Sherman Health Builds Nation's Leading Energy-Producing Geothermal Lake
ELGIN, Ill. - Sherman Hospital announces completion of its 15-acre geothermal lake on the campus of its new hospital. The lake, which will produce more energy than any other geothermal lake in the nation, will help the hospital keep patients, visitors and staff comfortable while lowering the hospital’s reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.
"This lake is beautiful, environmentally-sound, and it was the single-most responsible financial decision we could have made for our hospital. Experts estimate we will save more than $1 million in energy costs a year," said Sherman CEO Rick Floyd.
The new hospital, set to open in late 2009 is under construction at the intersection of Randall and Big Timber roads. The hospital is a 255-bed, 645,000-square-foot, regional medical center, which boasts significant new medical capabilities and a 120-year old reputation as the community’s hospital.
Two of Sherman Hospital's guiding principles are to create a healing environment for patients and care for the environment around us. The lake, which will serve as one of the primary design elements of the new hospital, is the only geothermal lake in Illinois and one of only two lakes currently cooling and heating medical centers in the U.S.
Engineers involved in the hospital design recommended that the Sherman leadership team consider geothermal heating and cooling because it is a clean energy source. When the leaders at Great River Medical Center in Burlington, Iowa (a model for the Sherman lake) offered a resounding "YES" when asked if they would build their 15-acre geothermal lake again, Sherman decided to make the investment.
This system will cost 13 percent more to install than traditional energy sources, but the investment will more than pay for itself in just a few short years.
The geothermal lake was a clear choice for officials: it's safe and the energy produced is a renewable resource that does not create greenhouse gases or pollution. Once installed, the system is simple and inexpensive to repair and maintain, and is quieter, which will improve patient comfort. An all-glass manifold building will house the heat-exchanger pipes, allowing guests to watch the process and students to learn about the method of capturing geothermal heat.
The view of the lake and the landscaped campus from the hospital entryways and patient rooms emphasizes Sherman’s healing environment. In its future-focused design, the hospital brings together ideas of nature and technology, in the same way the hospital’s mission combines the two.
"This lake is the jewel in our new crown and a high point in the incredible design of our new hospital," said Charles Burnidge, Sherman Hospital Board Member. "It is good business and it makes us great neighbors. When people come to visit or for treatment at Sherman, they also will get to enjoy this natural element on our new campus."
In addition to cost-savings and environmental benefits, there also will be community benefits to this lake. Fish will inhabit the lake and a recreational path around the perimeter of the lake offers a safe, serene jogging or walking path for members of the Elgin community.
How it Works
A geothermal lake is an obvious choice for new buildings because the initial construction and system set-up is a massive undertaking. At Sherman, there will be 171 geothermal grids, 185 miles of 2" pipe and approximately 822 heat pumps, which together create the geothermal system. A geothermal lake maximizes the earth’s constant 55-degree temperature. Lakes or other water sources work well for installation of the polypropylene pipes, because despite the water temperature, the water itself is very conductive for the energy. Sinking the pipes deep into the water, which for the Sherman lake is 18 feet below the surface, is key to maintaining the building temperature.
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