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The GeoHC system reduces energy use and utility costs while providing top-tier comfort for travelers. In-house staff can now handle all of the system’s preventative and repair maintenance, eliminating significant operational costs.
The Jerry E. Abrahamson Terminal needed new heating and cooling. The outdated, centralized system of large cooling towers and boilers was causing problems: a single component failure could take months to repair, and travelers consistently complained about temperatures. The airport had $1 billion in total investment for a capital improvement project, and wanted to adopt innovative heating and cooling technologies that would offer customers a best-in-class experience.
The airport decided to install a carefully-designed, closed-loop geothermal system. The system includes special features such as a digital monitoring system and a moduler, six-pipe geothermal heat recovery chiller. The design reduces fan energy, enables better zone control, and maximizes recovery between heatinga nd cooling loads. Water-side economizers further reduce demands on heat-pump operation by repurposing existing chilled water for geothermal distribution, shaving $3 million from the project cost, and 2 years of installation work. Plus, the distributed layout freed up space, making it easy for staff to access and maintain equipment. The conversion and accompanying architectural rennovations – new ceilings, flooring, lighting, and wayfinding and digital signage systems – all took place with zero interruptions to airport operations.
The GeoHC system reduces energy use and utility costs while providing top-tier comfort for travelers. In-house staff can now handle all of the system’s preventative and repair maintenance, eliminating significant operational costs. The airport maximized the system’s small footprint, making it resilient and ready for future expansion. Airport management also paved over the borefield, making room for new airport improvements, including room to park charters during the Kentucky Derby and a 100,000-square-foot area for future terminal expansion.
“Just as we had hoped, the geothermal project uses innovative technology to give customers comfortable air while saving the airport money. Most of all, it serves as a leading example for others in our industry.” – Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
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