Geothermics

Geothermics

In 1976, J.-M. Massé & Fils was already innovating in the field of geothermics in Quebec, and had started to work hard at developing its expertise in this emerging field, attending conferences and training sessions to become certified in geothermics.
 

With the acquisition of Géohydrotek and the arrival of geological engineer Denis Croteau in 2000, Puitbec pursued geothermal research and studies so as to develop a niche investigating the thermal conductivity and diffusity of various soils.
 

Puitbec is a certified member of the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition, the Corporation des Entreprises en traitement de l’air et du froid (CETAF) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA, and has received a number of provincial endorsements over the years, including the Gold Award in the SME category of the National Bank of Canada’s Recognition Program in 2004.
 

Geothermics involves using energy from the sun that is stored in the earth’s crust and in unconfined groundwater. Contrary to popular belief, the surface of the earth’s crust is not heated by the Earth’s core, but by solar radiation. The temperature of the earth and groundwater remains constant at 48° F (8.9° C) year round. Heat stored in the earth and groundwater can provide a free, renewable source of energy, a source that is just as inexhaustible as that of the sun.
 

Puitbec works in cooperation with firms specializing in geothermal systems.
 

Residental

A geothermal system in residential applications can save homeowners up to 70% of heating and air conditioning costs. It is an independent, reliable and long-lasting system, and the energy extracted from the earth is free, clean and renewable.

The underlying principle is quite straightforward:  since underground temperatures are constant, around 8°C in both winter and summer, a network of pipes called a loop is inserted into a well drilled to a pre-determined depth. This loop is connected to a heat pump, which is used to circulate a fluid or heat-transfer medium.

In winter, the heat pump absorbs the heat from the fluid, raises its temperature and directs it toward the house. In summer the reverse happens: the heat pump absorbs the coolness from the fluid and uses it to cool the house down.

Commercial and Industrial

Geothermal systems can also be used on a much bigger scale, in commercial and industrial applications. The monthly savings in operating costs as compared with the cost of gas, oil, propane or electrical systems, constitute one of the major benefits of a solar energy system. Heating a building with a geothermal system costs less than one third the cost of electrical baseboard readers or an electric forced air furnace.

Benefits

• Geothermal energy technology generates savings of up to 70% of heating costs since it extracts already heated air and does not require any combustion.

• Geothermal systems generally pay for themselves far more quickly than conventional heating systems, depending on heating/air conditioning usage, type of ground, the scope of the installation and other factors.

• Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source. Integrating a geothermal system into a two-bedroom home is equivalent to taking two cars off the road or planting an acre of forest.

• Geothermal systems are combustion-free systems, and are therefore cleaner and safer than oil- or gas-heating systems.

• Geothermal equipment takes up far less space than conventional heating equipment; hence, geothermal systems are ideal where saving space and aesthetics are a concern.

Subsidies

If you are thinking of opting for a geothermal system, you’ll be pleased to know that federal and provincial subsidies are available.

 

For further information regarding the amount of the subsidies and program criteria, see www.aee.gouv.qc.ca or call 1 866 266-0008.
 

Useful Links

Canadian GeoExchange Coalition 

Canada Green Building Council (LEED project) 

Hydro-Québec (Geothermics)