
What is the difference between closed and open loop?
The open loop system is more stable as compared to a closed loop system. Here the word stable means the output of the system remains constant even after the disturbances. The open loop system is not optimized, whereas the closed-loop system is optimized. The open loop system gives the fast response, whereas the closed loop system gives the slow response.
What are the disadvantages of open loop system?
Open-loop Control System
- Open-loop System. In our previous article, we have discussed about control system. ...
- Example. We all are aware of the operation of a traffic light controller present at various road crossings. ...
- Advantages of Open-loop Control System. ...
- Disadvantages of Open-loop Control System. ...
- Applications. ...
What is the definition of open loop and closed loop?
The open loop system means the output of the system is free from their input. In the closed-loop system, the desired output depends on their input. The open loop system is called the non-feedback system while the closed loop is the feedback system. The control and controlled process are the two components of the open loop system.
What does open loop and closed loop mean?
Then we can define the main characteristics of Closed-loop Control as being:
- To reduce errors by automatically adjusting the systems input.
- To improve stability of an unstable system.
- To increase or reduce the systems sensitivity.
- To enhance robustness against external disturbances to the process.
- To produce a reliable and repeatable performance.

What is the difference between an open and closed loop system?
The main difference between an open-loop system and a closed-loop system is that the closed-loop system has the ability to self-correct while the open-loop system doesn't. Consequently, closed-loop systems are often called feedback control systems while open-loop systems are also known as non-feedback controls.
What is the most efficient geothermal system?
WaterFurnace systems are rated number one in energy efficiency because they can deliver more than five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used.
Which is more efficient open loop or closed loop?
In most situations, the open loop geothermal systems are less costly and more efficient than closed loop geothermal systems due to the constant temperature of the ground water and the amazing conductivity of that water in comparison to the antifreeze in a closed loop geothermal system, which absorbs and releases heat ...
What is a closed loop geothermal system?
What's a Closed Loop Geothermal System? A closed loop geothermal system continuously circulates a heat transfer solution through buried or submerged plastic pipes. The loop is filled just once and requires only a moderate amount of solution. The same solution is used again and again in a closed loop!
What are 3 disadvantages of geothermal energy?
What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?Location Restricted. The largest single disadvantage of geothermal energy is that it is location specific. ... Environmental Side Effects. ... Earthquakes. ... High Costs. ... Sustainability.
How much does a 5 ton geothermal unit cost?
5 Ton Geothermal Heat Pump Cost A 5 ton geothermal heat pump costs $20,000 to $35,000 to install. Homes around 2,500 to 3,000 sq. ft. with three, four, or five residents can use a 5 ton heat pump for adequate heating and air conditioning.
How much does a closed loop geothermal system cost?
A geothermal closed-loop system costs $15,000 to $38,000 on average, depending on the loop placement. Open-loop systems cost $10,000 to $28,000 on average. Installers select a geothermal loop type to suit the climate, soil, available space, and water quality of a well, pond, or lake on the property.
How deep do geothermal loops need to be?
It requires trenches at least four feet deep. The most common layouts either use two pipes, one buried at six feet, and the other at four feet, or two pipes placed side-by-side at five feet in the ground in a two-foot wide trench.
What can go wrong with geothermal?
However, you should stay alert for common geothermal heat pump problems, including leaks, water contamination, and ductwork issues.
Why is a closed loop piping pump system better than an open loop system?
Unlike an open-loop system that consumes water from a well, a closed-loop system recalculates its heat-transferring solution in the pipe; working in a closed-controlled system. Approximately, two to three gallons per minute per ton of capacity are necessary for effective heat exchange.
How much water does an open loop geothermal system use?
A geothermal unit on an open loop needs a lot of water to operate. Roughly speaking, it needs about one and a half gallons of water per minute, per ton of operating capacity. To run a 5 ton system you would need 7.5 gallons per minute. Heck, an average system could use a million gallons of water or more in a year!
Is geothermal heating worth the investment?
As stated by the U.S. Department of Energy, investing in a geothermal heat pump can mean a 25% to 50% decrease in energy consumed compared to traditional systems that use air. In addition, your geothermal system can be as much as 300% to 600% more efficient, making this a great HVAC investment long term.
What is an open loop system?
An open loop system consists of a pipe that is buried beneath the ground using nearby groundwater for the heat exchange process. Unlike a closed loop system that circulates a mixture of anti-freeze and water, the water does not circulate but instead is directed into drainage after use. With a closed loop system, ...
