Earthlinked Technologies in Lakeland has developed a geothermal heat pump that uses the earth's temperature -- not electricity -- to do heating and cooling for homes and businesses.
The environmental movement and new federal laws are helping Earthlinked. But although It has customers around the world, awareness and funding are holding it back from its true potential, says Hal Roberts, chief executive officer.
Roberts, a former attorney with Lakeland electric utility, hits the conference circuit and has enhanced the company website. Earthlinked has earned nine U.S. and international patents.
It also has independent verifications of its technology from the U.S. Solar Energy Center and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But it competes against much larger corporations, such as Carrier, Trane and Lennox.
The EPA did a 15-month test of the heat pumps at Sun City Center, near Tampa, and found a 75 percent savings in heating water, compared to electricity, and a 75 percent reduction in pollutants, such as greenhouse gases.
Geothermal heating pulls heat from the ground and uses it to evaporate a liquid refrigerant. The liquid goes through a compressor which boosts its temperature. That liquid emits heat by heating cool air passing through a fan coil. To cool air, the pump reverses the process.
Earthlinked has expanded its sales staff and is looking for other applications. The University of Florida is testing how a geothermal heat pump could run a commercial refrigeration system. Earthlinked is also examining how to use the pump to cool photovoltaic panels on roofs.
Ironically, Earthlnked may get more funding by partnering with an electric utility in the future. The Florida Public Service Commission has asked utilities to deliver energy-saving technologies and renewable energy technologies.
Writer:
Dave Szymanski
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