves one well drilled into the ground that supplies ground water to the building and one reinjection well that rejects the heated or cooled water back into the below ground water supply. Open loop systems are more efficient than closed loop systems because the water temperature is more consistent when being pumped from the ground water supply, however open loops are only feasible in areas that are close to the water table and are approved by the DNR.
Closed Loop
A closed loop geothermal system typically can involve several hundred wells that have loops of plastic piping buried in the ground. These systems circulate water through the tubing rather than exchanging water with the water table as an open loop system does. Closed loop systems are not as efficient as open loop because the temperature of the ground will rise or fall as heat is rejected or absorbed from the ground. This reduces the equipment cooling or heating efficiency, but closed loop systems are still far more efficient at cooling than a chiller, cooling tower or refrigerant DX system.
