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In the Loop with Geothermal Energy 

Geothermal energy uses the heat below the earth’s surface to heat and cool homes, businesses, school districts and whole towns with an efficient source of free and clean energy. By harnessing the consistent underground temperature, a geothermal system can provide users with continuous and cost effective heating and cooling. 

How does geothermal work? 

Most geothermal systems utilize a closed-loop system configuration.  In this type of system, water, with or without an environmentally-friendly anti-freeze mixture, circulates through the loop transferring the consistent ground temperature to the building for heating and cooling purposes. 

Other geothermal systems utilize an open-loop system configuration that requires a reliable water source. 

There are two basic types of open-loop systems: surface water systems and groundwater systems. 

Surface Water Systems 

Surface water systems can employ various water sources – oceans, lakes, ponds or stream/rivers. These systems typically employ an “isolating” heat exchanger between the wource water and the system water loop and provide exceptional performance at very attractive costs. Due to environmental considerations, open-loop geothermal surface water systems are uncommon.

Groundwater Systems 

An open-loop groundwater system presents a viable alternative to a closed-loop or surface water system.  With these systems, the water is pumped from the ground water source to the heat pumps where it is used for heating and cooling. Open-loop groundwater systems can employ an extraction well and re-injection well or discharge water directly through surface drainage. 

It is important to research the local environmental regulations and codes to determine the most efficient and effective geothermal heat pump source for your property. For example, before installing an open-loop system, determine through the authority having jurisdiction if there an sufficient water resources available to supply your geothermal heat pump system without depleting or contaminating the water source.

If these criteria are met, you can take full advantage of very cost effective and efficient open-loop geothermal system.

GS Connect RTC uses reactive building controls to ensure that the system is operating according to the original design parameters.  These reactive controls function based on predetermined temperature set points throughout the year.  When RTC senses that the given set points will not be reached, it instructs the auxiliary equipment to run to bring the system within original design parameters.

RTC simultaneously reduces energy consumption and maintains the temperature health of the borefield. It reduces the entering water temperature in the heat pumps resulting in reduced compressor energy usage and increased lifespan of the equipment. Additionally, these reduced temperatures help keep the borefield healthy by maintaining the temperature within the original design.

Climate change is real, just look at the trends. Weather events have dropped feet of snow and
extended the winter season in some regions. Flooding rains and wildfires have paralyzed
communities, while the number of named hurricanes and their severity have increased.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that climate change is
happening now. With every degree risen above the global average temperature, we can expect
to see a loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise, and longer and more intense heat waves. Also,
we will see an increase in more extreme weather, including droughts, and more destructive
hurricanes.

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecast a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10
degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. If we do not work to mitigate our greenhouse gas
emissions, catastrophic consequences may doom the future of our planet.

CO2 is a greenhouse gas that enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels, ultimately
leading to global warming. The irony – the increase in temperatures affects our society’s energy
needs. If the generation of electricity is the single largest source of CO2 emissions in the U.S.
(Power Scorecard), we are essentially fueling the greenhouse effect every time we turn on our
air conditioner.

Finding the Best Energy Source
Using geothermal heating and cooling can help reduce our CO2 emissions by using energy more
efficiently. Buildings account for nearly 40% of all the CO2 emissions is the United States. [2]
Using geothermal energy could reduce a building’s annual heating bill and energy usage by 50 –
70%.

Utilizing a geothermal heat pump during the cooling season can be two times more efficient than
the most efficient air-cooled heat pump units. Therefore, by using a more efficient means to heat
and cool (geothermal) our buildings, we can dramatically reduce our CO2 emissions and help
reduce future devastating consequences.

Investing in the Future

You can reduce the production of greenhouse gasses even further by utilizing Greensleeves
technology in your geothermal application. Greensleeves technology operates geothermal
systems at peak efficiencies. By using predictive and intelligent controls, Greensleeves is able to
optimize the energy and minimize the amount of carbon emissions a building would otherwise
generate.

To protect the environment, we need to employ renewable, cleaner resources. The statistics and
the thermometer don’t lie. Climate change isn’t just global warming. It’s a global warning.

[1] https://climate.nasa.gov/effects
[2] EIA Annual Energy Outlook
[3] http://www.mgea.ca/index.aspx

Welcome to Greensleeves. We help you manage your geothermal energy system – your best onsite source of free and clean energy. By using our advanced technology, you can confidently support the future of geothermal energy, and realize the proven eco-friendly and economic benefits.

Whether you are designing a building that relies solely on geothermal energy, a combination of traditional HVAC and geothermal, or have a poorly functioning geothermal energy source, Greensleeves can help.
Our customer-driven technology company serves the commercial geothermal market with a team of highly skilled professionals. Our real-time data analysis capabilities are at the forefront of geothermal technology, and our patented self-adapting software can help you:

• Save up to 30% in CAPEX costs on geothermal installations
• Save 30-50% in energy costs for the life of your building
• Reduce your building’s carbon footprint

Programming Our Energy

We have created our own design software, ENtellect because we believe correct design is one of the most critical elements in a successful geothermal installation. ENtellect is free to all users. Plus, our proficient Greensleeves team is always available to assist in the design process. Our goal – we want everyone to understand the proper way to incorporate geothermal energy into our future and realize how it can help sustain our environment.

Whether you design your system using ENtellect or another design program, our software packages can also monitor and control your building’s equipment. We use real time and predictive performance data to maximize efficient operation of the system. If your existing thermal system is not performing correctly or efficiently, our Rescue products can correct the imbalances and pro-actively operate the system appropriately going forward.

Empowering Our Energy

We all know that gas prices are on the rise and carbon emissions are dangerous. We can’t make the wind blow to power windmills or switch on the sun to fuel solar panels, but the earth provides a consistent source of power with geothermal energy. Geothermal applications offset high fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and eliminate unsightly above ground equipment.

The future of smarter energy starts with a well-designed geothermal loop, buried under or around your building, and Greensleeves’ downloadable technology, connected through your Building Automation System. The result – the most cost effective and efficient design, construction and invisible source of green energy available today. Now, with the new tax credits and incentives, geothermal energy has never been cheaper.
Greensleeves can be your eyes in the ground, your peace of mind in the cloud, and your pro-active and predictive system controller in your building.

Visit www.greensleevesllc.com or call 419-420-1515 for more information.