As a result of recent environmental legislation, geothermal drilling has grown substantially having been identified as the ‘green’, innovative way to provide energy for heating and cooling, both in commercial and domestic properties. To demonstrate the potential and performance, Andy Weatherhead has drilled and installed loops in his area of residence and is monitoring the energy savings it achieves. Keep up to date via the News pages.

Capabilities
A. Weatherhead Geothermal Ltd can install geothermal systems in nearly all types of geological formation. Despite the small rigs used for geothermal, they are capable of drilling 150mm holes to a depth of 200m and are capable of using hammer or air and mud-rotary.

A. Weatherhead Geothermal Ltd use the ‘Tremie Pipe’ method to provide full bottom-to-top grouting of boreholes for all types of grout.

Geothermal service comprises:
• Investigation and evaluation of BGS results,
• Fixed price agreements,
• Vertical drilling and limited access drilling
• Vertical looping and grouting
• Loop flushing and purging
• Manifolds
• Pressure testing

Methodology
All Installations are drilled to various depths dependant on the area’s geological conditions. The holes are specific distances apart calculated by engineers. The loops, made from two or four high-density polyethylene tubes, which are connected by U-bends that are heat fused, are then installed into the holes. These loops have a life expectancy of hundreds of years. Once these loops are placed in the ground, the hole is then back filled from the bottom up with geothermal grout that surrounds the loops. The grout acts as a conduit between the earth heat and the fluid held within the loops. The grout also protects the loops and adds stability to the hole. On completion of the installation, the loop is then pressure tested to ensure the integrity of the system.

The open loop system tends to be of similar design to the traditional water well specification, the depth and size of which is dependant on the development’s energy requirements and the existing geology. Water is physically pumped from a local aquifer (underground water bearing rock or sediment) to the surface, at rates of ~20-30 litres/sec, through a heat exchanger. The water can be up to 50ºC, which is then returned back to the aquifer through an exhaust well back into the ground.

Geothermal technology has already been widely tested and is a proven method in Europe and North America. It has the potential to replace traditional heating systems and is easily connected to existing radiator pipe work in homes. Ground source heat pumps are infinitely suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

For more information on Geothermal Technology and an estimate or to view the installation at Andy Weatherhead’s home, call Andy Weatherhead or Darren Hughes on 01296 696488

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Higher cost, better savings!

The cost of initial installation is higher compared with a traditional boiler replacement on a radiator or under floor heating system, but the running costs are substantially lower, when compared with traditional forms of space and water heating (at the current price of electricity)