Cambridge, ON – When the new Windsor, Ontario VIA Rail train station opens for business in 2012, more than 1,000 passengers who pass through the station each day will benefit from the heating and cooling properties of geothermal technology.
GeoSmart Drilling has been working diligently to complete geothermal drilling for the new $6.3 million energy-efficient station. The installation includes 30 vertical drill holes housing 1,800 feet of 1 ¼” PE100 pipe and 2,500 feet of 2” PE100 pipe connected to the station’s geothermal systems. Each hole is about 300’ deep.
The Windsor VIA Rail train station is served by eight VIA rail trains daily, originating in Toronto.
GeoSmart Energy GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Photos: high resolution photographs of the event are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Geothermal Drilling, a viable career and business option.
September 1, 2011
When geothermal technology first entered the marketplace in Southern Ontario some 30 years ago, it was understandably embraced by groundwater specialists as a viable way to expand their businesses given the associated demand for open loop water well systems.
Open loop geothermal systems in the purest form require two water wells sharing the same aquifer. The supply well often does dual duty, supplying domestic water as well as supply water to the geothermal heat pump. The clean tempered water is then returned unharmed to the same aquifer via the second water well located some distance away on the same property. Given the skill sets of licensed water well specialists, they were quick to recognize the increased business potential.
Not only did geothermal open the doors for new business; many groundwater specialists invested in the technology themselves as a way to heat their homes and businesses.
As the Ontario geothermal industry bid for a larger marketplace, it quickly expanded across Canada to Manitoba, followed by Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and British Columbia. Newfoundland, PEI and Alberta followed a few years later. Florida, Oklahoma and Indiana were quick to further develop the technology and extend it across the United States.
It wasn’t long before North American ingenuity started having an influence on equipment performance, loop design and installation techniques to address everything from dealing with extreme cold temperatures in the north to stifling heat conditions in the south. Today, Canada boasts some of the most efficient and reliable geothermal systems in the world.
As installation techniques became more refined, this had a direct impact on groundwater specialists. It became apparent that not all properties supported the installation of water wells. It was then that the concept of closed loop systems emerged. In closed loop systems, a continuous geothermal loop is placed in the ground either horizontally or vertically, depending on the expanse of the property. The loop is filled with water which then runs in perpetuity through the loop with both ends connected to the heat pump in the building to absorb the natural heating and cooling properties from the earth.
In a horizontal closed loop, a continuous loop of pipe is buried five to six feet below the ground and requires a significant amount of space. In a vertical closed loop, 900 to 1200 feet of drilling is required to accommodate twice as much continuously looped HDPE geothermal pipe. As an example, we have learned that the average home may use two vertical loops 455 feet deep or possibly three holes 300 feet deep to satisfy the geothermal need, with deeper holes being more effective than a series of shallower holes.
Closed loops have increasingly gained popularity over the years particularly in urban areas with smaller land masses. Although more expensive, vertical closed loop systems have become among the most popular means for installing geothermal systems in urban areas. This type of drilling requires specialized expertise given drillers are drilling much deeper holes than those required for water wells, and are doing so in the most cost effective manner possible.
With the introduction of closed loop systems, a handful of groundwater specialists leveraged the opportunity to expand their businesses by learning more about this specialized geothermal installation technique. Today they find themselves among a specialized few who have learned about the intricacies of geothermal drilling and whose services are in high demand given the growing popularity of geothermal technology.
The demand is so high, in fact, that specialized geothermal drillers and groundwater specialists who have mastered the art of geothermal drilling are finding themselves travelling thousands of miles, in some cases, to fulfill contracts in areas where the geothermal drilling expertise isn’t yet readily available.
Opportunity is knocking. At a time when the demand for drilling water wells seems to be on the decline, there is a viable option available for groundwater specialists considering an expansion into the geothermal marketplace. Make no mistake. Geothermal drilling does require specialized expertise. However, those willing to take a little bit of geothermal training and invest in some retooling will find a market ready to embrace their talents and expertise.
