HOT WATER AND

GEOTHERMAL SERVICES IN
ARCHITECTURE
Sustainable Heating Solutions for Modern Indian Buildings

Submitted to: Submitted By:

Ar. Geeta Shah Arti Saxena
Ar. Yashita Jadon
 HOT WATER SYSTEMS:
 Hot water systems are crucial for providing heated water for domestic,
commercial, and industrial purposes. In the Indian context, these systems
are widely used in homes for bathing and cleaning, as well as in industries
like hospitality, textiles, and food processing.
 Hot water is a daily necessity in many parts of India, especially in colder
regions. With the rise of urbanization and lifestyle changes, the demand for
efficient hot water systems has increased.
 Common types include electric geysers (most popular in Indian homes), gas
water heaters (used in some rural areas and commercial setups), solar water
heaters (promoted under government schemes for sustainable energy), and
emerging geothermal-based systems.
WORKING OF HOT WATER SYSTEM
1. Water Supply :
 Cold Water Inlet:Cold water enters the system from the main water supply line through the cold water inlet. This water
is at ambient temperature and is ready to be heated.

2. Heating Process:
 Water Heater (Boiler):The cold water flows into the water heater or boiler, where it is heated. The heating process
depends on the type of system:
 Storage Water Heaters: In a tank-based system, water is heated and stored in an insulated tank. The heater warms the
water using electric heating elements, gas burners, or other fuel sources. The heated water stays in the tank, ready for
use.
 Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters: In a tankless system, water is heated directly as it flows through the unit. When a
hot water tap is opened, the system activates and heats the water instantaneously, without storing it in a tank.
 Heat Pump Water Heaters: These systems use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to the water, making
them highly energy-efficient. They may have a small storage tank or be tankless.
 Solar Water Heaters: Solar collectors absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to the water directly or via a heat exchanger.

3. Water Distribution :
 Hot Water Outlet:Once the water reaches the desired temperature, it flows out of the water heater through the hot
water outlet pipe. In a storage water heater, this water is drawn from the top of the tank, where the water is hottest .
 Piping System:The heated water travels through a network of insulated pipes to various fixtures such as faucets,
showers, and appliances (e.g., washing machines, dishwashers) in the building.In some systems, a recirculation pump
may be used to keep hot water circulating through the pipes, ensuring that hot water is available immediately when a
tap is opened.
4. Temperature Control :
 Thermostat:A thermostat within the water heater continuously monitors the temperature of the water. If the
temperature drops below the set point, the heating mechanism (e.g., burner, electric element) is activated to reheat the
water . Some systems use a mixing valve to combine hot and cold water, ensuring that the water delivered to taps is at
a safe and comfortable temperature.

5. Safety Mechanisms:
 Pressure Relief Valve:The system includes a pressure relief valve that automatically releases water if the pressure within
the tank or pipes exceeds a safe level. This prevents potential damage or explosions due to excessive pressure buildup.
 Temperature Relief Valve:Similarly, a temperature relief valve opens if the water temperature becomes dangerously
high, releasing hot water to reduce the temperature and prevent overheating.

6. Usage and Replenishment:

 Hot Water Usage:When you open a hot water tap, hot water flows from the system to the fixture, providing the desired
hot water for washing, bathing, or other uses.As hot water is drawn from the system, cold water enters to replace it,
ensuring a continuous supply.
 Reheating Cycle:In a storage system, as the tank empties of hot water, cold water fills the tank and is reheated. In a
tankless system, water is only heated as it is needed, so there’s no reheating cycle.

7. Energy Efficiency Considerations:

 Insulation:The hot water tank and pipes are typically insulated to reduce heat loss, making the system more energy-efficient.
 Standby Heat Loss:In storage water heaters, some energy is lost as the water sits in the tank (known as standby heat loss). Tankless systems
avoid this by only heating water when needed.

