Brine defroster - what it is?

Energy-efficient geothermal preheating system for ventilation units
The Brine defroster is a ground heat exchanger designed for use with heat recovery ventilation units. In cold winter seasons, the brine defroster prevents the ventilation unit's heat exchanger from freezing and becoming damaged. During hot summer periods, it cools incoming air, creating a comfortable indoor environment. The "GHT" Brine defroster employs a geothermal heat collector to transfer heat from the ground to the air within the ventilation system.

Winter period

During extremely cold winters, the brine defroster heats incoming air to ensure the proper functioning of the ventilation unit. It utilizes ground heat at depths of 1.5 to 2.5 meters, where temperatures range from +5°C to +8°C.

Maximum heating capacity of up to 8 kW while consuming only 0.04 kW, for airflow up to 1000 m3/h.

Summer period

The brine defroster leverages ground coolness, with temperatures between +10°C and +14°C at depths of 1.5 to 2.5 meters, to cool incoming air.

Maximum cooling capacity of up to 8 kW while consuming only 0.04 kW, for airflow up to 1000 m3/h.

Horizontal ground loop system for sustainable air temperature regulation

Advantages

  • Low power consumption
  • Very high efficiency
  • Maximum comfort due to cooled air in summer period - comfortable indoor climate
  • Pre-heating of outdoor air in winter using geothermal energy
  • Very light - quick and easy installation at the site
  • Low pressure drop
  • Housing made of EPP - exclude thermal bridges

Brine Circuit

The brine defroster employs a geothermal heat collector to transfer geothermal heat from the ground to the air passing through the brine defroster. This collector comprises a PE-pipe, whose length depends on local conditions such as soil type and groundwater level. Compact and loamy soils transfer more heat to the brine than loose, sandy soils. If the pipe is below the groundwater level, the brine absorbs more energy from the soil. Only the length of the pipes in the ground should be considered when calculating pipe length, as pipes within the building do not affect energy absorption. Pipe length may need to be doubled in sandy soils. 

The geothermal heat collector can be installed in open spaces or trench systems, depending on property size. Pipes must be laid horizontally at a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters, but not deeper than 5 meters. The minimum distance between pipes should be 0.8 meters. The highest point of the brine circuit is the vent of the brine-defroster's float vent. Vertical drilling can also serve as an energy source, with required depths calculated by the installer. In some cases, a ground heat pump brine circuit can be used as an energy source.