TRAK International - GeoExchange Systems
GeoExchange systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available.
Details:
With our TRAK Smart Energy Systems featuring a GeoExchange system, it is the single best thing you can do to reduce the carbon footprint of your building, with the added benefits of significantly reduced energy operating costs and a more comfortable environment. GeoExchange systems have also been referred to as earth energy systems, or geothermal heat pump systems. Geothermal is not a correct term or substitute term for GeoExchange.
In a two-year study of the geothermal-heat-pump (GHP) and variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) heating and cooling systems installed at ASHRAE Headquarters in Atlanta, the GHP system outperformed the VRF system by a wide margin, the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) says.
Benefits
- Reduce Energy Operating Costs 40%-60% and more depending on the client's needs and the installation. TRAK has clients that save 75% of their energy costs compared to the next best alternative HVAC system. GeoExchange systems outperform the most efficient gas technology by an average of 36% in the heating mode and 43% in the cooling mode. GeoExchange lowers electricity demand by nearly 1 kW per ton of capacity. Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used to operate a GeoExchange system draws more than 3 kWh of free, renewable energy from the ground.
- GeoExchange qualifies as Renewable Energy and Enables Carbon Footprint Reduction. According to Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, if 100,000 homes converted to GeoExchange, Canada could reduce its CO2 emissions by 400,000 tonnes annually. That would be the equivalent of planting more than 90 million trees. Over two-thirds of the energy delivered to a building by a GeoExchange system is renewable solar energy stored in the ground.
- Safety. GeoExchange provides better indoor air quality by reducing pollutants and carbon monoxide risks by avoiding combustion. In arenas with artificial ice rinks, risky and dangerous ammonia-based refrigeration systems are no longer necessary.
- Quick Capital Investment Payback. GeoExchange systems pay for themselves in less time than traditional HVAC systems, depending on current heating and cooling use, size of the installation and other factors. They have a lower life-cycle cost.
- Longer Equipment Life. The HVAC mechanics are located within the building, meaning equipment is not being exposed to temperature extremes, dirt, pollution or vandalism, as with rooftop units. This enables longer equipment life and lower maintenance costs. Roof structures are typically punctured less or not at all with mechanical components, piping and wiring.
- Less Space Required. GeoExchange takes up much less space than traditional HVAC systems and improve aesthetics. They are best suited for commercial buildings as they allow for optimal design flexibility because the roof and landscape are free of chillers, air handlers and other outdoor equipment. Boiler rooms can be eliminated and the size of mechanical rooms can be reduced. They are ideal for retrofits and renovating buildings with historical merit.
- Comfort. GeoExchange systems provide air through a building at a constant temperature. More air is circulated to create better indoor air quality. GeoExchange also enables higher natural levels of humidity in the winter. GeoExchange can provide all of your heated and chilled water needs, often for free. These factors lead to a more comfortable, year-round work environment than is possible with conventional equipment and enables increased productivity from your work force and production processes.