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ENERGY LOOPS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES including high density horizontal , slinky loop , vertical loop and pond loop systems. 

But the goal is always the same: To link the geothermal heat pump to the energy stored in the earth.

Here is a simple high density earth loop.  The tubes go out and return in the same trench which is then covered with earth.  On this application, there is a soaker line installed with which insures the loop field stays damp for better heat transfer.  Of course the length and number of tubes varies with the size of the heat pump, building heat loss and local soil conditions.

In places where there is not enough room to trench, "slinkies" are used.  A slinky is a length of tubing which is coiled and placed in a pit and then covered with earth.  Again, the amount of tubing is adjusted to the heat pump and the depth of the pit is calculated for the area climate.

 Big jobs require big earth loops.

Here is an earth loop for a large commercial job.  The crawlers are actually in the pit covering the earth loops.

Another variation on the earth loop is the vertical loop.  A drilling rig makes a series of bores in which loops are placed vertically, connected together and piped to the heat pump.  This approach is commonly used when there is not enough space to put in a horizontal or slinky type loop field.

Below is an example of a pond loop.  These loops are referred to as "slinkies" and are floated out into a pond and sunk.  Solution is then pumped through the loop field, energy is absorbed into the liquid, and supplied to the heat pump.  Pond loops are very efficient and produce a more constant temperature as the water circulating around the loop brings the energy to the loop.

So how do you put in a pond loop without digging up the yard?
This contractor used a directional boring rig to bore under the yard and into the pond.  He then constructed the pond loop mat, floated it into position and pulled all the loop tails through the bored hole and back to the house.  When the loop field was purged of air and filled, the weighted loop field sunk and the pond loop was complete.  One option would be to manifold all the loops in the pond and run just 2 larger pipes back to the house.

THIS SOUNDS COMPLICATED!

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Copyright © 2007 Terra Therm, Inc.
Last modified: 02/14/08