New buildings are typically constructed by layering a number of different systems, one upon another, e.g.,

• the architectural people talk to the owner and design a building based on their understanding of the needs
• architectural drawings are presented to the owner for approval
• architectural drawings are presented to a mechanical engineer for HVAC design
• a mechanical engineer designs an HVAC system that must work on the hottest and coldest days of the year
• the mechanical engineer will likel design a domestic hot water system that can handle any peak demand
• plumbing and electrical systems are also designed by the mechanical engineer and space is allocated
• the engineer must design the whole system to fit into a limited space allowed for by the architect’s design

• architectural drawings are presented to a process engineer for process cooling and heating design
• the process engineer designs a typical system appropriate for the intended use of the building – possibly
  • chilling systems
  • hot water systems
  • hydraulics cooling
  • hot oil heating
  • robotic welder cooling
  • etc.

Today’s building also have the added complexity of and need for space for:

• tele communications
• internet
• wi fi systems

Traditional Approach:

Communication often takes place between the engineering divisions and the architect regarding space allocations for example however, seldom do the different systems designers communicate with each other in the planning stages. Interdivisional communications generally only take place after the tender has closed.

Nobody talks to one another before hand. Therefore all the various systems are designed separately and come together as a series of systems, layered on top of another with little or no integration.

That is why we see extensive enrgy wastefulness in factories. For example, plastic factories need the following:

• heating and cooling comfort conditioning of the space
• 10° C. chilled water supply for cooling molds
• 30° C. cooling tower water supply to cool hydraulics
• extensive internal chilled and tower water piping systems to the machinery
• cooling tower rejects process heat outside the building

During production, heat produced from the process of molding is transferred to the cooling tower by water through the piping system. Generally the cooling tower has redundent capacity for safety. Everything is in place for a closed water loop heat pump system to heat and cool the building.

Heat pump systems can recover heat from the molding process and transfer it to the offices by extracting heat from the water loop for example. Heat pumps could reject air conditioning heat to the water loop in the factory floor. The need for natural gas burning would be unlikely in a factory integrated this way however we typically see cooling towers throwing out millions of Btus per day AND natural gas fired roof top units adding millions of Btus per day to the building at the same time.

Foolish? Look at what is on the rooves of most:

• plastics factories
• skating arenas
• food processors
• robotic welding plants

To name only a few. Throwing millions of Btus of heat per day outside while burning natural gas to keep people warm inside at the same time is the norm, not the exception.

Planning an Integrated Design:

With proper planning and construction methods, today’s building shells alone can have a very high thermal efficiency:

• high performance glass can have an R value four time better than a standard double glazed window
• modern insulating materials insulate and air seal at the same time
• geothermal mechanical systems heat and cool a buildings using the sun’s energy storred in the earths crust
• heat typically lost from many commercial processes can often be reclaimed for use elsewhere in a building.

An in depth analysis of how a building will likely perform given its intended purpose can identify:

• problem comfort areas
• time of day occupancy issues
• potential operating savings from set back times
• heat transfer opportunities
• heat recovery opportunities
• mechanical system integration opportunities

The purpose of performing an in depth analysis for our clients would be to:

• provide the lowest overall energy consumption per square foot possible
• discover the best approach to integrating the building into one whole system\
• lower the carbon footprint of their building
• reduce the overall impact of thire building on the environment
• increase the viability of purchasing “green” electricity, generated by wind and solar
• reduce payback times associated with efficient building strategies
• develop a competetive “zero emmisions” building strategy

What Can We Do For You:

For answers to your Geothermal questions, e-mail info@gerryongeo.com.com or Telephone (226) 377-3987‬

From the clients plans, “Gerry on Geo” provides an in depth energy use analysis and operating cost model of their building. The analysis identifies components and technologies that when changed or upgraded, increase comfort and reduce energy consumption, operating cost and the carbon footprint. at the same time.

The analysis also points to aspects and processes with potential for heat recovery, and the benefits from implementing such technology.

Upgrading insulation and glazing are simply not enough performance We provide an in depth engineering analysis of thermal performance, identifying problem areas and recommend solutions. We provide on-site management and geothermal installations.