When the cold winter arrives, we need to heat our homes to feel more comfortable. This is when we have doubts about global warming, pollution and other problems related to the use of conventional energy for heating. However, we can count on renewable energy to heat our homes. It's about geothermal heating.
Geothermal energy harnesses the internal heat of the earth to heat water and increase the temperature in buildings. This heat, accumulated in the earth's layers, can be used as a sustainable energy source for various domestic and industrial applications. In this article, we will explain everything about the geothermal heating: how it works, applications, advantages and more. If you want to know how you can take advantage of this impressive technology in your home, keep reading!
What is geothermal energy?
The first thing is to briefly review what geothermal energy is. It is the energy stored in the form of heat under the surface of the Earth. This energy covers Heat stored in soil, groundwater and rocks, at any temperature, regardless of depth or origin.
Thanks to this heat accumulated underground, we can use geothermal energy for domestic and industrial purposes. Depending on the temperature at which it is found, it can be used for different purposes:
- Provide heat for heating, hot water or air conditioning.
- Generate electricity in high enthalpy installations (high temperature reservoir).
In the context of geothermal heating, we use the resources of low enthalpy, where the temperature is not high enough to generate electricity, but is ideal for heating homes and buildings efficiently and sustainably.
How is geothermal energy used?
Studies have shown that at depths of between 15 and 20 meters, the temperature of the subsoil remains stable throughout the year, regardless of variations in the outside temperature. This temperature tends to be about 15-16ºC on average. If we go down even further, the temperature increases by approximately 3 degrees every 100 meters, due to the geothermal gradient.
To take advantage of this energy, underground pipes are used through which a heat transfer fluid (water mixed with antifreeze), which transports heat from the subsoil to the surface. In this way, we can capture the Earth's natural heat and use it to generate thermal comfort.
There are three main technologies geothermal heat capture:
- Horizontal systems: Pipes are installed in trenches less than 2 metres deep. They are ideal for large plots of land but require sufficient space.
- Vertical systems: Pipes installed in deep wells with a depth range of 25 to 100 meters. This solution is suitable for areas without much land available on the surface.
- Direct use systems: They use natural, hot groundwater for heating homes or large-scale processes.
Geothermal heating operation
To raise the temperature of a home in winter, a geothermal heat pumpThis pump extracts the heat stored in the subsoil using the heat transfer fluid and transfers it to the home's heating system.
The operation of a geothermal heat pump is similar to other heat pump systems, but with one key advantage: the stable temperature of the EarthThe pump does not have to deal with the extreme temperature changes that affect other types of pumps (such as aerothermal pumps), which improves its efficiency.
The basic operating process includes the following steps:
- Heat capture: The fluid circulates through underground pipes and absorbs heat from the ground.
- Exchange and compression: The collected heat is transferred to an exchanger where a compressor concentrates it, increasing its temperature.
- Distribution: Hot air or water is distributed throughout the house through radiators, underfloor heating or ventilation systems.
- In summer, the system can work in reverse, absorbing the heat inside and releasing it into the subsoil to cool the spaces.
La water-water heat pump It is ideal for geothermal heating systems. Energy is only consumed in the operation of the circulators and the compressor, which significantly reduces the cost of electricity.
Applications of geothermal heating
Geothermal energy has various applications in domestic and industrial settings. Although its use is still limited in homes, it is increasingly common in sustainable buildings and as part of energy saving strategies. Some of these applications are:
- geothermal heating: Uses subsoil energy to efficiently heat buildings.
- Sanitary hot water: Take advantage of heat to generate hot water.
- Heated poolsGeothermal heat pumps are also used to heat indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Refreshing soil: Allows the cycle to be reversed in hot climates, cooling the soil and refreshing the interior of buildings.
The combined use of geothermal heating with solar thermal energy It provides even greater energy savings, as both technologies complement each other to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
Advantages of geothermal heating
The use of geothermal heating has several advantages. and advantages important, both economically and environmentally:
- High energy efficiencyGeothermal heat pumps are between 300% and 500% more efficient than conventional heating systems.
- CO2 reduction:This type of energy is clean and drastically reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
- Constant availability: Unlike solar or wind energy, geothermal energy is available all year round and is not dependent on weather conditions.
- Low maintenance costGeothermal systems are reliable and require little maintenance over their long life spans (up to 50 years).
Considerations before installing a geothermal system
Before installing a geothermal heating system, a study must be carried out. economic viability. Not all areas offer the same geothermal resources, so it must be evaluated whether the terrain offers the ideal characteristics for the installation. Especially if it is a vertical capture, where the cost of drilling wells can increase the initial cost.
Although the installation cost is higher than other systems, the investment can be amortized in 5 to 7 years thanks to its high efficiency and savings in energy consumption.
With a geothermal system, you can enjoy a warm home in winter, a cooling floor in summer and hot water all year round, reducing both your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Very interesting this system and very well explained, congratulations.