Ellerston, NSW

  • Property type: Residential
  • Services Installed:
  • Energy Source:
  • Size (kW): 300

World’s Largest Private Residential Geothermal System

We are proud to have completed the installation of the world’s largest privately owned residential geothermal system. Stage 1, with an initial capacity of 300kW, has been successfully commissioned and is operating as planned. Designed to scale up to nearly 1MW over multiple stages, the system efficiently provides heating, cooling, pool heating, and domestic hot water (DHW) for several buildings.

This innovative system utilizes STIEBEL ELTRON heat pumps connected to 90 geothermal probes, each measuring 120 meters in depth. The system significantly outperforms the previous fossil fuel-based setup in both efficiency and sustainability.

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Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction

The former LPG-based heating system consumed 4,500 MJ per hour, equivalent to around 44.6 US gallons of LPG, each gallon emitting 5.6 kg of CO2. Over a typical 6-month heating season, with the pool maintained for 14 hours daily, this system emitted 14,268 kg of CO2 annually.
With the switch to geothermal energy, CO2 emissions are reduced by 70%, eliminating nearly 10,000 kg of emissions each year. This switch not only reduces the property’s carbon footprint but also significantly boosts energy efficiency and sustainability.

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Key Features of the Project

  • 90 geothermal boreholes, each 120 meters deep, provide substantial thermal storage capacity.
  • 250mm primary flow and return lines, extending 300 meters to a remote bore field, facilitate efficient heat transfer.
  • Duty/standby Grundfos pumps working off differential pressure, fabricated off site.
  • 3 WPEI 87 heat pumps, with plans for expansion to 9 units, offer increased capacity.
  • 150mm stainless steel pipework in the plant room guarantees durability and efficient heat exchange.
  • 300kW pool heating capacity, ensuring sustainable year-round heating.
  • 600kW forced air heating and cooling, providing reliable climate control for all buildings.
  • 1MW scaling potential, allowing future expansion to meet the needs of additional buildings.
  • Installed by Radiant Heating & Cooling Solutions, experts in Geothermal.
  • Controlled by the award-winning Ekinex control platform.

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Expert Installation by Radiant Heating & Cooling Solutions

As the mechanical contractor for this project, Radiant Heating & Cooling Solutions expertly handled the design and installation of the radiant heating and cooling systems. Our team skillfully installed the geothermal probes (GHEX), ensuring optimal placement for maximum heat extraction. We fabricated large sections of stainless steel piping off-site to streamline the process and ensure precision during installation.

The plant room was meticulously designed and compacted to ensure efficiency while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. Our attention to detail and use of top-quality materials helped ensure the system’s long-term durability and performance, providing the owner with a reliable, energy-efficient solution for both heating and cooling.

Designed in partnership with GeoExchange Australia.

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Energy and Cost Savings

The geothermal system is projected to save approximately $300,000 annually, thanks to its superior efficiency compared to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. These savings will benefit the property owner financially while supporting Australia’s shift toward renewable energy solutions.

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A Model for Sustainable Energy

As the project advances, it will serve as a model for large-scale residential geothermal energy systems. The innovative integration of STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump technology demonstrates the potential for cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling systems in residential applications.
RHCS is proud to be part of this groundbreaking project, underscoring our commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. Together, we are shaping the future of renewable energy in Australia.

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