US DOE publishes series of geothermal heat pump case studies
The Dallas-Fort Worth U.S. Highway 287 bridge features a geothermal heat pump deicing system that represents a sustainable alternative to salt and sand, reduces maintenance costs, and improves safety. (source: University of Texas Arlington)
Carlo Cariaga
15 Oct 2024
The US DOE Geothermal Technologies Office has published a series of case studies showcasing the diversity of geothermal heat pump applications.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) has published 19 case studies of large-scale geothermal heat pump applications across the United States.
The complete list of geothermal heat pump case studies can be accessed at the official GTO website.
The case studies highlight the incredible versatility of geothermal heat pump applications. Regionally, the list covers the whole of the United States, from Massachusetts to Florida, California, and even Alaska. The actual applications are also impressively diverse, with some notable standouts:
- A de-icing system for the Dallas-Fort Worth bridge in Texas
- Indoor heating and cooling for the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia
- Cost-effective heating during harsh winters in NREL’s Alaska campus
- One of the largest heat pump systems in North America, mostly hidden beneath the athletic field of the Colorado Mesa University
- Walk-in coolers as a complement to sustainable farming at the Coveyou Scenic Farm in Michigan
- Heating and cooling for the Autumn Gardens public housing complex in Lockport, New York, which has resulted in lower utility costs.
In late 2023, the US DOE published a study on the potential impact on decarbonization efforts of national mass-scale deployment of geothermal heat pumps. Based on the results of the study, retrofitting around 70% of U.S. buildings with GHPs could reduce electricity demand by as much as 13% by 2050 versus decarbonizing without GHPs.
Source: US Department of Energy