8. Optional Components:
 Expansion Tank:In some systems, an expansion tank is used to absorb the increased pressure caused by the thermal expansion of water as it
heats, preventing stress on the pipes and the system.
COMPONENTS OF A HOT WATER
SYSTEM
1. Hot Water Heater
 The hot water heater is the main component of a hot
water system. It is responsible for heating the water to
the desired temperature. There are various types of
hot water heaters, including tankless water heaters,
storage tank water heaters, and heat pump water
heaters. The choice of hot water heater depends on
factors such as the size of the building and the hot
water demand.
2. Distribution Pipes
 Distribution pipes are used to transport hot water from
the hot water heater to the faucets and fixtures in the
building. These pipes are often made of copper, PEX,
or PVC material. Proper insulation of distribution pipes
is essential to prevent heat loss and ensure efficient
hot water distribution.
3. Circulation Pump
 In larger buildings or systems with long pipe runs,
a circulation pump may be installed to improve
the distribution of hot water. The circulation pump
helps to keep the hot water flowing and eliminates
the need for waiting for hot water at the faucets. It
can be controlled by a timer or a thermostat.
4. Mixing Valve
 A mixing valve is used to control the temperature
of the hot water at the point of use. It mixes hot
and cold water to achieve the desired
temperature. This is especially important to
prevent scalding injuries, particularly in homes
with young children or elderly occupants.
5. Expansion Tank
 An expansion tank is commonly installed in hot
water systems to accommodate the expansion of
water as it heats up. It helps to prevent pressure
buildup in the system and protects the water
heater from damage. The expansion tank is
typically connected to the hot water heater.
HOT WATER SYSTEM TYPES
1. Storage tank systems
 Storage tank systems are the most common type of hot water system.
These systems consist of a large tank that stores and heats the water. The
water is heated using either gas, electricity, or solar power and is then
stored in the tank until it is needed. Storage tank systems provide a steady
supply of hot water, but they can be less energy efficient compared to
other types of systems.
2. Tankless systems
 Tankless hot water systems, also known as on-demand systems, heat the
water as it flows through the system. These systems do not have a storage
tank and only heat the water when it is needed. Tankless systems are more
energy efficient compared to storage tank systems because they eliminate
the need to constantly heat and store water. However, they may have
limitations in terms of the amount of hot water they can provide at once
3. Heat pump systems
Heat pump hot water systems use electricity to transfer
heat from the air or ground to heat the water. These
systems are highly efficient and can save a significant
amount of energy compared to traditional storage tank
systems. Heat pump systems are usually more
expensive to purchase and install, but they can provide
long-term cost savings through reduced energy
consumption.

4. Solar systems
Solar hot water systems use the energy from the sun to
heat the water. These systems consist of solar panels
that capture the sun’s energy and transfer it to the
water. Solar systems are environmentally friendly and
can provide significant savings in terms of energy costs.
However, they may require a backup heating system for
days when there is limited sun exposure.
Overall, choosing the right hot water system depends
on your specific needs and preferences. Consider
factors such as energy efficiency, cost, and the
1. Fire-Tube Boiler

Mechanism: In a fire-tube boiler, hot gases generated from the

combustion of fuel (such as natural gas, oil, or coal) pass through
tubes, which are surrounded by water. The heat from the gases
transfers to the water, heating it up and turning it into steam or
hot water.
Construction: Typically cylindrical with a series of tubes running
through a water-filled outer shell.
Advantages:
 Simple Design: Easy to manufacture and operate.

 Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than other types of

boilers.
 Compact Size: Suitable for smaller spaces.

