Comparing air, ground and geothermal energies

Heat in environment can help in producing energies which can heat a building. Compressed air and geo thermal solar hybrid are newer options in renewables. Geothermal provide both heat and electricity that can help communities living in extreme climates to achieve zero carbon targets. Many such energy solutions are reliable and financially viable, and can offer optimized energies.  Geo solar stores the heat in power plant, which can be used on requirement.     The technology in air involves a process of heat absorption, transportation of heat to liquid and compressing water.  The cost of installation can be £6,000-£8,000 for air sourced, but in case of ground source the cost can be 100 per cent more that include the cost of digging and installation.  Such systems have similar operations, where it extracts heat from environment and converts to other forms.

It may require electricity through renewable sources to run but still are effective in reducing carbon footprints. In country such as Netherlands open air accounts for 2 per cent of the total renewable energy consumption – as per 2017 reports.  

Air heating systems are connected to cooling system and such energies have been able to reduce the burning of natural gas. These can be based on outdoor air – duct based or ductless or one can use geothermal, which draws energies from ground water or other underground sources.

Ground source are expensive to install as compared to air but the operating cost of geo thermal is low in comparison.

Auxiliary systems

Such systems have integrated thermoregulation option to cool or heat.  The functioning, efficiency and cost are confusing to most homeowners where the pumps with HVAC system and those used in the last 25 years for both cooling of heating – or as an equipment for distribution can work effectively in mild winters but when air around the house is below 40 degree it cannot deliver the same. It may require an auxiliary system which can be built into various units to promote heat resistance.  

The air handled in such pumps heat up the wires and air blowing over the wires increase temperature. The system requires energy to circulate the heat across the room to increase the temperature. A programmable thermostat can provide proper reading where one can read directions and not cause switching off when the change in temperature of 4 to 5 degree is registered.

Hybrid systems

Many homeowners believe hybrid systems are best ways to handle temperature changes where one can shift to gas or oil in extreme winters easily. The integration with ground source helps when the temperature drops significantly, where, the ground temperature remains at 10 to 13 degree Celsius constant all through the year.   

Installation

Additional space for installation and mounting of units is needed in air sourced, which is not required in ground, where installation is not visible externally.  Occupying too much space outside the house may need an approval from the local authorities as such installations can be annoying to the neighbors.  Government provides subsidies for modernization and renovation to integrate such energy sources in many countries, which helps to reduce its overall cost.

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