This image shows the geothermal conduit (green pipe) in place prior to the concrete slab being poured. The geothermal lines will be fed up through this pipe and into the geothermal unit in the home.

The full progress of the LeConte project can be found here.

This work has been funded and completed under Midwest Research Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Task Order No. KLDJ-5-55052-01, “Feasibility Studies and LifeCycle Cost Analysis”, Task 2: Winnebago Life Cycle Cost Analysis.

The heating and cooling loads were estimated by using building energy simulation software. The peak cooling load is estimated at 264,000 Btu/hr (22 tons), and the peak heating load is estimated at about 178,000 Btu/hr. The annual energy demand of the building is 246 kBtu for heating and 479 kBtu for cooling.

To compare alternatives, the net present value (NPV) of 30-year life-cycle cost was computed for each alternative, as shown in the table below. The GHP system was found to have the lowest net present value of life-cycle cost, approximately 18% lower than the conventional alternatives, which have very similar life-cycle costs to each other. The GHP system, although more expensive to install, has considerably lower operating and maintenance costs than conventional alternatives.

Source: www.Geoheat.oit.edu

View Full Study Here [PDF]

The material in this document represents several reports, presentations and all of the relevant electronic files developed for the use of Pueblo of Jemez personnel. The intent of the overall project was to prepare a business plan for the beneficial use of the geothermal resources. To prepare the business plan we first worked with Pueblo of Jemez personnel including the tribal council to learn about the interests and needs of the tribe.

This effort was undertaken to determine applicable businesses that were compatible with tribal capabilities as well as offered beneficial economic development opportunities.
The material in this document represents several reports, presentations and all of the relevant electronic files developed for the use of Pueblo of Jemez personnel.

The intent of the overall project was to prepare a business plan for the beneficial use of the geothermal resources. To prepare the business plan we first worked with Pueblo of Jemez personnel including the tribal council to learn about the interests and needs of the tribe. This effort was undertaken to determine applicable businesses that were compatible with tribal capabilities as well as offered beneficial economic development opportunities.

A preliminary analysis of a geothermal district heating system was conducted. The
geothermal heating system, located on the Pueblo of Jemez at Red Rocks, is designed to
serve commercial retail loads for new structures that may be built in accordance with
master planning efforts.

The geothermal system was compared with two alternatives, propane and biomass. Biomass is the least costly system but geothermal is preferred due to supply assurance and compatibility with the scenic considerations at Red Rocks. The cost differential between biomass and geothermal is not substantial. Levelized costs for geothermal fluids are estimated to be on the order of $14/MMBtu while biomass is approximately $11/MMBtu, delivered. A geothermal system has the potential to receive financial support from either government agencies or private foundations.

Source: apps1.eere.energy.gov

View Full Study Here

This study utilizes published geologic and geophysical data for the United States to calculate the stored thermal energy (or “heat in place”) on both a national and state level, at depths from 3 to 10 km. The methodology, resource types considered, and the resource­ base calculations are included in this chapter. Recoverability, or useful energy, is discussed in Chapter 3 of this report. A depth of 3 km was selected as a cutoff for upper depth because, outside of the periphery of active magmatic and hydrothermal systems, temperatures in excess of 150°C at less than that depth are rare.

Several classes of geothermal resources are discussed in this chapter (Table 2.1). In earlier analyses – USGS Circular 726, USGS Circular 790, and USGS Circular 1249  – the geothermal resource was divided into four major categories: hydrothermal, geopressured, magma, and conduction ­dominated (Enhanced Geothermal Systems or Hot Dry Rock). The resource classes that are discussed in this report include

1) sedimentary Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

2) basement EGS,

3) geo-pressured ­geothermal systems

4) coproduced fluids (hot aqueous fluids that are produced during oil and gas production). Brief mention is also made of supercritical/volcano (i.e., igneous) geothermal systems.

There is overlap of some of these categories, which will be explained in the discussion that follows.

Source: www.eere.energy.gov

The Energy Tax Credit

In October 2008, geothermal heat pumps were included to the definition of “energy property” under section 48(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. This created a 10% tax credit for costs associated with geothermal equipment “placed in service” (defined by the IRS as made ready and available for use) through the end of 2016.   The tax credit can be used to offset both regular income taxes and alternative minimum taxes (AMT). If the tax credit exceeds the income tax liability, the loss can be carried back one taxable year and the remaining balance can be carried into future years.

Grant as Alternative

All commercial and private buildings are eligible for a 10% US Treasury Grant in lieu of tax credit for geothermal projects started before the end of 2011. A check is written from the government to the geothermal system owner within 60 days of web-based submission after the project has been placed in service. This option is provided as alternative in order to decrease the amount of tax liability needed to offset if taken as a tax credit. Eligibility requirements for the Treasury Grant are the same as requirements for the tax credit.

