Earth Loop Protection: Safeguarding Against Copper Corrosion
Ensuring the longevity of your direct exchange Waterless® Geothermal system is important. One crucial component that plays a significant role in the performance of your system is the copper ground loop. Let’s talk about why copper is the preferred choice and how our innovative earth loop protection system ensures its reliability for a lifetime.
Proven Reliability
Copper has a long track record of reliability in various applications, including traditional heat pumps, air conditioning, and geothermal systems. Its resistance to corrosion and high-strength properties make it an ideal choice for underground installations. Copper ground loops can last for centuries, providing you with reliable heating and cooling for years to come. For example, in 1994, archeologists excavated the remains of a 4,500-year-old Egyptian funerary pyramid complex, unearthing a sophisticated copper drainage system. Although the overall condition of the pyramid and temples today is poor, the copper piping has survived, attesting to the longevity of copper.
Earth Loop / Cathotic Protection System
What sets our copper ground loop apart is the incorporation of an anode that protects copper from erosion. This earth loop protection system includes an anode that is installed in the center of the copper loop field. The anode acts as a sacrificial element, taking on any damage over time and protecting the copper. This ensures that the copper remains intact and prevents potential corrosion, prolonging the lifespan of the copper and enhancing the overall durability of your system.
Anodes are also used in most hot water heaters, where the same principle is applied. In water heaters, the anode is designed to protect the steel tank from corrosion. However, the design life of a water heater anode is designed only to last the length of the warranty period of the water heater. In a Waterless Geothermal dx system, the anode is designed to last 75 years.
The basic principle of cathodic protection involves connecting two dissimilar metals, causing the weaker metal to protect the stronger one. In our system, this creates a protective electrical barrier around the copper, polarizing it and preventing corrosion. Our Earth Loop protection system automatically adjusts the electric output based on the local ground conditions, ensuring optimal protection in various soil types and soil environments. This principle of cathodic protection has been used for over a century to safeguard buried metal structures in saltwater (like for steel bridges) or other harsh underground environments. We test the soil to determine its conditions and tailor our approach accordingly.
For acidic soils, we encase the copper loops in PVC to mitigate any potential risks. The PVC surface area is considerably higher than the surface area of the copper to ensure the heat transfer rate of the larger PVC is equal to the heat transfer rate of the much smaller copper loop material. This protects the copper from chlorides, sulfides, carbon, coal, ammonia, bacteria, brackish water marches, acidic peat bogs, salt water, and more. It also works in 100% clay soils, wet conditions, low soil ph, and other mixed soil conditions.
Environmental Friendliness
Our earth loop protection system is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. It emits an electrical output less than that of a cell phone battery, minimizing its impact on the environment. Additionally, by utilizing copper, a recyclable and non-toxic material, we ensure that our systems are sustainable and eco-friendly.
The copper ground loop, combined with our earth loop protection system, provides homeowners with a reliable and efficient heating and cooling solution. By prioritizing durability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, this ensures the earth loop system will continue to perform optimally for years to come, providing you with comfort and peace of mind.
Copper’s Resilience
Unlike a plastic loop, which can weaken and crack over time, the expansion and contraction rates of copper are very minimal as the ground temp changes from one season to the next. In fact, copper experiences 11 times less movement than plastic tubing, making it a more reliable choice for your geothermal system.
Superior Heat Transfer
Copper is a fantastic conductor of heat. This means that it can efficiently transfer thermal energy from the ground to your home, ensuring that your geothermal system operates with optimal efficiency. In fact, copper requires less loop material compared to other materials while still transferring considerably more heat, saving you more money on operating costs.
The incorporation of cathodic protection within our copper ground loop systems exemplifies our commitment to providing homeowners with a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting geothermal solution. With our innovative technology and meticulous attention to detail, rest assured that your investment remains safeguarded against corrosion and deterioration, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about how our earth loop protection system enhances the performance and longevity of your geothermal system.