The Board of Education authorizes an agreement with CT Wells/Geothermal Services, Inc. for the purpose of conducting test hole drilling and measuring conductivity in the field behind Katonah Elementary School.
A test well is a necessary step in the design of a geothermal or ground source heat pump system as it is needed to test the conductivity of the sub-surface geology. The wells or boreholes contain a loop of piping which circulates water to a depth of approximately 400 feet below the surface. These systems utilize the stable temperature of the earth to both heat and cool fluids which are then circulated to the heating and cooling equipment located in the building. Heat pumps boost the temperature up or down to meet the design heating and cooling loads in the school.
The results of the test well at KES are not finalized yet but early expectation is that the soil conductivity is typical of what is to be expected. The final results will be used to calculate how many wells are needed and the full requirements for the heat pumps and distribution systems.