We are fortunate to have a talented team of groundwater specialists across Canada, yet in so many communities across the country, where demand for geothermal installations is on the rise, there is an undeniable shortage of those with the knowledge and expertise to fulfill the drilling requirements for closed loop geothermal installations. As a result, a new industry of geothermal drilling specialists is beginning to burgeon around you, when in fact, you could be fulfilling this need.
Recently, in the US, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has embraced geothermal drilling proposals as an extension of what they do, and as a result, groundwater specialists are finding new and exciting ways to leverage their skills and expertise. As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, and the demand for geothermal drilling expertise continues to rise, the time is ripe for groundwater specialists to rethink their business plans and consider an expansion into geothermal drilling as a way to ensure long-term business sustainability.
Stan Marco is a well-respected geothermal knowledge expert and educator. He is an active member of the ground water community, a board member with the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition and a co-founder and CEO of GeoSmart Energy and GeoSmart Drilling Services.
Cambridge, ON – GeoSmart Energy’s newly wrapped Toyota Prius is really creating a buzz – with the public and geothermal dealers. Ron Vanhevel, GeoSmart’s South Western Ontario, Territory Manager is pleased on how the geothermal wrapped Toyata Prius is a conversation starter.
Tweet Us when you See Us!
“Whether I’m at the coffee shop, grocery store or visiting a GeoSmart Energy dealer, folks seem to huddle around the wrapped car or end up chatting with me as they do a walk around,” shares Ron Vanhevel. “It’s a interesting and useful way to build awareness about geothermal heating and cooling while using the home install graphics to explain how we harness the earth’s energy – all while hanging out at my car.”
Everyone is encouraged to share with GeoSmart Energy when you see any of their wrapped vehicles, including the Community Events Fire Truck, Service Van or Toyota Prius car by “tweeting” or “posting” a message on Twitter or Facebook.
GeoSmart Energy GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Photos: high resolution photographs of the event are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Toronto, ON – GeoSmart Energy is extremely pleased to be part of the “first ever” National Renewable Energy Bursary Initiative with the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.
“These Master and Doctorate Level Bursaries will truly support post-graduate students in furthering their studies and research into the advancement of the ground source heat pump field and ultimately the geothermal industry,” remarked Stan Marco, Co-Founder and CEO of GeoSmart Energy. “I am proud of our collective and ongoing efforts to build awareness and understanding about the benefits of geothermal technology, ground source heat pumps and how Canadian knowledge, experience and research is shaping the industry around the world.”
New Renewable Energy Industry Bursary Program Announced
Five bursaries dedicated to students engaged in geothermal-related research
(Excerpt from CGC Release)
Toronto – The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) announced the opening of five new Canadian post-graduate bursaries jointly funded by CGC and industry partners, today. The first-ever national bursary program for renewable geothermal HVAC technology, designed to build on Professor F.C. Hooper’s legacy, will help strengthen renewable energy scholarship in Canada and kick-start a renewed industry focus on building Canadian innovation.
On September 23, 2010, the CGC Board of Directors created bursaries for students involved in post-graduate studies in a field related to ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. Five bursaries will be awarded in 2011 and four in 2012. Each CGC bursary is co-funded by an industry-leading company.
To apply under the CGC Bursary Program, applicants must be studying or planning to study in a university faculty that provides the opportunity to engage in a research project with the potential to remove or reduce industry barriers or allow for Canadian ground source heat pump industry advancement. Such barriers can be financial or technical. Fields of study include economics, finance, pure & applied science, or related fields.
The establishment of bursaries will first raise the profile of ground source heat pump technology in engineering departments as well as business and social science faculties in Canadian universities. This program will also encourage students to engage in graduate and post-graduate work on industry-related topics. Finally, the program will promote research and development in our industry as a means to improve performance and reduce system cost, while contributing to linkages between industry and research institutions.
The Canadian GSHP industry expanded at a rate of 40 % in 2005, followed by three years growth over 60 % in 2006, 2007 and 2008. “The Canadian GSHP industry’s strong performance raised the level of R&D interest in both universities and in the private sector,” said Denis Tanguay, CGC’s President and CEO. “It is our goal to help catalyse this research momentum and build linkages between our universities, government labs and the industry’s own R&D and commercialization activities,” he added.
