Geothermal exchange is possible in foreshore project
The District of West Vancouver is looking to tap into the ocean's heat as part of a new geo-exchange pilot project.
The idea, currently being analyzed by engineers, is to embed a series of high-density plastic coils in rock being placed off the shore as part of the municipality's erosion control program. If all goes as planned, those pipes will eventually be hooked up to a geo-exchange system to provide heat and cooling to both municipal buildings and private highrises in West Vancouver.
An ocean geo-exchange system works similarly to the way ground geothermal systems work, said Steve Jenkins, manager of sustainability, environment and healthy communities for the district. Both use small differences in temperature between two surfaces to provide heating or cooling.
Ocean geo-exchange is even more efficient than ground geothermal, said Jenkins, because "the ocean is a very stable temperature."