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.
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.