Accelerated Depreciation Benefits

Under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, businesses have the ability to enhance tax savings by accelerating depreciation on a geothermal system. Geothermal equipment is classified as 5-year depreciable property under section 168(e)(3)(B)(vi)(I) of the Internal Revenue Code and can be deducted on an Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) basis. The basis must be reduced by one half of the tax credit for depreciation purposes. For a corporation in a 40% tax bracket, the MACRS depreciation provides additional tax savings equal to 38% of the energy property spending within the first 5 years, with the greatest tax benefit at the beginning. Conventional heating and cooling systems, by comparison, usually depreciate over a 39-year straight line basis and would only provide 4.5% in tax savings over the first 5 years.
100% Bonus Depreciation for 2011 and 50% for 2012

In December of 2010 Job Creation Act permits businesses to fully expense the cost of qualified property placed in service until the end of 2011. For properties placed in service through the end of 2012 it is permitted to expense 50% in the first year and follow the MACRS basis described below for the balance.

Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction

A Federal tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot is available to building owners of new or existing buildings who install (1) interior lighting; (2) building envelope, or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the building’s total energy and power cost by 50% or more in comparison to minimum requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Deductions of $0.60 per square foot are available for lighting, building envelope, or heating and cooling systems that provide at least 1/3 of the 50% savings target. Energy savings must be calculated using software approved by the IRS.

NYSERDA Programs

New Construction Program

The New Construction Program may aid your project with technical assistance to evaluate and design energy efficiency options, cash back for installation of cost-effective electric efficiency measures including geothermal heating and cooling in new or substantially renovated buildings. Additional incentives are also available for green buildings, solar technologies, industrial and process efficiency, and demand response.

Financial incentives are based upon the anticipated energy performance of the building relative to the Energy Code requirements. Actual incentives are based upon the anticipated energy performance of the building. Incentives cover a significant portion of the incremental costs of energy efficiency measures. Incremental costs are defined as the cost difference between the installed high efficiency equipment and the equipment that meets Energy Code requirements.

Existing Facilities Program
Existing Facilities Program offers incentives for a variety of energy projects including Pre-Qualified Measures and Performance-Based Incentives depending on the size of the project and the anticipated amount of incentive.

Source: www.AztechGeo.com

The report provides comprehensive analysis and forecast of geothermal energy industry. The analysis and forecasts are based on key data points regarding installed capacity, technological developments and use, market segments, research and development. It incorporates cost related aspects of the geothermal energy industry categorized into fixed and variable costs.

The report also consists of updates and developments in the market during the last 12 months. The surging prices of non-renewable sources, petroleum in particular and growing concern over pollution control is helping the growth of the market for renewable sources of energy.

Markets Covered

The major applications of geothermal energy like electricity generation and direct use (geothermal heat pump installations) have been covered in great detail. The sub-types of these applications of geothermal energy based on their conversion technologies and equipments have been analyzed in detail. We have done an in-depth competitive landscape and geographic analysis for each of the markets and their sub-segments, covering the major markets, viz. Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Rest of the World (RoW).

Stakeholders

• Geothermal power plant companies
• Geothermal industry equipment manufacturers
• Government agencies
• Institutional investors/shareholders
• Power distributors
• Environmental research institutes

Research Methodology

The global geothermal energy market is analyzed and forecasted for the period 2010 to 2015. Market forecasts are based on primary and secondary research data. The market structure is designed on the basis of the secondary research conducted to study the product portfolios of major global renewable energy companies. This structure is cross-validated through primaries conducted with the industry players and KOL’s (Key opinion leaders). The secondary research was based on paid sources such as Factiva and basic internet search for relevant news articles and websites of companies and associations.

The major players have been profiled on the basis of their recent additions to installed capacities, future projects, and publicly available information. The market value for geothermal electricity is calculated on the basis of average tariff rates in major countries.

For geothermal heat pumps, market is forecasted on the basis of cumulative number of installations assuming average capacity of heat pump to be 12kW. The installed capacity of geothermal heat pump is approximated to be 67% of total installed capacity based on secondary and primary research.

What makes our reports unique?

• We provide the longest market segmentation chain in this industry- not many reports provide market breakdown upto level 5.
• We provide 10% customization. Normally it is seen that clients do not find specific market intelligence that they are looking for. Our customization will ensure that you necessarily get the market intelligence you are looking for and we get a loyal customer.
• 15 pages of high level analysis including benchmarking strategies, best practices and the market’s cash cows (BCG matrix). We conduct detailed market positioning, product positioning and competitive positioning. Entry strategies, gaps and opportunities are identified for all the stakeholders.

Powerful Research and Analysis

MarketsandMarkets (M&M) is a global market research and consulting company based in the U.S. We publish strategically analyzed market research reports and serve as a business intelligence partner to Fortune 500 companies across the world. MarketsandMarkets also provides multi-client reports, company profiles, databases, and custom research services.

M&M covers thirteen industry verticals, including advanced materials, automotive and transportation, banking and financial services, biotechnology, chemicals, consumer goods energy and power, food and beverages, industrial automation, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor and electronics, and telecommunications and IT. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.

To know more about us and our reports, please visit our websitewww.marketsandmarkets.com

Source: www.MarketsandMarkets.com

In 1998, geothermal plants constituted about 0.25 percent of the total operable power capacity. In 1998, those plants contributed 0.38 percent of the total generation and, for 2000, it stands at 0.45 percent.

