Geothermal / ground source heating
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource and geothermal drilling is the process of harnessing this green energy solution. Speight Drilling have experience installing ground-source heating solutions across the Otago region and have our own supply of specialist materials to ensure the most efficient system is in-place. We encourage more people to adopt this smarter heating and cooling technology. An earth friendly solution for using more of what comes naturally for the better of all, reducing our reliance on big power companies and putting the dollar back in your pocket!
A direct exchange (DX) geothermal heat pump is a type of geothermal heat pump (or ground source heat pump) in which refrigerant circulates through Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe placed in the ground. It is a closed-loop, refrigerant-based geothermal system.
the future of heating
Direct exchange geothermal heat pumps function similarly to air source heat pumps, according to the principles of vapor compression refrigeration, except they take advantage of the relatively constant ground temperatures, which are less variable than outdoor air temperatures. Ground temperature is cooler than the outdoor air temperature in summer - making for a better heat sink - and warmer in the winter - making for a better heat source. Direct exchange geothermal heat pumps are therefore more efficient than air source heat pumps. They are also quieter, more durable and require less maintenance since they don't have any outdoor fan or outdoor coil. Futhermore, the uniformity of the underground temperature compared to the outdoor air translates into less stress on the systems.
In direct exchange systems, the refrigerant exchanges heat directly with the soil through the Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The designation 'direct exchange' therefore refers to the heat transfer between the earth and the ground loop without the use of any intermediary. This simplicity allows the system to reach high efficiencies while using a shorter and smaller set of buried tubing (in comparison to the water-source geothermal system), reducing footprint and installation cost.
Depending on the models, they can provide space heating, space cooling, domestic water heating as well as radiant floor hydronic heating and chilled water cooling. Direct exchange geothermal systems are the least invasive geothermal systems and feature small earth loop size. Because of that, they can be installed in relatively small areas and in relatively shallow soil. Speight Drilling have purpose-built, compact rigs which can get into more restricted residential spaces and yards to set up these natural heating systems. This makes it an available option in more areas and for more properties.
The one-step heat exchange process translates into a simple, more cost effective install and much easier-to-maintain system (unlike the water based ones).