Energy technologies

Mankind uses enormous quantities of heat, light and motive power. All this demands a lot of energy. The necessary energy is mainly provided by burning our fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide released in this way has a long-term effect on climate. In order to reduce emissions of CO² we have to use more efficient energy systems or to turn to renewable sources of primary energy which do not produce CO².

Most of the countries are looking for alternative cost-effective and long-lasting heating and cooling systems. One of the ways is geothermal heating systems. Geothermal literally translates as “earth heat”, meaning that such a system uses the earth’s massive supply of heat for its purposes. Such systems work as ground-source heat pumps that transport a constant supply of heat energy derived from the ground in order to then circulate the heat throughout a building or home living area. This type of heating system is extremely energy efficient, comes with a very low cost and is also very environmentally friendly as pollution is kept to a minimum.

Other alternatives are becoming popular, that is heating by corn, wood and pellets. Such alternatives support local industries due to the fact that both wood and corn can be locally grown and produced as well as being significantly more affordable than either oil or natural gas.

In some countries, first priority is given to peat and biomass energy. There are companies which specialise in creating new and renewable energy resources by establishing fuelwood and energy forest plantations. Today, energy plantations are proving to be the most reliable and economical source of renewable biomass fuel.

Some authorities advocate that natural gas can be replaced by biogas. Biodegradable outputs from industry, agriculture and households can be used for biofuel production.

GEOTHERMAL EXCHANGE SYSTEMS

There are numerous advantages for consumers when they install a geothermal exchange system. Aside from the operating cost savings, which can be substantial, there are other advantages.

The most significant one is the contribution to reduction of pollution of the earth's atmosphere, both from lack of consumption of natural gas and coal as well as a decrease in overall net energy use. There is no flue or chimney to build or operate and there is less risk of fire and no chance of carbon monoxide poisoning from your exchange system.

Unlike traditional air conditioning systems there are no outdoor compressors or exposed systems. Everything is either indoors or under the ground. As a result there are no worries about vandalism, damage from the environment and you have less moving parts to repair and maintain. In addition, since there is no outdoor unit, there also is no noise to be concerned about to bother you or your neighbours.

The major disadvantage is due to the construction cost. Most systems will cost more than the traditional heating system mainly due to the loop systems that must be installed outdoors. As mentioned previously, the cost can vary a great deal depending on the soil and rock conditions around your home.

In addition you must have the available land to construct an outdoor closed loop system. Horizontal systems take up more space than vertical systems. Small urban lot sizes do not easily support horizontal systems since there is insufficient land area to deploy the horizontal piping that is required.