Ground Source Heat Pumps

An Analysis of Campus Implementation

April 2010

A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump is a central heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to or from the ground. In the winter, a ground source heat pump uses the earth as a heat source; in the summer, it uses the earth as a heat sink. The systems use the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems in homes or commercial buildings.

The materials and conclusions contained in this publication are for informational purposes only. The information in this report, or on which it is based, has been obtained from sources that the author believes to be reliable and accurate. However, the information has not been independently verified, and no representation or warranty expressed or implied is made to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from third parties.

Prepared by: Ulteig Engineers, Inc.

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1 - GSHP Analysis of Implementation

Are GSHP Systems Truly Green?

Its nearly spring again, and our thoughts naturally turn to a renewal of the world around us. We see the bleakness of winter gradually transform into a bounty of green. In the spirit of this change, Ulteig has taken on the task of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the HVAC systems we typically design. We have designed and helped build a number of buildings. Most of the LEED certified buildings weve designed include ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. We asked ourselves some basic questions: How green are GSHP systems? Are they also cost-effective in retrofit applications? Do they save energy or energy cost? First, we created two fictional college campus buildings. We then created mathematical models of each using eQuest version 3.61, both for typical chilled-water/heating-water (CHW/HW) and GSHP systems. (To normalize the comparison with ASHRAE and LEED expectations, the baseline buildings are all-electric.) Next, we reviewed each of the building models using library weather data and Xcel Energy published electrical rates for Denver, CO; Fargo, ND; Minneapolis, MN; and Sioux Falls, SD. Finally, we compiled the energy use and energy cost data to compare the results. A compilation and summary of those comparisons follows.

ASSUMPTIONS
Central Plant: The chilled-water, heating-water, and ground source well field sizes and pumping capacities were modeled for individual buildings. In a campus setting with a central plant these costs would otherwise be centralized, but for the purpose of this study, they were included in the individual building energy use totals. Schedules: All buildings were assumed to be open 24 hours a day, year-round, except for during winter and spring breaks. The classroom building profile has usage during most daylight hours, with a peak in late afternoon. The student housing building profile has a small peak in the morning and a much larger peak in the evening hours.

Estimated Annual Electricity Use

Estimated Annual Electricity Cost

Modeled Building Scenario

Modeled Building Scenario

2 - GSHP Analysis of Implementation

Energy Modeling Scenarios

Scenario 1
Ed U. Kayshen (EUK) Classroom Building CHW/HW: Four-story, 60,000 square foot classroom building, institutional construction, evaporativecooled chilled-water system, electric boiler heating water system, VAV air-handling units with heating water coils and full economizer, and electric domestic water heating. Lighting and most other characteristics were built to eQuest default.

Scenario 2
Ed U. Kayshen Classroom Building GSHP: Four-story, 60,000 square foot classroom building, institutional construction, but with ground source heat pump system (400 foot deep wells, 20 foot OC, worstcase design for Denver), simple ventilation and exhaust, and electric domestic water heating. Lighting and most other characteristics were built to eQuest default.

Annual Energy Consumption by Enduse

Scenario 3
Parr T. Hardy (PTH) Residence Hall CHW/HW: Four-story, 60,000 square foot student housing, institutional construction, evaporative-cooled chilledwater system, electric boiler heating water system, 4-pipe fancoil units, simple ventilation and exhaust, and electric domestic water heating. Lighting and most other characteristics were built to eQuest default.

Scenario 4
Parr T. Hardy Residence Hall GSHP: Four-story, 60,000 square foot student housing, institutional construction, but with ground source heat pump system (400 foot deep wells, 20 foot OC, worstcase design for Denver), simple ventilation and exhaust, and electric domestic water heating. Lighting and most other characteristics were built to eQuest default.

3 - GSHP Analysis of Implementation Electric Consumption (kWh)

Analysis Results/Opinions
In either case, GSHP systems show a significant annual energy savings vs. CHW/HW systems: roughly $60,000 ($1.00/square foot, or 55%) annually for the EUK Classroom Building and $20,000 ($0.34/square foot, or 25%) annually for the PTH Residence Hall. For any GSHP system, it is most desirable to have a balance between heating and cooling on an annual basis. This means that the amount of heat removed from the earth during the heating season equals the amount of heat delivered into the earth during the cooling season. Our model suggests that, in a northern climate, the annual heat flow into and out of the earth is balanced for a campus setting (with the proper mix of classroom, housing, administration, and student life buildings).

CONCLUSIONS Our conclusion is that a campuswide ground loop combination of housing, classroom, and other buildings of varying heating and cooling needs, activity types, and occupancy schedules would be of great benefit in preventing well field heat saturation over time. They will save in excess of 40% energy cost annually.

4 - GSHP Analysis of Implementation

Brian Benson PE, HPBDP, LEED AP

Ulteigs History Brian Benson is a Vice President Building Services, Building Systems. He has 27 years of experience in mechanical engineering, including design and cost projections of mechanical systems, project management, supervising other mechanical engineers, and coordinating with other design and construction disciplines. Not only has he designed mechanical systems in many different building types, but he has also worked as a contractor, systems supplier, and an owner. With his varied experience, Benson has acquired an understanding of most construction team member viewpoints and has the ability to think like a contractor, supplier, owner, system operator, or customer. He has a working understanding of all aspects of mechanical and plumbing design and a strong grasp of electrical, structural, civil, and architectural design. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and an ASHRAE Certified High-Performance Building Design Professional. Founded in 1944, Ulteig has grown to include a staff of more than 350 professionals who represent a full range of disciplines. You can be assured you will have committed professionals and an array of resources available to see your project through, providing you with excellent results. Full Service & Dedication Ulteig offers a wide range of services and expertise to give you easy and instant access to a wealth of knowledge, skill, and talent. Because we are a multisector, full-service firm, we offer vital services that few companies can match. We also offer add-ons such as teleconferencing, marketing support, and local and global experts to help your project run smoothly. The Ulteig Difference Ulteig is an employee-owned company. Our commitment to continuous learning keeps our services relevant in an ever-changing world and provides the advantage you need to thrive in todays competitive marketplace. Our Vision: To advance the business of energy, water, and our built-environment, directs us to look for solutions to everyday issues. This continual reach impacts every project we touch, providing our clients with results that are tailored specifically to their individual needs. Our Mission: To create sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound communities, is not just a statement we developed to get on the green bandwagon. We have been advancing alternative energy production since the early 1990s. Our LEED Accredited Professionals focus on providing you with more economical and cost-sustaining benefits for your build/remodel projects. Industry Leader With an expansive list of capabilities that includes engineering, planning, energy, transportation, water/wastewater, municipal, surveying, right-of-way, and building services, our industry-leading experts can put your ideas into action. Forward thinking, searching for answers, and providing options are challenges that inspire our professionals to go beyond boundaries and explore all possibilities. From innovations in renewable wind energy and waste heat recovery to scanning software and infrastructure designs, Ulteig staff members are not only finding new alternatives, but they are also developing technologies, processes, and systems to enhance our clients visions and goals. We help you address the issues of today and anticipate those of tomorrow, so you can be confident that your project will reach the desired outcome.

Professional Associations American MENSA American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Certifications High-Performance Building Design Professional ASHRAE LEED Accredited Professional

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