CGC itself actively pursues research and development activities, particularly on computer assisted design tools and financial analysis instruments. Thanks to a unique database developed while certifying GSHP systems under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes as well as other financial assistance programs from utilities and provincial governments, CGC staff has also initiated in-house research on market behaviour and economics of ground source heat pumps in Canada and the United States. CGC is also sharing market information with some provincial ministries for research and documentation purposes.
The Canadian GeoExchange™ Coalition acts as the industry catalyst to unite private and public sector stakeholders, and to expand the market for ground source heat pumps and geoexchange™ technology in Canada. As the nexus of information, training, certification, standards and public awareness, our mandate is to work with stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure to foster the growth of the Canadian geoexchange™ industry. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.ca
Backgrounder
In cooperation with industry partners, the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition is offering the following bursaries for 2011.
The CGC / Enertran Bursary ($5000 – Master’s Level)
The CGC / Clean Energy Developments / GeoMax Bursary ($7500 – Doctorate Level)
The CGC / Ground Heat International Bursary ($5000 – Master’s Level)
The CGC / Master Group Bursary ($5000 – Master’s Level)
The CGC / GeoSmart Bursary ($5000 – Master’s Level)
To be eligible, applicants must reside in Canada and be Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status. Upon accepting their bursary, recipients must be full-time students in a university program at the master’s or doctoral level. Bursaries are awarded for one year at a time and are not automatically renewable.
At the time the application form is filled out the applicant must be studying or planning to study in a university faculty that provides the opportunity to engage in a research project with the potential to remove or reduce industry barriers faced by the Canadian ground source heat pump industry or allow for Canadian ground source heat pump industry advancement. Such barriers can be financial or technical. Fields of study include: economics, finance, pure & applied science, engineering, geology, hydrogeology, architecture, chemistry, atmospheric or meteorological sciences, or related fields.
Recipients may accept other bursaries as long as the total received for the year in question does not exceed $17,500 at the master’s level and $25,000 at the doctoral level.
Applications must be submitted through the CGC. An application dossier, in either English or French, will consist of the following documents:
A duly completed application form
All university and college transcripts
Three evaluation forms completed by professors, including the applicant’s supervisor.
A review committee will consists of:
2 CGC board members
1 CGC staff
1 representative per industry partner
2 independent reviewers from government laboratories or research organizations
The deadlines to submit application are set for August 15, 2011. The deadline for the 2012 bursaries will be announced at a later date. The 2011 bursaries will be awarded during the Fall of 2011.
For more information and access the bursary application forms, please visit www.geoexchange.ca.
GeoSmart Energy GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Photos: high resolution photographs of the event are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Toronto – Canadian GeoExchange Coalition, Canada’s Association for Geothermal Heating and Cooling, hosts an event to celebrate the pioneering renewable heating and cooling research of Dr Frank Hooper, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
CGC’s Board of Directors, including Stan Marco (Co-Founder and CEO of GeoSmart Energy), representing some 300 companies active internationally in the geothermal heating and cooling industry, have voted their thanks to Dr Hooper for his pioneering research on geothermal heat pump technology, beginning in 1949-1951. A ceremony will be held in his honour at The Faculty Club, Main Lounge, University of Toronto, Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from 11am onwards. Those in attendance will include all stakeholders interested in meeting a key figure in advancing Canada’s energy efficiency, renewable energy and green buildings technologies.
(Excerpt from CGC Media Advisory)
CGC Recognizes Professor Frank Clements Hooper
Celebrating 60 years of Canadian pioneering work on ground source heat pump systems
Toronto, May 4th, 2011 – The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC), Canada’s national association for ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology, today recognised the pioneering research on ground source heat pump heating and cooling technology conducted more than 60 years ago by Frank Clements Hooper, B.A.Sc., D.I.C, F.E.I.C., F.C.S.M.E., F.C.A.E., P.Eng., and Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto. An award was presented to Professor Hooper at the Faculty Club of the University of Toronto where the association also unveiled Canada’s first national bursary program for post-graduate studies related to geothermal heating and cooling.
