New HVAC System for Cooperative Headquarters
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This drawing illustrates the type of
loop field installed at the cooperative. |
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Electric cooperatives have a history of helping members control their energy costs through education, efficiency and conservation programs. Leading by example, Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative is in the process of replacing our antiquated heating system. Parts of the existing heating system date back to the early 1960s. Prairie Heating and Air of Linton, N.D., is the contractor installing the state-of-the-art closed loop geothermal HVAC system.
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The driller installs the closed loop field. |
Geothermal systems circulate a water-based solution through a "loop" of small diameter, underground pipes. When heating, this solution absorbs heat from the Earth and carries it to the geothermal unit, which (through a process much the same as your refrigerator) compresses the extracted heat to a higher temperature and delivers it to your home.
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Manifolding the nine
200-foot loops together. |
When cooling, the process is simply reversed and the resulting cool, dehumidified air is delivered to your home or office.
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Pictured is the air handling
system inside the building. |
Once the loops are installed, pressure tested and connected to the compressing unit, the system will be self contained and will not require any additional water nor will it need to dispose of excess water.
Geothermal systems are extremely energy efficient since they only need a comparably small amount of electricity to power the pump, compressor and fan.
Geothermal systems typically deliver up to three times more energy than they consume, so you save on your monthly energy bills when compared to other types of heating and cooling systems.
For more on how geothermal heating/cooling systems work, go to www.geoexchange.org/ or call the energy experts at Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative. Watch future issues of the Cooperative Connections to see how the system is performing.
