System information

ClimateMaster Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
11
Residential Products Technical Guide
Horizontal (Trenched or Bored) Loop
Horizontal loops may be installed with a trencher, backhoe or
horizontal boring machine. Excavation costs for horizontal loops
are usually less than the costs for vertical loops, but signifi cantly
more land space is required. For rural installations, horizontal loops
can be very cost effective. Pipe is typically buried around fi ve feet
[1.5 meters] deep, and may be confi gured in a variety of layouts,
depending upon available space and the cost of pipe versus the
cost of excavation. Between one and six pipes per trench are
buried and connected to a header system. Closed loop design
and installation guidelines (later in this section) provide details on
horizontal loop designs.
Pond or lake loops are one of the most cost-effective closed loop
installations because of the limited excavation required (supply and
return line trenches to the pond). Pond loops require a minimum
of about 1/2 acres [0.2 Hectares] of land and a minimum depth of
8 to 10 feet [2.5 to 3 meters]. Like other closed loop installations,
pond loops utilize polyethylene pipe, but are typically laid
out in a coil or “slinky” arrangement. Closed loop design and
installation guidelines (later in this section) provide details on
pond loop designs.
Pond/Lake Loop
Heat Source/Heat Sink