In an article published in the Canadian Journal of Technology in 1952 and titled “An Experimental Residential Heat Pump,” Professor Hooper definitively established, with indisputable evidence and strong technical argumentation, that “ground coils in suitable soils offer a satisfactory heat source in Ontario.” The article presented results of research conducted from 1949 to 1951 at the University of Toronto. Today, thanks in part to the initial work of Professor Hooper, thousands of GSHP systems are installed in Canada every year.
Professor Hooper’s pioneering work clearly established not only the feasibility of GSHP applications in Canada but covered important key concepts such as system design, system performance, soil conductivity and diffusivity, seasonal coefficient of performance and more. “When I read this paper, sixty years after its first publication, I was stunned by the clarity of the argumentation and the extent of the research and results” said Denis Tanguay, CGC’s President & CEO. “Anyone interested in defining the paternity of GSHP systems in North America should know this article” he added. CGC is seeking to re-publish the original article in its industry magazine, GeoConneXion, later this year.
The pioneering work of Professor Hooper paved the way for the establishment of a flourishing GSHP industry in Canada. Today, there are more than 80,000 GSHP systems installed across the country, most of them since 2005. CGC has encountered renewed interest in geothermal research at Canadian universities, government labs as well as in the private sector. In addition, industry intelligence suggests the imminent commercialization of many new products developed and manufactured in Canada. “This industry is on the path for a bright future and sustainable growth,” added Tanguay.
To help grow the industry, the CGC established an education network unique in North America. The CGC Education and Training Network comprises more than 16 colleges and universities across Canada and shows the openness and inclusivity of the CGC-led market transformation initiative. Together, network member colleges offer standardized training recognized by their Ministry of Education, and also through the CGC Global Quality GeoExchange Program®.
The Canadian GeoExchange™ Coalition acts as the industry catalyst to unite private and public sector stakeholders, and to expand the market for ground source heat pumps and geoexchange™ technology in Canada. As the nexus of information, training, certification, standards and public awareness, our mandate is to work with stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure to foster the growth of the Canadian geoexchange™ industry. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.ca
GeoSmart Energy GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Photos: high resolution photographs of the event are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Negril, Jamaica – GeoSmart Energy, the most experienced and respected name in geothermal energy solutions, is once again demonstrating its aptitude for innovation as it formalizes a partnership with New Jersey-based GeoThermal Tools, Inc. to bring the latest in geothermal socket fusion tools to the Canadian market.
The move means geothermal installers across the country will have access to customized socket fusion tools and accessories designed specifically for applications in geothermal installations.
“All too often, Canadian geothermal installers find themselves using socket fusion tools made for the natural gas industry which uses smaller pipes,” says Stephen Marco, Operations Manager, GeoSmart Energy. “Their tools aren’t made for fusing the larger 1 ¼” and 2” geothermal pipes in our industry, often making pipe fusion a two-person job.”
GeoSmart Energy and GeoThermal Tools, Inc. have pooled their respective expertise to develop a custom line of socket fusion tools and accessories to meet the specialized demands of the Canadian generics geothermal industry.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with GeoSmart Energy to bring Canadian geothermal installers the most advanced socket fusion tools on the market today, combining the best in quality, price and functionality,” says Mike Goekbora of GeoThermal Tools, Inc.
As the exclusive distributor of GeoThermal Tools, Inc. socket fusion tools in Canada, GeoSmart Energy is able to bring this top quality line of customized tools to market under the highly respected GeoSmart Energy banner at a significant cost savings to the installer.
GeoSmart Energy’s Socket Fusion Residential Toolkit features a wide range of top-of-the-line fusion tools and accessories to meet even the most challenging of fusion conditions including:
An ergonomic two-handled fusion iron, making larger diameter pipe fusions easier to handle
A 1600 watt, 120VAC double heating element for faster heating time (versus traditional single element fusion irons) particularly in cold weather conditions, adjustable for temperatures up to 570F
Heat adapters that are stick resistant and that allow up to three socket-fusion pairs to be connected at a time, if needed
A two-year limited warranty.
