Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is the heat from the Earth. Ground and water temperatures,  10 feet below the earth's surface, stay relatively constant throughout the year between 50° and 60°F (10° and 16°C).  Geothermal heat pumps use the earth as a heat source in the winter and as a heat storage source in the summer. This allows the system to provide extremely efficient heating or cooling all year long in virtually any climate.

Southeastern Louisiana University currently has two geothermal systems a hybrid system in a pond system.

HYBRID SYSTEM

In our residence halls Ascension Hall and Twelve Oaks Hall we have  220 wells at 300' underground. This system was the second largest system in the States according to Climate Master, in 2019, and the first of this kind in the State of Louisiana.  

Geothermal

POND SYSTEMS

We utilize a pond loop system at the Sustainability Center. The pond closed loop configuration is the most economical configuration. It can be installed when the building is situated close to a body of surface water, such as a lake or a pond. The system functions similarly to a ground loop system. Pipes are usually run to the water with longer sections submerged in the water itself. The pipe may be curled densely in order to fit more of it in a given space. It is recommend that pond loops are used only in cases where the water does not drop below 6 to 8 feet at its lowest level in order to ascertain sufficient heat-transfer capability. Pond loops with closed systems do not affect water bodies in any adverse way.