THE CHARME OF THE PAST MEETS THE ADVANTAGES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES
THE CHOICE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ECO-SUSTAINABILITY IN A NOBLE RESIDENCE IN PIEDMONT
At the prestigious property of Lajone Castle, located in the Piedmont hills of Alto Monferrato, Geonovis had the opportunity to intervene equipping a Seventeenth Century aristocratic building with an innovative system providing heating and cooling, while pursuing goals of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Such sensitivity goes extremely well with the absolute tranquillity and unique beauty of the place.
Open year-round, the estate has rooms for overnight stays and a glazed lounge overlooking the centuries-old park that can accommodate up to 300 seats. All heated in winter and air conditioned in summer thanks to a hydrothermal system designed by Geonovis taking advantage of the structure’s pre-existing peculiarities and technical equipment (well and cistern).
The system works exploiting groundwater from a well that feeds a cistern. During the summer period, the water used by the heat pump for cooling service is fed back into the cistern and reused, without having to draw groundwater only for air conditioning the building. The result is a reduction in electricity consumption and in the amount of water drawn for diverse purposes.
The water used by the geothermal system flows afterwards in the irrigation system of the park. Even in the winter period, the circuit remains closed as long as the water temperature in the reservoir is adequate for system operation.
If the water collected in the cistern reaches too low temperatures, it is automatically discharged and the extraction well returns to supplement the volume of water contained in the cistern: a procedure designed by Geonovis so as to ensure low consumption by exploiting the temperature of the primary carrier, groundwater, as much as possible.
The facility is also equipped with a photovoltaic system, which helps to meet the reduced electrical needs of the above-mentioned system.
A perfect example of how historical charm and the benefits of technological progress toward sustainability can coexist, enhancing the value of a place of rare beauty.
Technical details
Surface area to be air-conditioned: 500 sqm
Distribution system: fan coils
Heat requirement: 40 kW
DHW needs: 1500 L
Climatic zone: E
Degree days: 2.596
Previous heating system: natural gas boiler
Previous cooling system: chiller
Type of system realized by Geonovis: open-loop or water-to-water (with the exploitation of pre-existing groundwater and cistern) with recovery of discharged water
Installed power: 40 kW
Functions: DHW, heating and cooling
PDC 1 (model Nibe F1345)
COP heat pump: 5.27 (W1O/W35)
N. compressors: 2 hermetic and independent, Scroll type
Accessories: remote control of the system