The addition of stands and stakes to some tools also means that some jobs, traditionally requiring two installers, can now be safely managed by a single user.
“The GeoThermal Tools, Inc. line of customized top quality and cost effective geothermal tools is a perfect complement to our high quality line of geothermal and solar energy products,” says Marco. “Geothermal contractors and loop installers seeking to equip their crews with the best socket fusion tools available on the market today need look no further than their own backyard.”
Pipefuser TK200
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GeoThermal Tools GeoThermal Tools, Inc. is a supplier of socket fusion tools and accessories, located in New Jersey, addressing the needs of the geothermal industry. The company’s fusion equipment, branded PipeFuser, affords the user an optimum quality/price/functionality combination, most appreciated by newcomers to the field.
GeoSmart Energy GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Photos: high resolution product and geothermal fusion photographs are available.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Cambridge, ON – The men and women at GeoSmart Energy made the leap this month from making people’s lives more comfortable to helping save lives. As active participants in Movember, a national fundraising campaign for Prostate Cancer Canada, the small but passionate corporate team has successfully raised over $8,700 for the cause, building awareness and generating greatly needed funds for prostate cancer research.
“Every 18 minutes a man dies from prostate cancer,” says Robert Longphee, GeoSmart Energy’s director of communications and captain of the company’s Men of Movember Campaign team. “This was an easy cause for us to rally around because we recognized that that ‘man’ could be someone’s husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin or friend – it really hit close to home.”
Applying the same passion that has made GeoSmart Energy the most experienced and respected name in renewable energy, the family-oriented corporate team readily signed up at the beginning of November to become Mo Bros or Mo Sistas. Movember challenges men (Mo Bros) to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache over 30 days. Mo Sistas provide encouragement and support.“We’re grateful to our family of geothermal and solar dealers and renewable energy suppliers, who, along with family, friends and colleagues, have enthusiastically supported our team with their donations,” says Longphee. “It’s gratifying to see so many people pitching in to generate awareness and funds for this important cause.”Donations are still flowing into the team as the campaign enters its final week. To support the GeoSmart Men of Movember team to fund prostate cancer research, donate online to GeoSmart Men of Movember http://ca.movember.com/donate/your-details/team_id/79592/ or visit our website at https://geosmart.sandyklieb.com/. Donations will be gratefully accepted until December 5.
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Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations
GeoSmart Energy
290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6
t: 866.310.6690
f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
Monster Commercial learned that Randy Briercliffe, owner of Transcona Funeral Home in Winnipeg, had set up a GeoSmart geothermal system at his business. We contacted him to get some feedback on how the system was working out and how much money he has saved by putting in the system.
Transcona Funeral Home is a large A-Frame building that Randy’s father built. It looks like a church, and is not the most energy-efficient building by design. There is a thirty foot ceiling in the chapel area. With seating for 200 people, with a large crowd the temperature goes up drastically. The geothermal system reacts quickly enough that temperature doesn’t vary by more than 2 degrees. Even in winter, the air conditioning cuts in to keep everyone cool when there is a crowd, something that would have not been possible with their old system.
The Briercliffe’s did a geothermal installation at their house the year after, where Randy says it “made a world of difference”.
MC: When was your system installed?
RB: August 2008.
MC: What system did you end up purchasing?
RB: We installed the Premium G water to air geothermal unit, made by Geosmart. We did retrofits on one area that didn’t have heat, plus we dug a return well as it was an open system.
There are four heat pumps in total. Two six-ton, one four-ton, and one 2.5 ton heat pump, along with the plumbing that went along with everything in the system. Digging the well was big expense, but we didn’t want to tear up our parking lot to install a ground loop system.
Premium G Geothermal Unit from GeoSmart
MC: What tangible financial benefits did you realize as a result of the geothermal installation?
RB: We were watching the costs of natural gas rise eight to ten percent year over year for a period of four years, and were getting worried about the ongoing operating costs for the business with such huge increases. Given the potential long-term cost savings, we made the decision to proceed with the geothermal installation.
