GeoEphex

GeoEphex's task is to design a heating and cooling system for a future home in the Grand Rapids area. The client plans to build a home on a lot he currently owns on Reeds Lake. He has requested an economical, environmentally friendly heating and cooling system and has expressed interest in a geothermal system. This project is unique because the design team works directly with a client. Therefore the project is directed to meet the client's needs and requests.

The objectives of our project are as follows:

• Analyze residential heating and cooling alternatives. These should include both conventional and geothermal systems.
• Calculate the heating and cooling loads of the home.
• Choose a heating and cooling alternative and generate a design.
• Design the HVAC system for the home.
• Determine the payback period of the system compared to a conventional alternative.

For a geothermal system, we will determine the following properties and design the following components:

• Soil and pipe heat transfer properties
• Heating and cooling loads
• Heat pump specifications
• Water pump specifications
• Pipe field layout
• Ductwork sizing and layout
• Distribution system: forced air, radiant heating, or a combination