Ground source heating and cooling systems, also known as geothermal or geoexchange systems, tap soil, rock, or groundwater regulated by the earth’s temperature for heating and cooling. These ultra-efficient systems reduce reliance on petroleum fuel, eliminate water loss from evaporative cooling, and lower heating and cooling costs.

Applying our expertise in permitting, siting, geology, hydrogeology, water rights, hydraulic and thermal modeling, and drilling oversight, Geosyntec optimizes designs and manages implementation risk for high-efficiency ground source heat pump systems for industrial, municipal, academic, and commercial clients looking to replace aging conventional systems or incorporate sustainable options into new developments.

Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Systems: Choosing the Best Option

There are two types of heat pump systems: open-loop and closed-loop. In closed-loop systems, chilled fluid passes through a closed system of pipes to support an efficient heat pump. In open-loop systems, groundwater itself is pumped to the surface through supply wells, used in conjunction with the heat pump, and returned to the subsurface through return wells. Based on site geology and project constraints, we help clients choose which system will best fit their needs. If a groundwater aquifer is present and extraction and reinjection are permittable, open-loop systems are far more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable than closed-loop systems, but can have more maintenance.

Streamlined Feasibility Studies

To inform early critical-path decisions, we take a phased approach to simultaneously evaluate design considerations and efficiency benefits of open- and closed-loop systems before field studies begin. In the field, we evaluate open- and closed-loop viability in a single campaign. Considerations include aquifer potential, thermal effects, and high-level permitting considerations.

In collaboration with mechanical design teams, we conduct iterative assessments of aquifers and other subsurface geologic characteristics to scale systems and estimate costs.

Hydrogeologic Impact Assessments to Understand Risk and Design Lasting Systems

To manage the risks these systems may pose to their surroundings, clients must quickly understand impacts to groundwater, surface water, and nearby users. To do this, we assess hydraulic connections with surface water and model thermal impacts to groundwater wells and surface water. We can also conduct watershed studies, develop water balances, evaluate surface-water-to-groundwater interactions, and assess critical aquifer recharge area (CARA) impacts.

Water Rights and Regulatory Negotiation

In most instances open-loop ground source heat pumps use water in a nonconsumptive manner. However, in the American West it is always important to evaluate water rights, which our experts do routinely. Our water rights team applies a comprehensive understanding of the water code and complex water rights process to help clients manage and acquire water efficiently.

Expert Well or GeoExchange Siting, Construction Oversight, and Well Rehabilitation

Our team designs and oversees construction of large geoexchange borefields or multi-well systems crafted to a site’s specific hydrogeology. We assess geological conditions, develop new water pumping and injection wells, and address water availability limitations. This leads to efficient systems that avoid overdesign and creates more accurate construction cost and schedule estimates so owners can make better decisions.

Geothermal District Heating and Cooling

In a district energy system, a central ground source heat pump is connected by a network of pipes to many buildings in areas like college campuses, neighborhoods, or urban eco-districts. Ideally, nearby opposing uses share heating and cooling needs. When a ground source heat pump is used at district scale, the result is often a more efficient system at a lower cost. During design, our ground source/geothermal team collaborates with our industrial stormwater and wastewater experts. Together, we work to integrate sewers, water-treatment facilities, ponds, and other water-related infrastructure into our full hydrologic and thermal models to give clients the best options to collect and move heat throughout the district system.