Since the installation, we’ve cut utility costs in half, which has made a huge difference. Before we installed the system, $8200 was our average annual cost for heating and cooling bills. They were averaging $700.00 a month. Now, with the geothermal system, those costs are averaging $340.00 per month. Air conditioning is everywhere, where before it was limited for capacity. Air conditioning is more efficient on geothermal.
We are using no more natural gas except for the hot water in our dishwasher. Now, we are just getting charged the basic charge of 30.00 per month.
The cost of installing the system and retrofitting the building with ventilation and plumbing was, in total, around $82,000. That is a twenty year payback assuming no cost increases on utilities and under current economic analysis. If you are interested in the prices of generic drugs for impotence, you can find them on the corpvisionlife.net. With the 8-10% increases that we were seeing year over year on those utilities, the payback time for the cost of the system may actually be less.
MC: Do you have anything else to add about your system that would be of interest to other business owners considering the same move?
RB: Research installers in your area. We talked to three, all had different ideas, and some couldn’t address certain areas of our building. We settled on the installer who could address our problem areas, and their quote was in the same ballpark as the others.
Be careful with your utility bills and notify the utility that you will be installing a geothermal system. The gas company estimated our billing based on previous use, so it took a while to get our utility bills straightened out to where they had to be. Make sure you’re getting billed what you should be getting billed.
Look carefully into incentives available from various levels of government. Installers may know about some of them, but not necessarily all. We got a grant for 10% of the value of the heat pump itself, which amounted to $4000-5000.
For more on Geothermal energy, visit the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition at http://www.geo-exchange.ca/en. Watch Monster Commercial for more articles on this exciting technology.
GeoSmart Energy was front and centre at the Canwell 2010 Symposium hosted by the Manitoba Water Well Association and the Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance (MGEA) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 26-29, 2010.
Our 40’ x 60’ booth was the perfect venue for showcasing our extensive line of heating and cooling solutions, our indoor air quality products and our industry-leading PE100 polyethylene pipe. But what stole the show was GeoSmart’s new custom-designed geothermal drill rig.
The compact DeltaBase 95GT drill rig was built by manufacturer Boart Longyear leveraging GeoSmart expertise and features high efficiency hydraulics and dual rotary capability. A radio remote provides even greater flexibility in tight spaces and safely positions the operator away from the drill hole.
The drill rig generated considerable ‘buzz’ at the show, performing at the top of its class alongside other geothermal drill rigs during an outdoor drilling and geothermal demonstration in downtown Winnipeg. While the demonstration wasn’t a competition, our compact rig managed to surpass the drilling depth of other rigs by 47 feet and attracted the largest audience. We were pleased to field numerous inquiries about our attractive drill rig throughout the four-day symposium.
The conference, trade show and demonstrations is Canada’s premier groundwater symposium attracting professionals in the groundwater industry from Canada and abroad. Keynote speakers throughout the four days included The Honourable Christine Melnick, Minister of Water Stewardship, The Honourable Stephen Fletcher, Minister of State and former Manitoba Premier and Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Edward Schreyer.
It was a great opportunity to network with manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and scientists and to showcase why GeoSmart Energy has quickly become one of North America’s largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training.
Cambridge, ON – GeoSmart Energy, the most experienced and respected name in geothermal, is further diversifying its renewable energy product line to include solar energy options thanks to a formal partnership with green energy solutions provider Innovative Air Solutions Inc. The agreement between the two Canadian companies will soon give homeowners in Ontario, and ultimately across Canada, access to the latest solar technology available on the market today.
“GeoSmart Energy has earned a reputation for offering consumer-oriented products that are cost-effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly,” says Chad Brezynskie, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, GeoSmart Energy. “Aligned with our company’s strategic business plan, this partnership with Innovative Air Solutions further solidifies our commitment to deliver innovative product offerings while expanding renewable energy options for residential projects.”
Innovative Air Solutions will private label GeoSmart’s Solar Harmony product line that will be offered to GeoSmart’s extensive network of 300+ dealers across Canada to reach the residential market. GeoSmart’s will also utilize its state-of-the-art training academy to provide its dealers, interested homeowners and industry stakeholders with leading training and hands on knowledge sharing.
