Geothermal energy, not a new concept, is what heats the hot springs pools at your favorite Rocky Mountain getaway. Used in bathing since the Paleolithic times and in space heating dating as far back as ancient Rome, geothermal technology is the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth. It is natural, abundant, just beneath our feet, and another smart way to heat and cool residential and commercial structures without depending on the grid!
Cold & Hot
To harness the power of geothermal energy, the ground is cleared beneath the surface to make way for a pipe that pierces deep enough to tap into an aquifer or thermal reservoir. Cold water from aquifers can be pumped to the compressor and then utilized in cooling the house. All major components of the AC are still needed as far as the outside compressor and thermostat, however, the energy consumption from the grid will be significantly reduced.
When it comes to producing geothermal energy, steam is taken out of the ground and then utilized directly in driving turbines to create electricity through generators. There are three types of geothermal energy technologies, dry steam, flash, and binary; steam is the most common. In a dry steam system, underground steam flows superiorly to the surface into a turbine. It then drives a generator and produces energy. Simple!
Smart Design
The system is designed by architects and engineers and then implemented by the general contractor. However, it is important to have your smart home consultant present at this time to ensure the right technologies are chosen and your smart home will be able to communicate flawlessly inside and out of the dwelling.
Considerations
Although geothermal energy systems are less effective in really cold environments and extreme weather conditions, anything you can do to lower the expense and energy consumption of your heating system will be effective. Additionally, there are some maintenance costs associated with dry steam pumps. These are all factors your smart technology consultant can walk you through.
Earth Love
This natural energy source produces low emissions, leaves a small physical footprint, and has a minimal environmental impact. In larger geothermal plants, the bioproducts are either reinjected back into the earth or sold off to reduce the cost of producing the energy; think mineral extraction. In general, disposing of the byproducts is an offering back to the source.
Geothermal energy just makes sense. Ultimately, your energy dependency on the grid will decrease significantly enough to make you really happy you invested in an alternate energy source. Talk to your smart home integrator for more information, we geek out on this stuff.
Responsive Living, the term coined by Acoustic Architects founders, Aaron Flint and Spencer Hauldren, is the concept of seamlessly enhancing the client’s unique lifestyle using smart home technology. Responsive Living allows you to interact with your space via touch input, voice command, and predictive automation, placing you in full control of your home.
If you would like to learn more about smart energy sources for your home, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to schedule a demo with you.
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