Geothermal Drilling Rigs
Below is a background on geothermal heating and cooling and the important role that limited access drilling rigs play in the installation of geothermal systems.
Homeowners and businesses have reawakened the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Driving the movement to the alternative energy source is a concern for energy efficiency and cost savings, plus tax incentives. Geothermal systems are usually installed in very confined spaces where large drilling or piling machinery is not feasible. As we will explain, limited access drills are the nimble, versatile and powerful solution for geothermal system installation.
Geothermal energy is solar energy that is provided by the earth and then harnessed to provide heating and cooling functions to homes and businesses. The term, translated from Greek roots, means earth (geo) heat (thermal). Due to advancements in technology, including the machinery that is used to install the systems, geothermal energy is now a well-accepted and proven source for efficient cooling and heating.
The concept of geothermal energy is well over 150 years old. Lord Kelvin, a Scottish physicist and engineer developed the basis for the measurement known as "Absolute Zero" and for his work in the field a unit of temperature measurement was named after him. To understand the concept of how geothermal energy is created, an understanding of the workings of a ground source heat pump and the definition of Absolute Zero is important.
Absolute Zero is the temperature at which heat does not exist. Many people think that areas in the Arctic Circle may measure close to this measurement; however, Absolute Zero is equivalent to minus 460 degrees Fahrenheit. In reality, this temperature cannot be reached by natural or artificial means because it would require that the system be removed from the universe. The temperature in space is relatively close to zero degrees Kelvin (as it is also known), but there is still heat present even in the coldest areas.
As the sun warms the earth heat is trapped inside of the ground and remains there indefinitely resulting in a consistent temperature; typically around 50 degrees. Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) tap into the stored energy through their intelligent design and covert the energy into cool or hot air, depending upon the need. These systems absorb or transfer energy by circulating fluids through pipes buried in the ground. GSHP rely on the consistent temperature in the earth in contrast to the relative air temperature to perform their tasks of heating and cooling. By utilizing common chemistry activities of pressurization, condensation, and evaporation the system is able to efficiently provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
GSHP technology leverages areas around a building to gain its advantage. Systems can be installed with either an "open loop" or "closed loop" functionality. Open loop systems take advantage of water available near a structure to conduct the process, while closed loop systems are designed to be buried in the earth.
Closed loop systems can be buried either vertically or horizontally. However, their installation can encounter challenges such as limited space and difficult soil conditions. The versatility of limited access drill rigs allow installation of vertical closed loop systems in very confined spaces. Comacchio limited access drill rigs are mounted on rubber tracks to provide dependable installation of GSHP vertical systems, plus compact drilling, soil investigations and corings.
It is paramount that the systems be situated so that the surrounding earth can properly transfer the energy properly and replenish itself to the state it was prior to the exchange. For example, hot water that is passed through the pipe needs to be adequately cooled before returning to the surface, otherwise the efficiency of the system is greatly compromised.
Of course, qualified installers can determine what the best option is for each installation. Often property restrictions negate the option of burying a system horizontally. Retrofitting existing homes and businesses can present the chanllenge of limited space. In these instances, limited access drill rigs are required to bore the vertical shafts for the installation of the pipes that will carry the water for the system.
ICE supplies and supports limited access drilling rigs from Comacchio because they are the most reliable product on the market. Comacchio rigs feature a fully articulated design system which supports an infinite number of mast positions to handle restricted or difficult site locations. The consoles are mounted on a pivoting arm designed for remote use, allowing the operator to chose the best and safest position. They are the best of the best in limited access drill rig capabilities.
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