Low Tech Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling for Above Ground Cattle Water Tank

Sounds like a very technical and complicated process.  It is not.  It is a very simple process after you understand how to do it.  When my husband first brought it up, I was very skeptical and thought here we go again.  He doesn't question my hair brained ideas and projects so I support his unconditionally. When he had every thing set up I put on my work boots and grabbed by work gloves. Of course it helps if the neighbor has a back hoe and is as curious as I was to see what he had planned.  This project was done October 27, 2012, not in February.

He had organized all his supplies, 2--7 foot long  x 18 inch diameter plastic heavy duty drain tiles,  2 wooden frames to hold the tiles in place (in the hole while back filling), a piece of 2 inch rigid foam insulation that he cut a little larger than the bottom of the tank, shovels, rakes, the neighbor with his back hoe.  And of course me, my camera, and our dog.

The stock tank had already been emptied and cleaned, and he had portable gates to set up to keep the cows, calves, and bull out of the way.  They are nosey, and want to be right in the middle of everything.  Wild they are not.

After digging a a hole 7 foot deep and wide enough for both the tiles and frame we were ready.  The tiles with the frame at the top and bottom already attached (the frames were built for a tight fit) were lifted by the bucket on the back hoe with a chain of course and lowered into the hole.   After making sure everything was level and centered back filling was done.  Next the 2 inch foam insulation.   He cut holes in the insulation so the it fitted around the tiles .  It was explained to me that the natural heat from the ground would keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The tank was replaced and filled with water. 

We have had a lot of extreme weather here so far and it does work until we hit about 20 degrees.  It is an improvement for him in the winter considering we do not have stock tank heaters (no electricity at the farm).  My husband said he is still breaking ice but it is not as thick as before.  I am hoping it will keep the water cool in the summer, I know I don't like to drink plain hot water. 

As you can see from the pictures our calves liked the freshly dug dirt.  Play time.