Specialists in big dies, progressive dies, and lamination dies
Geothermal Energy
So why these photos of piping and a heat exchange unit? Our building, custom-made in 1998 for us and the work we do, uses geothermal energy for heating and air conditioning. A geothermal system works on the principle that the temperature below the earth's surface remains at a constant 50 degrees, regardless of the surface temperature. Minnesota Tool's plant contains approximately 65 vertical wells, each 135 feet deep, with a closed-loop system of geothermal piping filled with nontoxic antifreeze. Heating and cooling then circulates throughout the building via the tubing.
What are some advantages of using geothermal energy? Efficiency, for one. While a conventional gas appliance might operate at 80% efficiency, a geothermal system is 300-400% efficient—that is, the energy that is introduced into the system is for transporting heat, not creating it. Another advantage is that if one section of the plant becomes too hot—say, an area with machinery—that excess heat can be transported by the system to another area that needs it. Finally, a geothermal system permits more precise control of the plant's temperature, and that precision helps us to maintain the precise tolerances required by our dies.
Like to talk with us directly? Call Minnesota Tool at 763-323-0145 extension 202 or e-mail us at info@mtdwi.com.
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