Hydrology Study for Non-Mechanical Cooling of a Proposed LEED Silver municipal Police Building
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$114,230
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Building – New – Energy efficiency
Grant amount$15,015
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Prince George, BC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
76,708
Project timeline
2009 - 2010
Project number
10274
Description
The Municipality of Prince George, British Columbia, will study the suitability of its ground water to cool a proposed new LEED-silver RCMP building. If successful for this site, the technology will help the City reduce its electrical consumption for cooling its RCMP building by using ground source water as a direct cooling for its computer equipment during 12 months, and space cooling during the summer. The project resulting from this study has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by more than 80% compared to the baseline and could lower maintenance and capital costs of the building, results in-line with existing plans and targets.
Direct use of ground water for cooling is innovative and not used extensively in Canada, particularly in smaller centres. Though the system has wide applicability, its viability is dependant on groundwater of suitable quantity, temperature and purity. To determine if Prince George meets the requirements, the City will undertake the study in two phases. Phase 1 will involve a desk top review of all available environmental and geotechnical data, University database searches, and interviews with relevant ministries.
If successful at this stage, the municipality will conduct Phase 2 - the testing and analysis of groundwater flow and temperature from two geothermal test wells. These will provide data on if the aquifer can sustain the required temperature and volume for the duration of the geothermal system operation. A completion report will indicate the finding of the tests, documenting test hole logs, well completion details, pumping test results, chemistry and thermal modeling.
The eventual capital project resulting from the study will provide a showcase for geothermal cooling for other buildings within the community, and in communities with similar ground water resources and geology.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
City of Prince George, BC