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Can I Convert a Geothermal Closed-Loop to an Open-Loop System? - Ask the Expert Episode 221
"Hey Dan, is it possible to convert a geothermal closed-loop system to a pressure-free open-loop system?"
I think by "pressure-free" he's talking about a geothermal unit and an open-loop system. The answer is yes provided that your property could meet all the requirements for an open-loop system and the geothermal heat pump you're using could be installed as an open-loop system, which most can.
You would just need to make sure that your water quality is good enough and that local municipal codes allow you to do so. The thing that prevents most people from installing an open-loop system is that their local municipality says no.
Have more questions? Just leave them in the comments below!
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Howdy, I enjoyed your video! We use an irresponsible amount of energy and I seek help in decreasing my family's consumption.
I have approval from my local municipality to use existing 300 foot wells in an open loop configuration. This location is on the Texas Gulf coast and water quality is not the greatest - plenty of iron.
This is a fairly large residence with two aging 3 ton heat pumps to be replaced. With supply temperatures in the 60's F I wonder how much water might need to be pumped and treated for great cooling efficiency and how manageable periodic maintenance would be for my descendants. Thank you!
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We are not an engineering firm that can design or engineer a replacement system for you, but we can provide general information on system requirements.
The general rule of thumb is 3 GPM water flow per ton of capacity for geothermal systems. The actual adjusted rate after installation may be less. Most all manufacturers indicate that iron in groundwater is generally not acceptable for geothermal systems. It may be possible to reduce or eliminate the iron before the geothermal unit. Other types of mineral content can also cause deposits in the heat exchanger and depending on actual water quality, it might be necessary to clean the heat exchangers each year or two. Most open loop systems with acceptable water quality never require cleaning
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I have a 1 1/2 ton gshp using a 300’ vertical bore hole and a closed loop. The loop has developed a leak that I may not be able to fix with a stop leak product. I also have an unused well that pumps 20 gallons/ minute and a creek to discharge my spent water.
I have two concerns, what keeps the water in the system from draining out when it’s not running and does the water need to be pressurized at 55 psi as it is in a closed loop state?
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For the system in question appears to be a pressurized system. Unfortunately, we only promote non-pressured flow centers, which are essentially circulation pumps that circulate distilled water from a heat exchange source, such as the ground, to the inside of a heat exchanger. The 80% distilled water 20% proplyene glycol mixture is just constantly moving with the assistance of both pumps on the flow center station.
Unfortunately, with a leak pin pointed in the piping, the piping would have to be replaced and fused to get you back to squared away.
Is it necessary to pressurize the water? Along with the geothermal unit, the manufacturer will have their own perspective pressurized section of the manual with a pressurized flow center. We were unable to respond to this question because we only promote and sell our GeoPulse non-pressured atmospheric flow center.
Yes, in a pressurized flow center, the PSI must be a certain number that both manufacturers deem to be complementary in the overall installation setup.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide an answer and can only recommend that you contact the flow center's technical service department.
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