Library Digs Deep To Save Energy

Nyack’s library expansion will use geothermal energy to save on heating on cooling costs, according to the project’s operations manager Stephen Hoefer. “The geothermal system will use much less energy, does not burn fossil fuels, does not produce pollution, and is estimated to save the Library $30,000 a year in heating and cooling costs for the life of the system,” he says.

The system consists of thirty 450 foot deep wells which circulate a coolant composed of water and glycol. In the summer, the coolant dissipates heat from the library into the ground. In the winter, the constant 55 degree temperature at this depth is used to warm the coolant when it is pumped back to the surface.

Grant money and rebates from the NYS Energy Research Development Agency will cover 60 percent of the geothermal construction costs.

Source: Library Expansion Blog
See also: US Dept Of Energy Geothermal Basics, NY EcoSpaces Blog