NGWA’s geothermal retrofit at headquarters is expected to generate more than $250,000 in energy savings and a reduction of 640-plus tons of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years, according to design estimates.
The Association broke ground on its 20-borehole vertical closed loop system on August 22 and is utilizing the geothermal tax credits available for nonprofit organizations that were signed into law in 2022. Jackson Geothermal of Mansfield, Ohio, finished drilling the boreholes on October 17 and was connecting the pipes to headers in a trench leading back to the 15,970-square-foot building in late October/early November.
“It’s encouraging to see how much the Association will save not only on energy cost but reduction of our carbon footprint,” said NGWA CEO Terry S. Morse, CAE, CIC. “We’re well on our way to being better stewards of the environment thanks to our industry partners.”
Using an existing energy audit, a new building energy model, and site-specific thermal conductivity data, Salas O’Brien designed the geothermal system. The geothermal heat pumps from ClimateMaster Inc., Enertech Global LLC, and WaterFurnace International Inc. — coupled with a loop field that has a generous amount of capacity — will yield extremely high average coefficient of performances (COPs) and energy efficiency ratios (EERs) for the closed loop system.
Prior to drilling, the thermal conductivity was tested at 1.36 BTU/h*ft*°F and the thermal diffusivity was estimated to be 1.05 ft^2/day. These values were inserted into the model to ensure the loop field will serve the building’s energy needs.
Jackson Geothermal is currently conducting the horizontal piping phase. Once the pipes are connected to the headers, the internal conversion will start by Federal Elite Heating & Cooling Inc. of Pataskala, Ohio, which is expected to take 120 days.
The vertical closed loop system will replace the Association’s outdated HVAC system that it has used since moving to its current location in September 1996.
A panel discussion at Groundwater Week 2023 will provide an overview of NGWA’s geothermal retrofit project from 11 a.m.-noon on December 5. Stakeholders for this project will give the audience a better idea of how retrofit applications can work well and be good business for well water and geothermal contractors, engineering firms, and building owners.
NGWA’s geothermal retrofit is made possible by these industry partners:
- AMTROL Inc.
- Bergerson-Caswell Inc.
- ClimateMaster Inc.
- Enertech Global LLC (GeoComfort)
- Federal Elite Heating & Cooling Inc.
- Grundfos
- Jackson Geothermal
- Preferred Pump & Equipment
- Salas O’Brien
- WaterFurnace International Inc.
- Xylem.