Ground Source Heat Pumps ...
Ground Source Heat Pumps are able to provide cost effective alternative systems with negligible maintenance and are one of the fastest growing applications of renewable and sustainable energy in the world. They can provide Hot Water and Heating.
The ground offers an excellent resource to incorporate Ground Source Heat Pumps into systems for heating and hot water. The ground temperature in the UK can generally be defined into three distinct regions. Firstly, there is a variable temperature region for the first 4m of ground, which will vary depending on the season. The next 100m or so is constant throughout the year due to the large thermal mass of the ground and from around 100m and below the ground temperature warms due to radioactive decay effects. Ground Source Heat Pumps are usually designed to use the thermal resource found in the first two regions.
Horizontal Closed Ground Loop
When there is plenty of land available, horizontal closed ground loops are normally the most cost effective method. Polyethylene pipe is laid in trenches approximately 1m deep and a mixture of water and food grade anti-freeze ('brine') is circulated to collect energy from the ground.
Vertical Closed Ground Loop
Where space is limited, vertical boreholes incorporating vertical closed ground loops may be the answer. They can range from 25m - 150m deep but can be expensive when compared to horizontal closed ground loops. A closed polyethylene U-tube is placed in the borehole and a mixture of water and anti-freeze is circulated to collect energy. If boreholes prove to be cost prohibitive then the most economic and efficient solution could be an Air Source Heat Pump.
Vertical Open Ground Loop
A vertical open loop Ground Source Heat Pump system may be cost-effective if ground water is plentiful. Ground water from a bore hole is pumped to a heat exchanger then transfers its heat to the heat pump. After it leaves the building, the water is pumped back into the ground via a second bore hole, located at a suitable distance from the first.
Careful consideration must be given to the consistent quality and quality of the water available.
Closed Pond Loop
A closed pond loop Ground Source Heat Pump system may be the most effective if your building is near a body of water such as a large pond or lake. The brine circulates underwater through polyethylene piping in a closed system. The pipes may be coiled in a slinky shape to accommodate them in a restricted space, providing adequate flow of water through and out of the lake.
We can design a Ground Source Heat Pump solution to meet your requirements and specify the equipment needed. We cover Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and all areas around Bournemouth, Southampton and Poole.
Please browse the website for more information about alternative energy and our range of Heat Pumps then contact us on 01202 855804 to speak to one of our team, or email us.
