Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2012

The Philippines is located near the equator and therefore has a tropical climate. The hot and humid environment make Filipinos heed thermal comfort to be able to function less stressfully and more efficiently and comfortably using various means and methods from fans, to air conditioning system. However, with the increasing cost of fuel and energy production, operating thermal control devices is getting costly and is generating greater impacts to the environment. With the growing call for sustainability, a need for alternative thermal control devices arose. This study aims to introduce geoexchange systems, especially geothermal cooling, as an alternative for providing thermal comfort in a tropical environment. Geoexchange systems harness the energy of the earth, specifically its subsurface temperature, to transfer heat from the ground to the structure or from the structure to the ground. This study needs to determine the range of the subsurface temperature of the existing environment to use in calculating the range of heat absorption the ground will be able to handle and the needed length of the ground loop to for the geothermal cooling system to function efficiently. A series of guidelines must also be created to make the installation and application of geoexchange systems efficient and effective. For a higher efficiency of the system, lower subsurface temperature is desirable. However, if subsurface temperature is warmer, longer ground loops may be installed to achieve the same effectively as lower temperatures. According to the data collected and calculated, the subsurface temperature ranges from 27C -30C. Polyethylene is the advisable material for ground loop pipes. Methods of excavation and types of loops will vary depending on available lot. To minimize the lot allotment for the ground loop of a geothermal cooling system, a vertical slinky form may be adapted for the ground loop.