Hybrid Design
◦ Geothermal definitive design software uses hourly analysis for hybrid design that are very useful when the design length of the cooling Btu load and design length of the heating Btu load have significant differences. Substituting a Hybrid design for the difference in length will balance the Btu load for the in-ground heat exchanger and transfer some of the Btu load to the Hybrid.
◦ If the excess length in the in-ground heat exchanger is only needed a few hours of the year the additional operating cost for the Hybrid may be less than amortizing the installed cost of the excess length for the in-ground heat exchanger.
◦ GEO®Hourly will size the Btu load of the Hybrid equipment along with appropriate parameter. Shifting the run time of the Hybrid equipment to night or a different season can enhance the economics while taking advantage of lower utility rates or lower wet bulb temperatures.