1. Subterranean Success: Geothermal Energy Powering Schools
Presented by:
Jason Hukill, AIA, LEED AP

2. Today’s Learning Goal:
Geothermal Terminology / Systems
Benefits of Geothermal Power
Limitations of Geothermal Power
Common Misconceptions
Sample Projects
Questions / Answers / Discussion Forum
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

3. Geothermal: what is it? Geothermal Terminology / Systems
A central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in cold season) or a heat sink (in the warm season.)
Known by variety of names: Earth Energy, Geo-exchange, earth-coupled, or water source heat pumps.
Different System Types: Water loop, Deep Well, Earth Loop Systems
“Ground Source Heat Pump” is most common type in this region.
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

4. Ground Source Heat Pumps
Take advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost energy efficiency.
Should not be confused with traditional forms of geothermal power that use high temperatures.
Tempered water from ground well source is pumped to a heat pump unit (usually inside the building) and then forced through a vacuum refrigeration cycle to transfer the heat.
“Ground Source Heat Pump” is most common type in this region.
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

5. Implementing into your project
Contact Geo-exchange surveyor to drill a test well / consult on findings for geo-exchange potential of site.
Establish through master planning of site where geothermal fields will be located.
Establish a building connection point for loop system.
Ensure project team has adequate engineering experience on designing and specifying geothermal systems.
Calculate energy savings through modeling to assist in asset potential.
Give adequate mechanical space inside structure for equipment.
Monitor process and progress.
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

6. Typical Components Well Field Bentonite Clay Sand Loop tubing
Routing Vault
Pump Unit
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

7. Typical Components Well Field Bentonite Clay Sand Loop tubing
Routing Vault
Drilling Rig/Crew
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

8. Typical Components Building Entry point for supply / return
Internal Water Piping
Water Source Heat Pumps
Ductwork Structures
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

9. Benefits of Geothermal
Take advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost energy efficiency. Free energy from mother earth.
50+ year lifespan on ground loop exchange system.
year lifespan on equipment (inside)
Can be installed under parking lots, sports fields/tracks, etc.
Lower operational costs of system. (life cycle cost advantages)
Typically can be staged along side other construction.
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

10. Lifecycle Cost Advantages
Return of Investment (ROI)
Typically between 6-8 years depending on design and geo-exchange capacity.
20%-60% more efficient than traditional systems used.
Resulting in:
Power savings
Energy savings
Pocketbook savings
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

11. Mechanical Screening Architectural screening not needed
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

12. Equipment Security Exterior security of equipment not needed
After thought….
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

13. Limitations of Geothermal
Well field requires open space or land for installation.
Extremely limited to impossible for urban sites.
Initial staff shock. (you must train your maintenance staff)
Careful environmental conditions must prevail. Messy operation
Typical drilling rig operating
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

14. Common Misconceptions
Too expensive….
Project needs to be near steam or fault areas….
Complexity of systems….
Added mechanical controls too much…..
Environmental Concerns with drilling operations…..
Too “out there” for my building…..
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

15. Sample Projects
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

16. Blanchard High School 55,000 SF Completed 2010’ $15.2 mil
Geothermal systems costs:
905k = 5.9% of budget
ROI = est. 8 years
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

17. Shawnee Early Childhood Center
55,000 SF
Completed 2008’
$6.5 mil
Geothermal systems costs:
400k = 6% of budget
ROI = est. 7 years
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

18. Shawnee Early Childhood Center
Geothermal systems costs:
400k = 6% of budget
ROI = est. 7 years
Geothermal well field installed under playground
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

19. Sapulpa Midtown Elementary
90,000 SF
Completion in ’
$12.8 mil
LEED for Schools (certification pending)

20. Geothermal systems costs:
800k = 6.3% of budget
ROI = est. 5 years
Well field installation under sports fields.

21. Northwest Library 35,000 SF Comp. 09-2011’ $8.4 mil
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

22. Educating the Occupants
Education boards/displays can highlight a buildings sustainable features
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

23. Educating the Occupants
Other board examples:
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

24. Summary points to take with you….
Affordable
EFFICIENT 20%-60% more than base
Life cycle cost effective
System security / protection
Sustainable
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

25. Discussion Questions Comments Thoughts / Aspirations
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools

26. Thank you.
Subterranean Success: Geothermal in Schools