“This is a win-win situation for both companies,” says Geoffrey Smith, CEO, Innovative Air Solutions, whose company recently acquired a 10,000 square foot facility just up the road from GeoSmart’s corporate head office and distribution facility in Cambridge. “GeoSmart Energy’s growing dealer network, training acumen and considerable experience in renewable energy make them an ideal partner to help get our solar energy products to market while also meeting their desire to offer homeowners more diversified green energy solutions.”
Solar energy converts sunlight to electricity using photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and can be used to generate heat, electricity, lighting and mechanical power.
Innovative Air Solutions’ solar power system consists of thin film PV solar panels and an inverter. Unlike conventional solar power systems, the attractive GeoSmart Solar Harmony Thin Film panels flush mount to the roof, maximize available space, and continue to generate solar energy, even in partially shaded conditions, thanks to their cutting edge massive parallel configuration. Given their capacity to capture indirect sunlight, the system’s thin film solar panels offer the latest in solar technology, generating a 10-20% higher energy yield than the more traditional mono-crystalline panels. The roof becomes a virtual power plant, harvesting energy from the sun. Leveraging extra low voltage (ELV) inverter technology, the GeoSmart Solar Harmony Inverter boosts performance and sets a new benchmark for system safety. It is among the few inverters available today that can withstand temperatures as low as -40C. Your solar inverters will need to be changed, so you must find a solar inverter supplier that stocks the inverter that you need for your energy supply.
“The innovative massive parallel design of our Solar Harmony power system is not too unlike the parallel underground geothermal loop design used with our geothermal installations. It’s an approach that works effectively in both applications,” says Brezynskie. “This is a system that has tremendous potential for a homeowner’s return on investment.”
Under Ontario’s microFIT (Feed-In Tariff) program, homeowners are paid a guaranteed price ($0.802) for all the electricity their renewable electricity generation project (10 kilowatts or less) produces over a 20-year period.
Beattie Family Farm owner Ken Beattie has already come to appreciate the benefits of solar energy at his 2,500 acre farm in Alliston where his family has been harvesting potatoes for five generations. “We have always been respectful of the environment and our equipment and that respect has yielded a strong harvest,” notes Ken. “The solar PV equipment selected by GeoSmart Energy is the same equipment we depend on for the strongest solar harvest and the highest returns with little or no maintenance of our 20 year microFIT contract.”
GeoSmart Energy dealer Jason Grieb, whose company Advanced Geo-Thermal Systems Inc. installed the solar system at the Beattie Family Farm notes that Ontario’s feed-in tariff program makes this province an ideal launching pad for the GeoSmart/Innovative Air Solutions solar partnership. “There’s no better time for GeoSmart dealers in Ontario to expand their product offerings to include solar energy options than now,” says Jason. “It’s a great opportunity to grow your business while meeting consumer demand for green energy alternatives.”
GeoSmart’s Solar Harmony and Renewable Power Systems beautifully dovetails with the company’s longstanding belief that it’s not just selling a product, but rather a ‘system’ supported by a customer first mentality, a comprehensive education and training program, a savvy and knowledgeable network of specialists and a highly trained team of installers. Reflecting the same approach it has taken with its line of geothermal products, everything the homeowner needs to generate solar power is offered in one complete package.
“We’re delighted to be the first to bring this leading edge solar product line to market backed by a team of well-educated and knowledgeable dealers and installers,” says Brezynskie.
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GeoSmart Energy is a leading geothermal heating and cooling supplier to residential and commercial markets. As one of the largest purveyors of geothermal technology and training, GeoSmart is continually asked globally for their knowledge and geothermal implementation expertise. Visit us at www.geosmartenergy.com
Pictures: high resolution product photos are available.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Longphee, Director, Communications & Public Relations GeoSmart Energy 290 Pinebush Road, Cambridge, ON N1T 1Z6 t: 866.310.6690 f: 866.533.3889 rlongphee@geosmartenergy.com
High-quality energy supply is very important for the storage and delivery of drugs, as one of the most popular online pharmacies purchase-genericonline.net notes.
