In the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, the utilization of renewable energy sources has gained significant attention. Among them, geothermal energy offers a promising opportunity for harnessing the Earth’s natural heat and using it as a renewable heat source. In our most recent Start-O-Sphere episode, we explore the concept of underground infrastructures as a means of extracting geothermal energy and employing geothermal panel technology to extract this energy to heat commercial and residential spaces by sitting down with Ms. Margaux Peltier CEO and Co-founder of Enerdrape, a Swiss based firm that does just that!
Geothermal energy refers to the heat stored within the Earth’s crust. It is a clean, renewable energy source that is constantly replenished by the planet’s core. By tapping into this natural heat, we can utilize it for various purposes, including heating buildings, generating electricity, and even supplying hot water.
The Earth’s subsurface acts as a vast reservoir of geothermal energy. Underground infrastructures, such as parking lots, tunnels and warehouses, act as a store of this energy. By implementing their patented geothermal-panel-like technology, Enerdrape are able to extract this heat from the Earth surrounding the underground walls and transfer it to commercial and residential spaces for heating purposes.
Geothermal technology, also known as ground source heat pumps or geothermal heat exchangers, forms the backbone of utilizing geothermal energy for heating. These panels consist of a network of pipes buried beneath the ground, typically at a depth of several meters. The panels are designed to circulate a heat transfer fluid, such as water or a refrigerant, to absorb the Earth’s heat. Enerdrape does things a bit differently…
Their prefabricated geothermal panels operate on the principle of heat exchange. During colder months, the fluid circulating through the panels in a closed loop absorbs the latent heat from the surrounding soil or bedrock. The heated fluid is then pumped into a heat exchanger within the building, where it transfers its heat to the building’s heating system, raising the indoor temperature. In warmer months, the process can be reversed, utilizing the panels to cool buildings by extracting excess heat from the indoor spaces and dissipating it into the cooler ground. This means that 1 m2 of panels can effectively heat/ cool 5-10 m2 of floor area on average!
And it is supremely easy to install (>15min) and maintain without the need for drilling. The Enerdrape panels are modular, thin, and flexible, constructed using recyclable materials. They are compatible with all heat pumps, making them a versatile choice for retrofitting existing buildings and integrating them into new construction projects. And what’s more…geothermal energy is a sustainable and clean source of heat. It does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby minimizing environmental impact and reducing the carbon footprint of heating systems.
Geothermal panel technology is highly energy-efficient, as it relies on transferring heat rather than generating it. The system can achieve remarkable Coefficient of Performance (COP) values, typically ranging from 3 to 5, meaning that for every unit of electrical energy used, three to five units of heat are generated. Although the upfront installation costs of geothermal systems may be higher compared to conventional heating systems, the long-term savings can be substantial. Geothermal energy is a constant and free resource, resulting in lower operational costs and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, its versatility means that they can be integrated into both new and existing buildings, making it a flexible solution for various commercial and residential applications.
As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources, geothermal energy stands out as a viable solution for heating commercial and residential spaces. The utilization of underground infrastructures, coupled with geothermal panel technology, allows us to tap into the Earth’s natural heat and harness it as a renewable energy source. By adopting such innovative systems, we can promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and move towards a more sustainable future.
Intrigued and want to get into the details? Go ahead and give the episode a listen, as we take you on a journey that we believe will leave you inspired to say the least.
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