ERAPPA 2009 - Portland

Utilities/Energy

Imagine Sustainable Geothermal Heatpump Applications In University Buildings *

            Panel Discussion: William Turner, M.S., P.E., The H.L. Turner Group, Inc.;  David Early, P.E., C.E.M, C.C.C. A., University of Southern Maine; Robert Lawrence, University of Maine Farmington;

The use of watersource heatpumps to both environmentally & economically sustain the transfer of energy to and from the earth for Heating and Cooling University Buildings has rapidly increased. With earth source temperatures in the range of 30ºF to 70ºF the design parameters and constraints for accomplishing this in a truly sustainable manner depend upon the local hydrology, the building envelope, the use of the facility, the energy cost, and a designers' skills. We will provide a review of the theory of geothermal heatpump operation regarding reliability and efficiency and highlight parameters that will most likely affect the outcome of the performance for a sustainable design.  Two buildings on the USM Portland Campus will be available for tours.

Target Audience: Those with technical and financial interests in the sustainable (green) heating and cooling of buildings with geothermal heatpump technology.