Why are geothermal heat pumps so popular?
Ground source geothermal heat pumps have become highly popular in recent years for home comfort and other benefits. In fact, each year more homes in the U.S. switch from standard air source heat pumps to ground source geothermal systems. At Haley Mechanical, we understand why so many homeowners are making the switch, and the exceptional benefits of geothermal systems – reduction in harmful emissions, long lifespan, outstanding performance and energy savings, and efficient heating even during the most frigid winter temperatures in Michigan.
Is geothermal water open loop?
While the type of geothermal system that’s right for you depends on some factors including groundwater availability, closed-loop systems are the most common. Not only is a water source essential for an open loop system, these loops may collect debris inside the piping system that can result in repair issues and costs.
How does a closed loop geothermal system work?
A closed loop geothermal system utilizes a heat transfer solution through buried pipes. You fill the loop just once, with a moderate amount of solution, requiring little work once this is done. The pipes connect to an indoor heat pump to provide temperature control.
How does an open loop system work?
Open loop systems take clean groundwater and deliver it to an indoor geothermal pump. When the water leaves the home, it goes through a discharge well. The water may then be re-directed into a local pond or drainage ditch.
How to contact Chesapeake Geosystems?
If you are still unsure if it’s right for you, contact the professionals at Chesapeake Geosystems. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today, we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.
What is the point of geothermal energy?
The point of geothermal systems is to use ground loops to regulate temperature in a home. If you are considering a geothermal system, you have probably heard the terms “closed loop” and “open loop”. Here is what you need to know about both.
How long do closed loops last?
Closed loop systems, while initially more expensive, can last for 50 or more years with minimal maintenance. Once installed, it becomes a permanent piece of the property.
Do you need to drill a pipe for an open loop system?
With an open loop system, you do not need to drill or bury pipe. Making it the cheaper option in terms of installation. A closed loop system, on the other hand, requires trenching, drilling, and burying. Next, is the question of durability. Open loop systems do degrade over time, especially when there is a high mineral content.
How does closed loop geothermal work?
Closed loop geothermal systems are different from open loop geothermal systems in that they use a mix of antifreeze and water which cycles through pipes buried in the ground instead of using fresh groundwater to transfer heat. There are also different types of closed loop geothermal systems.
Why is open loop geothermal good?
Because water is an excellent thermal conductor and groundwater is naturally insulated and much closer in temperature to the surrounding ground, open loop geothermal systems are an excellent choice for efficiency.
What is a slinky loop?
Slinky - A variation of the horizontal system is the slinky closed loop geothermal system. In a slinky loop system, the piping is laid horizontally, but first it is designed to look like a flattened and spread out slinky. This reduces the length of the trenches in which the pipes will be laid.
What are the two types of geothermal energy?
There are many different ways to utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling applications which fall into two different categories: open loop geothermal systems and closed loop geothermal systems.
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal systems are some of the most efficient residential and commercial heating and cooling systems available. They use the consistent temperature of the earth’s surface as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer. The consistent ground temperature provides a dependable constant which is high enough to provide heat for heating applications and low enough to absorb heat for cooling applications. There are many different ways to utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling applications which fall into two different categories: open loop geothermal systems and closed loop geothermal systems.
Why is open loop not feasible?
However, in many situations, open loop applications are not feasible either because there is no groundwater source available, the groundwater contains too much iron, or local code may prohibit open loop systems . River Bergquist. Posted on 10/1/2020. Thank you!
Is open loop geothermal more efficient than closed loop geothermal?
In most situations, the open loop geothermal systems are less costly and more efficient than closed loop geothermal systems due to the constant temperature of the ground water and the amazing conductivity of that water in comparison to the antifreeze in a closed loop geothermal system, which absorbs and releases heat through a polyethylene pipe.
Cost of Installation
An open loop is cheaper to install than a closed loop. Because they rely entirely on natural groundwater or lake water supplies, open loops do not have to be leak-proof. Closed loops often carry potentially hazardous antifreeze chemicals, so building them to ensure environmental safety adds cost to the project.
Changes in Constant Temperature
A closed loop can lose efficiency over time, because the circulation of the heat transfer fluid can influence the temperature of the soil near the loop. This problem does not occur in an open loop, because the source water is never mixed with the discharge water, so the original source temperature stays constant.
