35 FEBRUARY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Oberlin College Geothermal Adapted from Information by Subterra Renewables Geothermal exchange systems utility provider, Subterra Renewables is drilling Ohio’s largest geothermal systems installation at its landmark project at Oberlin College & Conservatory. Upon completion in 2027, the university’s 55-plus buildings in the district will be converted from a century-old heating system to a geothermal system to heat and cool the campus. According to the university, this will significantly reduce overall energy costs and cut campus energy consumption by over 30% as Oberlin pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2025. Subterra kicked off drilling over 850 boreholes running 600 feet deep, roughly 100 miles of underground pipe. This lays the groundwork for the geoexchange loop system to be installed under Oberlin’s outdoor practice fields located north of the campus buildings. Using a closed-loop network of underground fluid-filled, temperaturecontrolled thermal pipes, the geoexchange system will use the earth’s constant-average, year-round temperature of about 55ºF (13ºC) as a heat source and heat sink (absorbing excess heat during summer) to supply buildings with thermal energy for heating and cooling spaces. The underground piping system is circulated to a series of heat exchangers and heat pumps. In the winter, the energy station pumps hot water through pipes to heat buildings on the district system, and the cooled water returns to the energy station for reheating. In the summer, cold water pumps through pipes to cool the buildings. “This work integrates the earth as an energy storage device,” said Joel Baetens, campus energy and resource manager at Oberlin College. “When completed, the system will enable us to lean on clean energy for our heating needs - a pivotal step in our commitment to carbon neutrality.” Subterra also confirmed it has 68 geothermal drilling rigs in its fleet, and plans to grow to over 100 in the near future. With its subsidiaries having recently purchased new state-of-the-art coil and sonic drilling rigs - Subterra proudly noted it sourced some of the assets from innovative drill rig manufacturer, Ohio-based Terra Sonic International (TSi). The coil rigs allow for drilling production which is 400% faster than standard competing rigs; and the TSi sonic rigs are equipped with innovative technology that allows for faster setting of casings. As one of the largest drilling projects undertaken to date using its state-of-theart Tsi sonic drill rigs, in addition to coil drilling rigs, Subterra hopes to see expanded U.S. growth as other large American campuses and districts look to retrofit buildings or new developments with geoexchange systems installations. Additionally, the company offers a unique system where clients can purchase the geoexchange system at no up-front cost via its utility model of energy as a service offering. Users pay a monthly renewable energy fee over a long-term, multiyear period at a discount to the operating budget. “The Oberlin district program is a watershed project for Subterra that represents a major U.S.-based drilling development and campus conversion to a geothermal district energy system, proving that our investment in technology-advanced drilling rigs will revolutionize and expedite our projects,” said Kareem Mirza, chief revenue officer at Subterra Renewables. GEO The first Rauch Spinner was developed over 35 years ago. Now, the latest generation, 512HX hydraulic pipe spinning wrench from Rauch Manufacturing, Inc., spins a very generous size range of 2-3/8 inches to 11 inches. For drilling and pump servicing equipment applications, Rauch Spinners offer compact design, heavy-duty rollers for enhanced gripping power and longer life, quick pipe size adjustment, along with easy installation and maintenance. Rauch Manufacturing, Inc. is a Valued WWDR Advertiser. For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation
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