Phillips Exeter Academy Geothermal Projects

Thompson Gymnasium/ Fitness Center Renovations- Geothermal

GZA performed a geothermal feasibility study for Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, P.C., presenting the results of the installation and testing of a single closed loop geothermal well. GZA reviewed available hydrogeological information, applicable regulations, and permitting requirements, and published estimates of thermal capacity to prepare estimates for the well field-related system installation and operations and maintenance costs for a single closed loop geothermal well. GZA recommended closed loop wells on the basis of regulatory requirements, cost, and long-term operation and maintenance requirements. In a subsequent phase of the project, GZA coordinated the drilling by Skilling’s & Sons and tested all closed loop circuits and 48-hour thermal conductivity test for use in obtaining site-specific information regarding drilling conditions, ground water quality, groundwater temperature, and thermal characteristics at the site. The well was converted to use as a production well during construction of the well field.

The gymnasium building utilizes a closed loop geothermal system design with 15 wells each 500 feet in depth. During the construction, GZA observed the installation of 15 production wells, the fusion and geothermal piping of the circuits and provided inspection services during pressure testing of the wells, the header and manifold piping and flushing of the well field to ensure conformance with the with the project plans and specifications. GZA observed the well field construction on a full-time basis and prepared weekly field reports documenting our observations.
 

Phillips Hall- Geothermal Construction Support

GZA provided geothermal consulting and construction support services for the construction of a closed loop geothermal well field to serve Phillips Hall following building renovations and an HVAC retrofit. Approximately 49 wells were drilled to depths of 400 feet below ground surface to provide approximately 90 tons of heating and cooling for a hybrid system utilizing geothermal wells supplemented by District steam. GZA provided support during construction including review of submittals, construction oversight of the well field construction including drilling and installation of closed loop geothermal wells and construction of associated header and manifold piping to the building mechanical room.
 

Goel Center for Theatre and Dance- Geothermal

GZA was retained by Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, P.C. (RFS) and Phillips Exeter Academy to provide consulting services and construction observation services during the installation of the geothermal well field for The Goel Center for Theater and Dance in the summer of 2017. This new building would become the third successful geothermal project at the Exeter campus which was completed with GZA and RFS. The center for theater and dance relies on the geothermal wells for heating and cooling and was opened in 2018. The theater and dance building utilizes a closed loop geothermal system design with 60 wells each 500 feet in depth. The design also incorporated a six-circuit system with an underground manifold vault. During the construction, GZA observed the installation of 60 production wells, the fusion and geothermal piping of the six circuits and provided inspection services during pressure testing of the wells, the header and manifold piping and flushing of the well field to ensure conformance with the project plans and specifications.