GSHP Design Recommendations- Residential & Light Commercial These residential closed-loop ground source heat pump (a.k.a geothermal or ground-coupled heat pumps. A Buyer’s Guide for Residential Ground Source Heat Pump Systems The aim of this publication is to help readers with the decision to purchase and install a ground.

Within This Page • • • • • • • THIS PAGE SUPPORTED BY THE Geothermal heat pumps, also referred to as ground source heat pumps or geo-exchange, refer to systems that use the ground, groundwater, or surface water as a heat source or sink. Specific to their configuration, these systems are referred to as ground-coupled heat pumps, groundwater heat pumps, and surface water heat pumps, respectively. The first successful commercial project was installed in the Commonwealth Building in Portland, Oregon in 1946.

As of 2004, the United States had 12 gigawatts of installed thermal capacity from geothermal heat pumps, with an additional 80,000 units installed each year. Geothermal heat pumps use 25% to 50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air. Considerations including utility rates for electricity, natural gas, or other fuels can impact decisions to implement this technology. While most sites throughout the United States can utilize geothermal heat pump technologies, certain site characteristics will influence the type of system most suitable for a site.

Available ground area, thermal conductivity of the surrounding soil, local ground water availability and temperatures, or access to open water sources can further direct their use in a project. Geothermal heat pump system in the Kiowa County Courthouse building in Greensburg, Kansas This overview is intended to provide specific details for Federal agencies considering geothermal heat pump technologies as part of a new construction project. Further general information is available from the U. Download Wpa Kill Sp3 Rapidshare. S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Description A geothermal heat pump system is made up of several key components including: • Ground loop • Heat pump • Air delivery system.

The ground loop is a system of pipes that is buried in the shallow ground near the building. A fluid circulates through the ground loop to absorb or relinquish heat within the ground. In the winter, the heat pump removes the heat from the fluid in the pipe, concentrates it, and transfers it to the building.

This process is reversed in the summer. The air delivery system uses conventional ductwork or pipe systems to distribute the heated or cooled air throughout the building. How Does it Work? Accu-seal Used Manual Sealer. Like refrigerators, heat pumps operate on the basic principle that fluid absorbs heat when it evaporates into a gas, and likewise gives off heat when it condenses back into a liquid. A geothermal heat pump system can be used for both heating and cooling.

The types of heat pumps that are adaptable to geothermal energy are water-to-air and water-to-water. Heat pumps are available with heating capacities of less than 3 kilowatts (kW) to over 1,500 kW.

Types and Costs of Technology. Almost six million feet of 1 in. Polyethylene piping was installed with the heat exchangers at Fort Polk. Geothermal heat pump technologies can be utilized to meet both heating and cooling needs in new construction as well as major renovation projects.