Applications:
 Residential: Often used in smaller-scale residential heating
systems.
 Commercial: Suitable for small to medium-sized commercial
buildings.
Water-Tube Boiler
Mechanism: Unlike fire-tube boilers, in water-tube boilers,
water flows through tubes that are heated externally by hot
gases. The water inside the tubes is heated and turns into
steam, which can be used for various applications.
Construction: Typically involves a large number of small-
diameter tubes connected by headers and drums.
Advantages:
 High Pressure: Capable of operating at higher pressures,
making them suitable for industrial applications.
 Efficient Heat Transfer: The large surface area of the tubes
allows for better heat exchange.
 Rapid Steam Generation: Quicker to produce steam
compared to fire-tube boilers.
Applications:
 Industrial: Commonly used in power plants, large factories,
and other industrial settings where high-pressure steam is
needed.
 Marine: Often used on ships for propulsion and power
generation.
Condensing Boiler
Mechanism: Condensing boilers extract additional heat by
condensing water vapor from the exhaust gases. This process
recovers more heat, making the boiler more efficient. They are
designed to maximize energy efficiency by using both the heat from
combustion and the heat from the water vapor that would otherwise
escape through the flue.
Construction: Includes a secondary heat exchanger to extract heat
from the flue gases.
Advantages:
 High Efficiency: Can achieve efficiencies up to 98%, significantly
higher than conventional boilers.
 Lower Fuel Consumption: Due to higher efficiency, less fuel is
needed to achieve the same heating output.
 Environmental Benefits: Reduced emissions due to lower fuel
consumption.
Applications:
 Residential and Commercial: Ideal for buildings aiming to
reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.
 Retrofitting: Can be installed in existing heating systems to
improve efficiency.
Combi Boiler (Combination Boiler)
Mechanism: A combi boiler combines the functions of a central
heating boiler and a water heater in one compact unit. It heats water
directly from the mains supply when a hot water tap is turned on,
eliminating the need for a separate hot water storage tank.
Construction: Compact unit containing a heat exchanger that
transfers heat from the combustion gases to both the central heating
system and the domestic hot water supply.

Advantages:
 Space-Saving: No need for a separate hot water cylinder or cold
water storage tank.
 Instant Hot Water: Provides hot water on demand without the
need for a storage tank.
 Energy Efficient: Less heat loss compared to systems with hot
water tanks.
Applications:
 Small to Medium-Sized Homes: Ideal for households with limited
space.
 Apartments and Flats: Suitable for installations where space is a
premium.
Electric Boiler
Mechanism: Electric boilers use electricity to heat water, either
through resistance heating elements or induction. They convert
electrical energy directly into heat.
Construction: Typically consists of a heating element that is
immersed in water within the boiler's tank.

Advantages:
 No Emissions: Since there’s no combustion, electric boilers
produce no direct emissions.
 Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts compared to fuel-burning
boilers, leading to lower maintenance requirements.
 Quiet Operation: Operate silently, making them ideal for indoor
installations.
Applications:
 Residential: Suitable for homes where access to gas is limited or
where there is a preference for electric heating.
 Commercial: Often used in small commercial buildings and
specific applications like underfloor heating.
Biomass Boiler

Mechanism: Biomass boilers burn organic materials such as wood

pellets, chips, or logs to produce heat. The combustion process
heats water, which can be used for central heating or hot water
supply.
Construction: Includes a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger,
and often a storage hopper for the fuel.
Advantages:
 Renewable Energy Source: Biomass is a sustainable, renewable
source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
 Carbon Neutral: When managed sustainably, biomass energy is
considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide emitted
during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the
plants during their growth.
 Lower Operating Costs: Biomass fuel is often cheaper than
fossil fuels.
Applications:
 Rural Areas: Particularly suitable for installations in rural areas
where biomass fuel is readily available.
 Eco-Friendly Buildings: Used in buildings aiming for
sustainability and low environmental impact.
A. HEAT LOAD CALCULATION
 Purpose:
 Determine the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of water.

 Formula:
 Q=mcΔTQ = mc\Delta TQ=mcΔTWhere:
 QQQ = Heat energy (kJ or BTU)
 mmm = Mass of water (kg)
 ccc = Specific heat capacity of water (4.186 kJ/kg°C)
 ΔT\Delta TΔT = Temperature difference (°C)

 Example Calculation:
 Heating 100 liters of water from 15°C to 60°C:
 m=100 kgm = 100 \, \text{kg}m=100kg (1 liter = 1 kg)
 ΔT=60−15=45 °C\Delta T = 60 - 15 = 45 \, \text{°C}ΔT=60−15=45°C
 Q=100×4.186×45=18837 kJQ = 100 \times 4.186 \times 45 = 18837 \, \
text{kJ}Q=100×4.186×45=18837kJ
BOILER EFFICIENCY
 This method calculates boiler efficiency by using the basic efficiency formula-
 η=(Energy output)/(Energy input) X 100
 In order to calculate boiler efficiency by this method, we divide the total energy output
of a boiler by total energy input given to the boiler, multiplied by hundred.

