Geothermal Installations
Geothermal Installations
Geothermal systems aim to harvest the energy of the Earth’s crust by utilizing the natural temperature difference between the ground and the air. Geothermal energy can be used to heat and cool buildings, provide hot water for residential use, or generate electric energy. Since the earth provides an almost indefinite source for excess heat, geothermal energy becomes one of the most efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Malcolm Drilling offers the following options for their installation:
Shallow Boreholes
A few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Depending on the project’s location, ground temperatures will range from 45°F to 75°F. This temperature is higher than the air above it during the winter and lower than the air in the summer. Geothermal Heat Pumps can take advantage of these more favorable temperatures to become highly efficient by exchanging heat with the earth through a ground heat exchanger. Malcolm can provide the access holes for the vertical heat exchange systems typically utilized by industrial or commercial buildings.
Deep Boreholes
Deeper boreholes can be equipped with special polyethylene pipe loops to transport the heat exchange fluid (mostly water) into very deep soil layers below the ground surface. The fluid will absorb the heat and transport it to the surface, where it can be utilized directly or transformed into electricity.
Such Geothermal Boreholes (sometimes also called wells) can reach depths of up to 800 feet and are usually between 6 and 12 inches in diameter. Malcolm’s extensive fleet of Sonic Drilling Rigs enables them to install boreholes through almost any soil or rock type with very high vertical precision.
Energy Foundations
Existing foundation elements can also be utilized to carry the required pipe loops to enable the exchange of heat with the surrounding soil. The function of energy piles is dual. The first function consists of transferring the load from a structure into the bearing layer of the ground. The secondary function is the use of a heat exchanger with the soil. Energy foundation elements can be all types of drilled piles (Drilled Shafts, CFA-, Omega-, or Micro Piles), but loops can also be attached to D-Wall panels. This makes them a very efficient system for commercial and industrial applications.
The adaptability of geothermal installations makes them suitable for various environments, including urban areas where space constraints often limit the installation of traditional renewable energy systems. Malcolm’s expertise in geothermal drilling empowers them to deliver cutting-edge services and innovative technologies to meet the ever-growing global demand for sustainable energy alternatives.