Maalämpökaivo

Maalämpökaivo, also known as a geothermal well or ground source heat exchanger, is a component of a geothermal heating and cooling system. It is a vertical or horizontal bore drilled into the earth to access the stable temperature of the ground. A closed loop of pipes, typically made of plastic, is installed within this bore. This loop circulates a fluid, often a mixture of water and antifreeze, which absorbs heat from the surrounding ground during winter or transfers heat to the ground during summer. The depth of the well can vary significantly, ranging from tens to hundreds of meters, depending on factors such as geological conditions and the heating/cooling requirements of the building. The number of wells can also vary, with multiple wells sometimes drilled to meet larger energy demands. The primary function of the maalämpökaivo is to act as a heat source or sink for the geothermal heat pump, enabling the efficient transfer of thermal energy between the building and the earth. This process significantly reduces the reliance on conventional energy sources for heating and cooling, contributing to energy savings and environmental sustainability.