Geothermal Energy current use in the Agriculture sector. Possible use in Aquaculture for heating and cooling in the subtropical region.

Searching for alternate sources of energy, I came across geothermal energy about a decade ago. I was fascinated by this non-ending renewable energy source. The majority of the fish and shrimp that we culture are tropical, including Major and Chinese Carps, Snakehead, Pacu, Catfish, Vannamei shrimp, Monodon Tiger prawn & others, that are comfortable between 25° and 33°C. They prefer temperatures between 28 and 29° C. Our ambient temperature ranges from 14°C to 36°C. This falls way behind optimum and summer temperatures can be exacerbated by high humidity at 70%.

Farmers reap several benefits from geothermal energy in greenhouses and can apply it to crops grown in open fields. They can use earth water to adjust the soil temperature, keeping it warm and protecting it from the elements. Farmers can use underground pipes to transmit this water for irrigation. Farmers like geothermal energy because it is cheaper than petroleum, and cleaner energy is also better for the environment because it reduces carbon impact. Geothermal energy improves agricultural yields and processing for farmers and consumers alike.

Greenhouse Designed by Freepik

An environmentally friendly source of energy, geothermal energy is continuously available round the clock, 365 days a year. It is stable energy since it is not affected by wind or solar changes. Geothermal systems have a modest aesthetic impact and produce no pollutants. Furthermore, they take up a small space and are compatible with different uses. It is a local resource that reduces foreign energy dependence.

Geothermal Energy Harvesting: Heating and Cooling Geothermal Energy at Low Temperatures Geothermal heat may be accessible and used as a source of heat almost anywhere on the planet. This type of heat energy is low-temperature geothermal energy. Low-temperature geothermal energy is derived from heat pockets around 150° C (302° F). The majority of low-temperature geothermal energy pockets are found only a few meters below the surface.

Can saltwater pools be heated? Saltwater pools are heated like traditional chlorine pools. Solar heaters, solar blankets, heat pumps, and electric, gas, or propane heaters are examples of these options. Solar is the least expensive and most environmentally friendly option. Controlling the culture temperature in a fish farming plant can boost fish and shrimp growth by 50 to 100%. Water quality and disease control are crucial in fish farming and must be taken into account when using geothermal fluids directly.

Geothermal aquaculture aims to heat water to the ideal temperature for aquatic animals. This entails rearing freshwater or marine creatures in a controlled environment to increase production rates. Geothermal energy is frequently utilized to heat water in raceways, ponds, and tanks. The water temperature varies depending on species, ranging from 13 to 30°C. Controlling the rearing temperature can enhance the growth rate of fish and/or shrimp by 50 to 100%, increasing the number of harvests per year.

Geothermal energy at low temperatures can heat greenhouses, homes, fisheries, and industrial activities. Low-temperature energy is most efficient when utilized for heating, but it can also be used to create electricity on occasion.

Geothermal Heat Pump System Types

There are four types of ground loop systems. The horizontal, the vertical, and the pond/lake are all closed-loop systems. Fourthly, there are open-loop systems. Climate, soil conditions, available land, and local installation prices influence which is ideal for the site. All of these methods can be employed in both residential and commercial construction.

Closed-Loop Systems

Most closed-loop geothermal heat pumps circulate an antifreeze solution through a closed loop buried in the ground or submerged in water, which is usually comprised of high-density plastic-type PEX tubing. A heat exchanger transmits heat from the heat pump’s refrigerant to the antifreeze solution in the closed loop.

Horizontal Loop System

The closed loop horizontal Closed Link Loop Geothermal System Using Liquid method of installation is often the most practical for greenhouses, farms and residential installations. This is true for upcoming developments when adequate land is available. Trenches at least ten to twelve feet deep are required. The most ideal design involves either 4-8 PEX pipes, each individually placed few feet apart as coils in a twenty-foot wide and twelve-foot-deep trench or larger depending on pipes and energy required. The Slinky Coil method of looping pipe allows for more pipe in a shorter trench.

Vertical Loop Systems

Vertical systems are commonly used in large commercial buildings and schools since horizontal loops would be prohibitively expensive. When the soil is too shallow for trenching, vertical loops are also used since they cause the least amount of disruption to the surrounding vegetation. For a vertical system, holes (approximately four inches wide) are drilled 20 feet apart and 100 to 400 feet deep. To boost performance, two pipes are placed into the hole and grouted, with the bottom joined with a U-bend to form a loop. The vertical loops are connected with horizontal tubing (manifolds), installed in trenches, and connected to the building’s heat pump.

Freshwater is not required in considerable quantities by geothermal systems. In binary systems, water is only used as a heating agent and never exposed or evaporated. It is recyclable, reusable, and can be released into the environment as non-toxic steam. If geothermal fluid is not contained and recycled in a pipe, hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, boron, and fluoride may accumulate. These hazardous substances can be transported to the surface and released when water evaporates. Furthermore, if the fluid leaks into other underground water systems, it can harm safe drinking water sources and aquatic environments.

Pond/Lake

If the site has a sufficient water body, this may be the best choice. To prevent freezing, a line is installed underground from the building to the water. It is coiled in circles at least eight feet below the surface. Ensure the coils are placed in water that meets minimum volume, depth, and quality standards.

The heat exchange fluid in this system is well water or water on the surface, which circulates directly through the GHP system. The water returns to the ground via a well, a recharge well, or surface discharge after circulating through the system. This technique is obviously only viable if there is an adequate supply of relatively pure water. In addition, all local norms and regulations governing groundwater discharge are followed.

Open-Loop System

The heat exchange fluid in this system is well water or surface water, which circulates directly through the GHP system. The water returns to the ground via a well, a recharge well, or surface discharge after circulating through the system. This technique is obviously only viable if there is an adequate supply of relatively pure water. In addition, all local norms and regulations governing groundwater discharge are followed.

CONCLUSION:  FOR HEATING & COOLING CULTURE WATER

Geothermal

  1. The closed loop horizontal Closed Link Loop Geothermal System Using Liquid or Air seems to be the best option. How to add water to the fish or shrimp tank may require a partially open loop in the water tank.
  1. As local temperature seldom goes below 10°C, no antifreeze is required in the PEX tubing if using water as a medium. Possible to run the water directly into the reservoir tank to be transferred to fish / shrimp tanks as if transferring to a water heater in a residential building.
  1. The other option is to use air only in the Geothermal and instead of blowing this through a heat pump or radiator fan, such as in a greenhouse, use this air through fish / shrimp farm bottom diffusers to warm or cool the water.

DIY Solar Pool & Solar Heaters

 

  1. Pakistan has lots of solar energy. Every day, it receives approximately 1KW of solar energy per square meter of landmass for 6-7 hours. Sunshine hours per year are approximately 3000-3300. Weather conditions are optimal for harnessing solar energy.
  1. On average, our area has over 300 + days of Annual Sun Hours and Sun Days Averages.
  1. The DIY pool heaters work very efficiently and can heat the water considerably if used in tandem.
  1. Furthermore, this heated water can run through solar water heaters if additional heating is required. The heater water can be stored in large insulated tanks with thermal jackets for use during night time.

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