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Instalación de aislamiento en la habitación

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's natural heat to produce energy or provide heating and hot water. This constant heat source, found just a few meters below the surface, makes geothermal energy a reliable and sustainable option.

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Geothermal systems work by circulating a fluid through underground pipes. This fluid absorbs the Earth's heat and transfers it to a heat pump, which then distributes the heat throughout a building.

Ventajas
de la geotermia

  • Energy efficiency: Geothermal systems have a high coefficient of performance (COP), meaning they generate more energy than they consume.

  • Renewable energy: It utilizes an inexhaustible energy source available worldwide.

  • Thermal stability: The subsurface temperature remains constant throughout the year, ensuring stable and predictable performance.

  • Emissions reduction: Contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuel systems.

  • Durability: Geothermal systems typically have a long lifespan with low maintenance costs.

Disadvantages
of Geothermal Energy

  • High initial cost: Installation costs can be significant, with average prices ranging from 120 to 180 €/m², depending on soil type and drilling complexity.

  • Space requirements: Horizontal systems require a large area (generally 2 to 3 times the surface area of the building to be heated). Vertical systems, which require deep drilling, are ideal for smaller plots.

  • Recommended installations: Geothermal systems are particularly suitable for single-family homes, office buildings, and industries with high energy demands. They are less cost-effective for very small properties or those without access to outdoor space.

  • Local environmental impact: Soil drilling can have some impact on the land, although it is minimal if done correctly and under regulations.

  • Site dependency: Not all soil types or locations are optimal for this system, as very rocky or difficult-to-access terrain can increase installation costs.

Paneles solares en las montañas
Arquitectura de Rotterdam

Comparison with traditional system

  • Efficiency: While geothermal systems offer high performance due to the utilization of constant subsurface heat, traditional fossil fuel systems have lower efficiency and rely on finite resources.

  • Costs: Although the initial cost of geothermal is high, long-term energy savings can offset it. Traditional systems typically have a lower initial cost but higher operating costs.

  • Sustainability: Geothermal is a 100% renewable option, whereas traditional systems emit more pollutants.

Comparison with Air Source Heat Pump

  1. Energy Source:

    • Geothermal: The heat source comes from the subsurface, which maintains a constant temperature throughout the year. This ensures efficient performance regardless of external climatic conditions.

    • Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP): Uses the external air as an energy source. Although it's also renewable, its performance can vary depending on the ambient temperature. In very cold or hot climates, its efficiency may decrease due to the additional effort required by the system to heat or cool.

  2. Efficiency:

    • Geothermal: Its performance is especially high in extreme climates due to the thermal stability of the subsurface, which provides a constant and predictable heat source.

    • ASHP: While efficient in moderate climates, in very cold climates it may require the support of auxiliary systems to maintain an optimal level of operation, which could reduce its overall efficiency.

  3. Costs:

    • Geothermal: Its installation involves a high initial investment due to the need for drilling and specialized equipment. However, operating costs are low and long-term energy savings can offset the initial outlay.

    • ASHP: It has a lower initial cost because it does not require drilling or complex works. This makes it a more accessible option for those seeking a renewable solution without a large initial investment.

  4. Space Requirements:

    • Geothermal: Requires space to install the geothermal collectors. Horizontal systems need large areas, while vertical systems, although more compact, require deep drilling.

    • ASHP: It is more versatile in terms of space, as it only needs a compact outdoor unit. This makes it suitable for homes with limited space.

  5. Maintenance:

    • Geothermal: Maintenance is low because the main components are protected underground and are not exposed to climatic factors. This reduces the need for repairs and extends the life of the system.

    • ASHP: Although it also has low maintenance, its outdoor unit is exposed to the environment, which could require more frequent cleaning and greater attention to avoid damage from weather conditions.

Practical example: Savings in a single-family home 

Let's imagine a single-family home with a contracted power of 5,750 W and an estimated annual consumption of 1,000 kWh using a traditional heating system.

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If this home decides to install a geothermal or air-source heat pump system, the impact would be as follows:

  • Annual energy consumption:

    • Traditional system: 1,000 kWh.

    • Geothermal: 300 kWh (70% savings).

    • Air-source heat pump: 500 kWh (50% savings).

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  • Annual cost:

    • Traditional system: €250 (considering an average price of €0.25/kWh).

    • Geothermal: €75.

    • Air-source heat pump: €125.

 

The long-term energy and economic savings will make the initial investment in either of these systems profitable, especially in homes with high consumption.

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