Drilling Applications
1. Closed Loop Systems:
- Vertical loop installations are ideal where land space is limited. Numerous holes are bored approximately 15 ft apart and can be between 150 to 500 ft in depth. A general rule of thumb would represent - 1 borhole per 1 ton of heat pump.
- Horizontal ground loop applications are typically placed in trenches approximately 6 to 8 ft below ground and range from 100 to 300 ft in length.
- Pond or lake loop systems require coils of pipe that are sunk or are anchored to the bottom of the water body (recommendede to be within 200 ft), enabling the system to extract heat from or reject it into the water as required. Regulatory authories can act as a barrier with publicly owned sources.
- Slinky loop designs typically lay horizontally in a trench a few feetdeep and approximately 3 to 10 ft wide. Trench lengths tend to be shorter around 100 ft long.
2. Open Loop Systems:
In an open loop system, continuous fresh water is extracted and discharged back into an aquifer, return well or suitable drainage area in accordance with environmental regulations of the designated jurisdiction. Water quality and quantity must be proven prior to this type of installation.
