On June 19, 2000, Atlantis Marine World aquarium opened its
doors, providing an enjoyable and educated experience for all
visitors. Atlantis' marine life is sustained by a LIPA-supported
clean energy technology that utilizes the energy available in
the ground. This was a perfect solution for an environmentally
sensitive habitat.
LIPA’s Energy Specialists assisted with the design of a
150-ton geothermal system to support the Atlantis Shark Tank
Exhibit. The system uses the passive energy of the earth to heat
and cool the saltwater tank through a geothermal water source
heat pump. A geothermal loop is located underground, beneath a
picnic area on the grounds of the aquarium, and therefore has no
unsightly above ground equipment. The system uses five 30-ton
WaterFurnace heat pump units and two 7-1/2 horsepower pumps to
push water through the loop.
LIPA is dedicated to bringing
the cost effective and environmentally responsible
energy-efficient technologies to Long Island. Financial
incentives were provided for the projects as part of our Clean
Energy Initiative. The financial incentives offered by LIPA made
the project more affordable. The geothermal system will continue
to save energy dollars throughout the lifetime of the equipment.
"We’re able to maintain a good constant temperature
in that tank on five heat pumps. With a chiller system,
the cost to heat and cool 120,000 gallons of water would
be great. We’re very pleased."
Clean Energy Initiative
