Geo-Exchange
What is Geo-Exchange?
On most campuses, a large portion of overall energy consumption is used to heat and cool buildings. Geo-Exchange is a highly efficient technology used for that very purpose.
Geo-exchange works like a heat storage piggy bank.
In summer, excess heat is drawn out of buildings, making them feel cooler and more comfortable. This heat is transferred to water that is pumped deep underground in a closed loop pipe system. The heat warms surrounding rock and soil, using the earth to store that heat until it is needed in colder months. When the weather gets chilly, the pipes draw heat out of storage and transfer it into the buildings using an electric heat pump.
Why is it a good choice for Dartmouth?
Dartmouth has both heating and cooling needs throughout the year that can be served by geo-exchange’s dual-purpose nature. Additionally, geo-exchange will lower our carbon emissions because it can be powered by renewable electricity. We will also improve efficiency by using water source heat pumps connected to the geo-exchange borefields. This will move heat where it is needed or store it in the ground. And finally, our current steam system is old - the geo-exchange system will be much more resilient and reliable.
More about how it works
Strategy
Dartmouth’s energy strategy centers around four main principles: Reduce energy demand, steam to hot water transition, carbon-free heat sources, and zero-carbon electricity.Our Decarbonization Approach
Technologies
These decarbonization components will work together to efficiently meet energy needs, provide necessary backups, and ensure our buildings and systems run efficiently.
Steam to Hot Water Transition
To use technologies like geo-exchange, we are updating piping that routes heating and cooling throughout campus.