Geothermal plant to save Aviano $35,000 per year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  As Energy Awareness Month comes to a close this week, Aviano Air Base continues to look ahead anticipating savings of about $35,000 per year from energy costs with the completion of its geothermal plant at the Dragon Fitness Center.

Now fully operational and the first of its kind in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the $470,000 geothermal project was part of the base's commitment to reduce energy demand, increase supply of renewable energy and implement cultural change.

"The geothermal project is a great example of the types of thinking that will ultimately win the day in our energy conservation efforts," said Adam Leigland, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron deputy commander. "One thing we are consistently on the lookout for in CE is energy-saving technologies that appear attractive on paper, but in reality would be hard for us to operate and maintain, in the end costing more than they save. We call this 'unsustainable sustainability.' The geothermal project is not this. It's innovative enough to be saving thousands per year with no impact to fitness center operations, but not so far forward that we lack the resources to keep it up and running."

Using Earth as a heat source in the winter or a heat sink in the summer, a geothermal system pumps heat to or from the ground.

The new system reduces electricity consumption for the air conditioning system and gas consumption for the hot water boiler burner. Another important aspect is the drastic reduction of maintenance hours for the boiler room.

"This design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures in the ground to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of heating and cooling systems," said Damiano Rigo, 31st CES Asset Optimization chief. "Like a refrigerator or air conditioner, these systems use a heat pump to force the transfer of heat."

Heat pumps can transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space, against natural direction of flow, or they can enhance the natural flow of heat from a warm area to a cool one. The core of the heat pump is a loop of refrigerant pumped through a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle that moves heat. During the winter, the shallow ground temperature is warmer than the air above, while in the summer, it is the opposite.

"A ground source heat pump extracts ground heat in the winter for heating and transfers heat back into the ground in the summer for cooling," Mr. Rigo said.

Currently, the geothermal heat pump provides hot sanitary water. During the summer season, the pump provides chilled water for the air conditioning system. In the future, it will also provide hot water for the heating system during winter time.

According to Mr. Rigo, the geothermal plant is important because it allows the Air Force to be more energy independent.

"One of the three pillars of the Air Force energy strategic plan is to increase supply, which means increase the amount of energy supplies available to enhance our nation's energy security," he said. "In addition, renewable energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal is a perfect example of renewable endless and free energy."

Currently, the 31st CES has programmed 16 new energy projects for the next two years with an investment plant of $5 million. These projects include conversion of boilers from fuel to gas systems and the installation of solar heating panels on all dormitories and the swimming pool. The squadron also plans to install thermal insulation in several facilities, set up lighting control systems with sensors and meters, mount photovoltaic panels on the Exchange and Commissary roof, and make way for new irrigation systems at the sports fields and golf course using storm water.

"About two-thirds of Aviano energy consumption is in things like pumps, fans, street lights and behind the scenes, infrastructure-type stuff," Mr. Leigland said.

The remaining one-third is in the behavior of building occupants. This includes works space lighting, work space heating and cooling and the use of electrical appliances.

"Thus the second prong of our strategy is to encourage Aviano members to adopt energy-saving habits," Mr. Leigland said. "It could be simple things we already know like turning lights off when you leave your office."

He explained that conserving energy is important for three reasons -- it saves money, promotes good environmental stewardship and strengthens national security.

Team Aviano needs to save energy because energy availability and security impacts all Air Force missions, operations and organizations, and it is necessary for the support of Air Force priorities, Mr. Rigo said.

"Though there is no silver bullet solution for reducing energy dependence in day-to-day operations, the Air Force is dedicated to integrating energy management across mission areas and implementing a portfolio of renewable and alternative energy projects that will enhance the Air Force's energy security," he said.