Secondary Geothermal Module - GEP2
Secondary Geothermal Module: GEP-2
The conversion of the Ellensburg campus to geothermal energy continues with GEP2
What began as CWU's first introduction to geothermal energy with the development of GEP-1 (geothermal energy plant #1) constructed with the North Academic Commons has expanded to the south end of campus with the development of our second geothermal module. This new facility is aimed at providing redundancy and the framework for expanding our capability of utilizing a ground source heat pump of the Ellensburg lower aquifer in the continuation of the open loop system of extraction and injection wells.
GEP 2 will be located in a central portion of our south campus with long term plans of connecting to several buildings following their conversion from natural gas fired steam heating to geothermal heat exchange.
The utilization of geothermal technology lowers campus dependence on natural gas and thereby lowers the carbon footprint of our facilities and provides a more efficient exchange of energy between buildings based on their heating and cooling demands. Water is extracted from a well at depths up to 1,000 ft and pushed through a "nonconsumptive" heat exchanger before it is returned to the aquifer through a corresponding injection well. The "building side" of the heat changer circulates chilled water and low temperature hot water (120 degrees) to buildings in a closed loop system.
GEP 2 will also serve as a living laboratory and education opportunity to students by transparently displaying the network of piping and having an interactive display education users on the operation of geothermal.
GEP 2 serves as the next part of CWU's Decarbonization Plan with the expansion of geothermal nodes around the Ellensburg campus with the long term intent for electrification of the campus heating and cooling systems.
In accordance with Washington State Executive Order 24-01, this project was funded by the Climate Commitment Act.
Construction Project Coordinator: Joe Chanes, Joe.chanes@cwu.edu
CWU Project #: 17257 Secondary Geothermal Module
General Contractor: To be determined
Consultant Team:
- Water rights Permitting & Hydrologist: Aspect
- GEP 2 Digital Content: Kaon
Status: Water Rights Permitting and Well Design
Below is imagery of the GEP building systems modeled by MW Engineers.
Geothermal's role in CWU's Climate Action Plan
Learn more about CWU's sustainability strategy in our Climate Action Plan (CAP), which serves as the university's strategic roadmap to becoming a zero-carbon campus no later than 2050. You can review CWU's flipping book version of CWU's CAP below.
https://online.flippingbook.com/vieCWU News
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