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Index
FAQs
Reference
Fundamentals
Ground Water
(Open-Loop)
Systems
Environment
Equipment
Ground-Coupled
(Closed-Loop)
Systems
Special Considerations
Installations
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Introduction to Geothermal
 During the Twentieth Century we saw tremendous advances in technology and economic
well-being around the world -- advances that would have been incomprehensible
just a hundred years ago. Now as we begin a new century and a
new millennium, it holds the promise of even greater achievements and
challenges. For our economic well-being to continue, we need to pay close attention
to the effect of technology on the environment, and to the wise use of energy
resources. We're turning our attention to recycling, sustainable development,
use of renewable energy, and to increasing energy efficiency.
Recent decades have seen the introduction and rapid growth in the use of  geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool buildings, and to heat water. Energy efficiency,
environmental benefits, and effectiveness in heating and cooling are among the reasons
for the popularity of these systems with consumers. Other reasons for their
popularity with designers, installers, and users are their flexibility,
adaptability, and most importantly, economic operation and maintenance.
Electric utilities are finding that geothermal heat pumps create less demand
for electricity during peak periods, which helps to defer the need to construct
new electric generating facilities. In some instances, utilities are paying
rebates or providing design assistance to encourage the use of geothermal heat
pumps.
And furthermore . . .
Concept
How It Works
Use
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