Calculation of direct efficiency-

 E= [Q (H-h)/q*GCV]*100
 Where,
 Q= Quantity of steam generated (kg/hr)
 H= Enthalpy of steam (Kcal/kg)
 h= Enthalpy of water (kcal/kg)
 GCV= Gross calorific value of the fuel.
 BOILER SIZING CALCULATION

 Purpose:
 Calculate the required boiler size to meet the heat demand.

 Formula:

Boiler Size (kW)=Q(kJ/hr)3600×Boiler Efficiency\text{Boiler Size (kW)}

= \frac{Q \text{(kJ/hr)}}{3600 \times \text{Boiler
Efficiency}}Boiler Size (kW)=3600×Boiler EfficiencyQ(kJ/hr)​
 Example Calculation:
 Assuming a boiler efficiency of 85%:
Boiler Size = 188373600×0.85=6.17 kW\frac{18837}{3600 \times 0.85}
= 6.17 \, \text{kW}3600×0.8518837​=6.17kW
GEOTHERMAL HOT WATER SYSTEM
geothermal hot water system is a sustainable and energy-efficient method for
heating water by harnessing the Earth's natural heat. These systems use
geothermal energy, which is the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, to provide
hot water for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
HOW IT WORKS:
Geothermal Heat Source: The system taps
into the Earth's natural heat through a
series of pipes called a geothermal loop,
which is buried underground. The
temperature beneath the surface remains
relatively constant throughout the year,
making it a reliable heat source.
Heat Exchange: The geothermal loop
circulates a fluid (often water or an
antifreeze solution) that absorbs heat
from the ground. This heated fluid is then
passed through a heat exchanger.
Water Heating: In the heat exchanger, the
heat from the geothermal fluid is
transferred to water in the hot water
system. The heated water is then stored
in a hot water tank for use in heating, hot
water supply, or even for space heating
purposes.
Distribution: The hot water is distributed
through pipes to faucets, radiators, or
underfloor heating systems, depending on
the building’s needs.
Benefits:
Energy Efficiency: Geothermal systems can be up to four
times more efficient than conventional heating systems, as
they leverage the constant temperature of the Earth.
Cost-Effective: Although the initial installation cost is higher,
the system can result in significant long-term savings on
energy bills.
Environmentally Friendly: Geothermal systems produce fewer
greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuel-based heating
systems, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
Longevity: These systems have a long lifespan, often lasting
25-50 years for the underground components and 20-25
years for the indoor components.
Applications:
Residential: Used for home heating and hot water supply.
Commercial and Industrial: Larger systems can provide
heating for buildings, greenhouses, or industrial processes
that require significant amounts of hot water.
Geothermal hot water systems are especially suitable in
areas with geothermal activity, but they can be implemented
in various climates, depending on the design and depth of the
geothermal loop.
Geothermal hot water systems can be categorized into different types
based on the design of the geothermal loop and the specific application.
Here are the main types:
Closed-Loop Systems: use a heat transfer fluid that is pumped
through a loop or multiple loops of piping placed in the ground, and
eventually back into the heat pump heat exchanger in the home. Closed
loop systems can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on a
home's available space, ground conditions, as well as your contractor's
ability.
 Vertical Loop: The pipes are installed vertically in deep boreholes,
typically 100 to 400 feet deep. Best suited for areas with limited land
space or where the soil is rocky or hard to dig. Requires less land area;
stable temperatures at greater depths provide consistent
performance.Higher installation cost due to drilling. it is better for
projects that aim to reduce the impact on the existing landscape, and
are typically used with smaller properties. However, vertical loops
tend to be more expensive to install, and can be more difficult to
repair if damage occurs deep underground.
 Horizontal Loop:The pipes are laid out horizontally in trenches about 4
to 6 feet deep. Best Suited for areas with sufficient land space.Lower
installation cost compared to vertical loops. Requires a large area for
installation.it require more land, but are cheaper to install since they
do not require well drilling, and may be easier to maintain in the case
of damage. Horizontal loops typically disturb the land more
dramatically than vertical loops since they require a larger area,
though the disturbed area should regrow in a couple of months
Open loop systems : Open loop systems pump groundwater to the house for heat transfer and discharge
the used water into a separate return well or surface water reservoir. If you are considering an open loop
system, be sure to check with local and state codes, as many states do not allow such systems to be built.
This system uses groundwater from a well or other water source. The water is pumped through the system,
absorbs or releases heat, and is then returned to the ground or discharged . Best suited for areas with an
abundant supply of clean groundwater . Highly efficient due to direct use of groundwater . Requires a
constant and sufficient supply of water; environmental regulations may apply to water discharge.
INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR GEOTHERMAL HEAT
TRANSFER IN BUILDINGS
Combining Geothermal with Solar Thermal:
In hybrid systems, solar thermal collectors are used
to supplement geothermal energy. During periods of
high solar radiation, the system captures solar heat
and transfers it to the geothermal loop, reducing the
load on the ground and enhancing the system's
efficiency. This approach can also prevent ground
temperature depletion over time.

