Big Green: geo-exchange

[Geoff McDonell]

For general geo-exchange systems, the wetter, the better, and the deeper
the better.  I am assuming you are considering a horizontal geo-exchange
system?  If so, you still need to be buried at least 7 to 9 feet below
the surface to reduce the summer/winter soil temperature variations.  At
that depth, the moisture content of the soil should also be more "steady
state" in spite of seasonal variations.

Geoff McDonell, P.Eng., LEED AP
Senior Mechanical Engineer
OMICRON

Direct: 604 632 1114 
Fax: 604 632 3351
Email:  gmcdonell at omicronaec.com
Web:  www.omicronaec.com



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-----Original Message-----
From: biggreen-bounces at lists.biggreen.org
[mailto:biggreen-bounces at lists.biggreen.org] On Behalf Of John
Freiburger
Sent: October 28, 2008 8:37 AM
To: Pavlova, Ludmilla; biggreen at lists.biggreen.org
Subject: Re: Big Green: geo-exchange

A related question:

We plan to install a system in a sandy soil that has an  occasionally
high
water table.  With climate change, we now regularly have three to six
inch
rain falls.  All precipitation at the site infiltrates, except when the
soil
is frozen and major events occur.


Might the wet/damp soil transfer better than dry soils?

What will be the effect of wetted sand in the heat exchange areas?  What
will the seasonal variation look like in Wisconsin, if any?


Freiburger