This chapter shall allow the Town of Algoma the ability to control
the types of geothermal heating and cooling systems installed in the
Town of Algoma.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CLOSED HORIZONTAL LOOP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Piping is installed in a horizontal loop no deeper than 20
feet and runs through a heat exchange system in the building. The
pipes form a closed loop and are filled with heat transfer fluid.
The fluid is circulated through the piping from the opening into the
heat exchanger and back. The system functions in the same manner as
the open loop system except there is no pumping of groundwater.
CLOSED VERTICAL LOOP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
A borehole extends beneath the surface. Pipes are installed
with U-bends at the bottom of the borehole. The pipes are connected
to the heat exchanger and heat transfer fluid is circulated through
the pipes.
GEOTHERMAL BOREHOLE
A hole drilled or bored into the earth into which piping
is inserted for use in a geothermal system.
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
A geothermal system uses the earth's thermal properties in
conjunction with electricity to provide greater efficiency in the
heating and cooling of buildings.
HEAT EXCHANGER
A device, usually made of coils of pipe, which transfers
heat from one medium to another; for example from water to air or
water to water.
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID
Any liquid used specifically for the purpose of transferring
thermal energy from the heat source to another location.
OPEN LOOP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Groundwater is pumped from a well or pond into a heat exchanger
located in a surface building. The water drawn from the earth is then
pumped back into the aquifer through a different well or in some cases
the same well. Alternatively, the groundwater could be discharged
to a surface water body. In the heating mode, cooler water is returned
to the earth, while in the cooling mode warmer water is returned to
the surface water body.
Open loop geothermal systems are prohibited in the Town of Algoma.
The procedure used for abandonment of geothermal systems will
be the same as used for abandoning a well. The heat transfer fluid
must be removed by displacement.
The penalty for violation of this chapter shall be in accordance with the general penalty in §
1-2. of this Code of Algoma.