Have you ever wondered why, despite the biting cold, the ground two meters deep maintains a constant temperature? It is the principle of geothermal energy, one of the most underrated renewable sources on the planet. While the rest of us (not all of us, fortunately) continue to burning fossil fuels To warm us, a French company has developed an ingenious system to exploit this natural and free heat. And it's so simple, you'll wonder why no one thought of it before.
A treasure hidden beneath our feet
The history of geothermal energy is as old as humanity. The Romans already used it for their spas, exploiting the natural heat of the Earth. Today, although technology has evolved enormously, Geothermal electricity generation still represents only 0,34% of global electricity generation. It's like having a gold mine in your backyard and still buying jewelry at the mall. Crazy, right?
Now for this form of energy things could change thanks to PAM Building, a branch of Saint-Gobain, which has developed a solution that is as simple as it is effective: the Elixair climate well. As is often the case, the best innovations are those that are inspired by nature. And Elixair does it brilliantly, exploiting a basic principle: the temperature of the ground remains constant all year round. It is a natural thermostat under our feet.
How this ingenious system works
Elixair is essentially a network of underground channels that acts as a heat exchanger between the air and the ground. Unlike traditional systems, it does not require deep excavations or complex installations. Two meters underground. Period. It reminds me a bit of the Batcave cooling system (yes, I'm a nerd, I admit it), but much more practical.
The Romans have already used this type of device. It is as old as Herod. It is revised today, but it was not certified, because the pipes were made of PVC. It was much more fragile and permeable to bacteria.
explains Benjamin Moret, which collaborates with PAM Building. The real innovation lies in the materials used, which make the system more robust and safer than previous attempts with PVC. It's like switching from a Fiat Panda to a Tesla, for those who love Tesla of course. The real magic happens when the system starts working: in the summer can lower the air temperature by 12°C, while in winter can increase it by the same amount. It's like having an air conditioner and a boiler that run on free energy. Forever.
The Science Behind This Geothermal Energy System
But how exactly does this system work? It's simpler than you think. The ground, two metres deep, maintains a constant temperature between 12 and 14 degrees all year round. When outside air passes through Elixair's tubes, it is naturally cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. No expensive heat pumps or complex compression systems are needed. It's basic physics that does all the work. Like that old elementary school experiment with the buried water bottle: remember?
The system is so efficient that it can dramatically reduce, if not completely eliminate, the need for traditional air conditioning systems.
A practical and versatile system
Versatility is another strong point of ELIXAIR. As he explains Mathieu Trapeaux, commercial manager of PAM Building:
You can even plant trees or build a parking lot over the air duct. We are already equipping high schools, colleges and even military facilities.
The system can be combined with different types of ventilation, both single and double flow, adapting to the specific needs of each building. It is an invisible butler that constantly regulates the temperature of your home, without ever presenting you with the bill.
Installation and maintenance: easier than you think
One of the most frequently asked questions is about installation. Rest assured, you won't have to turn your yard into a construction site for months. Installation is surprisingly quick and non-invasive. The pipes are laid two meters deep, but once installation is complete, you can reuse the space above as you wish.
Maintenance? Virtually zero. The system is designed to last decades without requiring significant intervention. It's like planting a tree: once it has taken root, it does everything by itself.
Geothermal Energy for All: Economic and Environmental Benefits
Let's talk about money, because I know that's what you're thinking. The initial investment may seem large, but the savings are substantial. Heating and cooling costs can be reduced by up to 70%. In a few years, the system pays for itself. And the environment? Each Elixair installed reduces the equivalent of dozens of trees in CO2 emissions. Not bad for something that sits comfortably buried in the garden.
Geothermal energy is finally coming out of the shadows, and with innovations like this it could soon become the norm rather than the exception. One small step for your wallet, one giant leap for the planet. Are you ready to take that step?