Heat Recovery Ventilation Integration:

This technique involves integrating heat recovery
ventilators (HRVs) with geothermal systems. HRVs
capture heat from the exhaust air (e.g., from kitchens
and bathrooms) and transfer it to the incoming fresh
air, reducing the overall heating demand. This
recovered heat can then be used in combination with
the geothermal system to enhance efficiency.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs):
Incorporating PCMs in geothermal systems can store
excess heat generated during peak times. These
materials absorb and release heat as they change
phases, providing a way to balance heat supply and
demand. For instance, during peak solar gain or when
excess heat is captured from exhaust systems, PCMs
can store this heat for later use.
Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES):
ATES involves storing thermal energy in natural
underground water reservoirs (aquifers). In summer,
excess heat can be injected into the aquifer and then
extracted during the winter to help with heating
needs. This technique balances the thermal load on
the geothermal system and can increase efficiency.
Using Waste Heat from HVAC and Industrial
Processes:
Buildings with significant HVAC systems or industrial
processes generate considerable waste heat. This heat
can be captured and integrated into the geothermal
system. For example, heat from the exhaust air of large
HVAC systems or industrial equipment can be
redirected into the geothermal loop, reducing the
energy required to maintain a stable temperature.
Exhaust-to-Water Heat Exchangers:
These heat exchangers capture heat from exhaust air
or gases and transfer it to the water in the geothermal
loop. This pre-heats the fluid, reducing the energy
needed to extract heat from the ground.
Artificial Reservoirs:
EGS creates reservoirs in hot dry rock formations by
injecting water at high pressure to fracture the rock,
allowing it to absorb heat. This water is then circulated
back to the surface, where the heat is extracted. This
method expands the potential for geothermal energy
use in regions without natural geothermal resources.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs):
Incorporating PCMs in geothermal systems can store
excess heat generated during peak times. These
materials absorb and release heat as they change
phases, providing a way to balance heat supply and
demand. For instance, during peak solar gain or when
excess heat is captured from exhaust systems, PCMs
can store this heat for later use.

Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES):

ATES involves storing thermal energy in natural
underground water reservoirs (aquifers). In summer,
excess heat can be injected into the aquifer and then
extracted during the winter to help with heating
needs. This technique balances the thermal load on
the geothermal system and can increase efficiency.
THANK YOU
Submitted to :
Ar. Geeta viswaas
Ar. Yashita jadon