On a state level, geothermal is a major player in California and Nevada. It is a minor source of power in Hawaii and Utah. Further, it has the potential to become significant on the Big Island of Hawaii and perhaps, in the future, the Pacific Northwest.

The most impressive geothermal growth in the United States occurred during the 1980s, with an average annual increase in capacity of about 11 percent. In contrast, from 1990-2000, it has averaged only one percent due to a leveling off of new plant construction. This recent period also saw a reduction at The Geysers in California to an operating capacity of about 1,137 MWe, down from a total installed capacity of 1,989 MWe.

Contributing to the capacity stagnation are the decline in steam production, and the retirement and shut down of six units at The Geysers in California. These include the four original units (78 MWe), both the Central California Power Agency (CCPA) units (130 MWe), and the 55 MWe Bottle Rock plant. However, the Bottle Rock plant has been purchased by ThermaSource, Inc. and should start operation by the summer of 2001. CalEnergy has completed Unit 5, a 49-MW facility and a 10-MW turbine at the Salton Sea in mid 2000.

Source: www.Geoheat.oit.edu

Full Study Here [PDF]

1 BTU equals 0.0002928 kilowatt-hour

Source: www.GeothermalConnecticut.com

How to avoid the pitfalls in sizing a Geothermal heating and cooling system for your home.

There are a number of good heat loss software products on the market and most competent heating and air conditioning contractors, engineers, and energy professionals know how to use them.

The first step is to access the building’s living areas, orientation in terms of North, East, South or West of each wall area, the composition of materials and insulation systems for the floors, walls, knee walls, and ceiling or roof areas, sizes and types of windows and doors then any other criteria that might affect how many BTUs it will take to heat or cool the home.  These dimensions and systems information items are entered into the heat loss.

There are two additional items of critical importance that can’t be determined by a cursory inspection but need to be tested.  One is infiltration and the other is the efficiency of the heating delivery system.

Infiltration can be accurately measured using a “Blower Door” test.  The blower door equipment is affixed to one of the entry doors then turned on.  The resulting amount of air coming into the home is measured by the machine so the operator can determine the amount of infiltration.  In an existing home where a retrofit geothermal system is being considered, it is a good idea to fix leaks, weather-stripping , leaky fireplace dampers, along with holes in partitions that leak air to bring the home as close as possible to the requirements currently in force in your area for new construction.

The second test being a “Blower Duct Test” is done on the duct work where a hot air system is specified or exists to determine how much leakage there may be in an existing duct system and to determine if the system will deliver the required amount of CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of air necessary to heat the home at the design temperature specified for your area.  Deficiencies in either CFM or ductwork quality and insulation may result in added expense to bring the system up to par or using a back up heating system to supplement the geothermal system when temperatures get below the threshold where the geo systems are capable of heating the home.

For instance where Central Air Conditioning has been added to homes after they were built, you will typically find that the AC system was designed to cool the home 20 degrees from the outside air temperature.  This meets the comfort test most of the time except when temperatures get to 100 as they do occasionally then you can expect the system to cool the air down to about 80 degrees.  This is fine for cooling but if that same system can only deliver 20 degrees of heating when the temperature is zero out, then the temperature in the house would only be 20 and that is way too cold.

After the heating and cooling requirements have been defined it is fairly easy to recommend a geothermal system and size that will do the job.   For instance if your home requires 120,000 BTU’s of heating at a design temperature of 4 degrees outside and 68 degrees inside and 50,000 BTU’s of cooling then by using the rule that there are 12,000 BTU’s per ton you can see you will need 10 Tons of heating and 2.25 tons of cooling.

If a closed loop well system is being specified at 150 feet of well per ton, you can see that you will need 1500 feet of wells (perhaps 4 – 375 foot wells) to get the design BTU’s that you will need.  Most contractors will add a reasonable safety margin on top of that keeping in mind that every extra foot you drill costs money but it is better to be safe than sorry later.

Keep in mind that with Geothermal, the energy available is determined by the footage of the properly grouted pipe buried in the ground.   With traditional systems you can buy more electricity, oil or gas but with Geo you have a fixed potential amount of energy and when you get to 100% of that potential there is no more unless you are willing to drill again.

Now you can size the equipment.  If this is a 2 story house, it might work out that you will need 6 tons for the first floor and 4 tons for the 2^nd floor and an appropriate manufacturer with equipment that match those capability needs is selected.

Beware of contractors that do not go through all of the steps outlined above unless they are specifying a back up system because there is really no other way to be accurate.

For new construction the materials and building systems are defined by the plans and specifications and so long as the workmanship is reasonable, there should be no problems.  Again you can test the completed job by doing a blower door test and duct blower test to verify the design performance standards were in fact met.

Note:  You can take your heat loss BTU estimate and calculate by using the FUEL COST chart on this web site to see how much money you will save during the year using the Earth’s energy instead expensive and potentially unreliable fossil fuels.

Source: www.GeothermalConnecticut.com