Renewable Geothermal Energy for Sustanablity And Efficiency: Examination of Energy Utilization Index

To achieve sustainability through utilization of renewable energt, the earth is used as a source or sink to operate heat pumps in an isolated-type geothermal system. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the energy utilization index (EUI) of a commercia building determind by (a) ASHRAE 90.1 energy code, (b) simulation of proposed design, and (c)actual monitoring, when a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system is used.The results from monitoring of the energy consumption of the GHP system show that electrical energy usage is 99% of the actual utility bills.Based on actual utility bills and the analysis, the building energy utilization index is 29 kBtu/ft2-yr, which is significantly lower than a value of 90.5 Kbtu/ft2-yr for an average commercial office building. It is also determined that the building is well qualified for the US Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star rating as its performance is within the top 10% of all the office buildings

Renewable Geothermal Energy for Sustanablity And Efficiency: Examination of Energy Utilization Index Keywords:

Sustainability , Geothermal , Energy , Heat pump , Efficiency