Many people are familiar with geothermal heat pump systems, using small, "geothermal" heat pumps,
distributed throughout the building, that are coupled with a ground source heat exchanger. These systems operate
very efficiently since heat rejected to the ground loop in the summer is stored and extracted in the winter. Today,
project teams are also considering central geothermal systems consisting of one or two chillers coupled with a
closed, geothermal loop which exchanges heat with the earth. Such systems offer high energy efficiency, with the
additional benefit of centralized maintenance, acoustic advantages, and airside flexibility.
This program discusses benefits, challenges, design, and control of central geothermal systems.
Learning objectives:
- Identify the key differentiators from distributed systems.
- Summarize the design and operation of central geothermal systems
- Explain how the system offers airside system flexibility.
- Identify key design considerations for central geothermal systems.
- Explain how the system offers premium efficiency and performance benefits for building owners (centralized maintenance, piping, acoustics etc.).
- Summarize the energy analysis results comparing central geothermal systems, 90.1 baseline and alternative systems
Presentation handouts
Includes presentation slides, presenter biographies, outline and bibliography.
Take the quiz
Assessment is required by USGBC and AIA.
Please submit the form, take the quiz and Trane will provide you with a certificate of completion
documenting your online attendance.
Order a DVD of this program
Item number APP-CMC039-EN