Maintenance Costs
Open loops can be more expensive to maintain than closed loops. Open loops depend on an adequate supply of incoming water and adequate disposal capacity for outgoing water, so changes in well deliverability can be a problem. Open loops can have problems with scale buildup and bacteria growth that inhibit water flow.
What is closed loop heat pump?
A closed-loop system is one that uses a continuous loop of pipes as the heat exchanger. These pipes are special buried plastic pipes that connect to your indoor heat pump. Together these form a sealed, underground loop through which the fluid is used to transfer the heat is circulated. The fluid is constantly recirculated, eliminating any water waste.
How does an open loop system work?
An open loop system is one that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer. The groundwater is pumped through your heat pump, and the heat from the water is either extracted (in winter) or rejected (in summer). Then the water is disposed of appropriately – normally via what is called “open discharge,” where the water is released into a stream, river, lake, pond, ditch or drainage tile. Another option for disposing of the water is to create a return well back into the ground aquifer.
Is geothermal energy efficient?
As homeowners and business owners, we’re always trying to find ways to save money on our energy bills and operating costs. One of the best ways to do so is to make sure you’ve got the most energy efficient heating and cooling system you possibly can. According to the EPA, there’s no contest here: geothermal systems are far and away “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.”
What is the difference between open loop and closed loop?
The open loop system means the output of the system is free from their input. In the closed-loop system, the desired output depends on their input. The open loop system is called the non-feedback system while the closed loop is the feedback system. The control and controlled process are the two components of the open loop system.
What is an open loop control system?
In open loop control system, the output does not affect the control action of the system. In other words, the system whose working depends on time is known as the open loop control system. The open loop system is free from the feedback. Let’s understand this with the help of the few examples.
What is closed loop control?
The closed-loop control system means the output of the system depends on their input. The system has one or more feedback loops between its output and input. The closed-loop system design in such a way that they automatically provide the desired output by comparing it with the actual input. The closed-loop system generates the error signal which is the difference between the input and output.
What are the components of an open loop system?
The control and controlled process are the two components of the open loop system. The closed loop requires some components likes an amplifier, controller, controlled process, feedback system etc. The construction of systems is easy because few elements are used in the system.
Is an open loop system reliable?
The open loop system is not reliable whereas the closed-loop system is reliable. The accuracy of the system is less as compared to the closed-loop system. The open loop system is more stable as compared to a closed loop system.
What is the difference between open loop and closed loop geothermal?
The main difference between an open loop geothermal and closed loop geothermal heat pump is the nature of the ground installation. A closed loop system relies on a buried network of piping to conduct heat in and out of the building. An open loop geothermal system pumps water from a well, runs it through the system, then dumps it back into the ground. As previously mentioned, an open loop geothermal unit can be highly efficient and doesn't need elaborate piping, but....
How does an open loop geothermal system work?
An open loop geothermal system pumps water from a well, runs it through the system, then dumps it back into the ground. As previously mentioned, an open loop geothermal unit can be highly efficient and doesn't need elaborate piping, but....
How much water does a geothermal system use?
A geothermal unit on an open loop needs a lot of water to operate. Roughly speaking, it needs about one and a half gallons of water per minute, per ton of operating capacity. To run a 5 ton system you would need 7.5 gallons per minute. Heck, an average system could use a million gallons of water or more in a year! Which is definitely a lot.
Is an open loop geothermal system better than a closed loop?
Not only can an open loop ground-source system be simpler to install than a closed loop, but open loop technology often delivers the most energy efficient performance available.
Can geothermal water go back into the ground?
Fortunately, that water is not polluted, so it can just go right back into the ground. BUT, if you don't have enough ground water to supply the open loop, which large portions of the country do not, then you have a problem. And that problem is basically unsolvable as it relates to open loop geothermal installation.
Can geothermal systems reduce iron?
Can anything be done or should we reconsider. Geothermal manufacturers typically do not allow iron content over 1 PPM, and some even less. If you cannot reduce the iron content below this level , I would not suggest using an open loop geothermal system. Closed loop is, of course, still an option.
Is groundwater good for geothermal?
How high quality is your groundwater? Groundwater with too high or too low a pH level is bad for an open loop geothermal system. Inferior water can cause scaling or even completely corrode and dissolve a heat exchanger. Which, as you might imagine, is not what you want. You really need 'Goldilocks' (i.e. - just right) water for an open loop. When you can't get it, don't bother.