Tag Archive for: Geothermal

Geothermal Heating Systems: How Do They Work?

Schmidt Associates has received an increasing number of inquiries about geothermal heating systems. We are also designing geothermal systems for a variety of projects. This blogs explains that technology. A geothermal ground source heat pump (GSHP) is an electrically powered system that taps the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. […]

What is an Energy Model?

Engineers always promise to create an energy model for each project — but what do they mean and why should you care? What should you expect at each phase? Like the rest of the facility design, energy modeling grows in detail and complexity at each stage of project development. Design Performance Modeling during concept and […]

Fourth in the Series: How to Balance Your Geothermal Design with Your Building Load

The demand for heating, cooling and hot water—what architects and engineers call “building load”—is constantly changing. Note that balancing building loads is very different if you are designing a hospital versus an office building, school, or condominium.  But even buildings used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have fluctuations in demand for heating […]

Second in the Series: What are the Different Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps?

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) can be classified into four basic types.  Choosing the right one depends on the available land area and the soil and rock type at the installation site. The design team will analyze these factors to determine the most economical choice for installing the ground loop. Closed-Loop Systems In closed-loop systems, […]

First in the Series: How does a geothermal heat pump work?

With a growing trend toward sustainability, Schmidt Associates has received an increasing number of inquiries about geothermal heating systems. We are also designing geothermal systems for a variety of projects. This is the first in a series explaining the technology. A geothermal ground source heat pump (GSHP) is an electrically powered system that taps the […]