|
Geothermal, or ground-source, heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature a few yards below the surface of the earth to provide space conditioning — heating, cooling, and humidity control. They may also provide water heating — either to supplement or replace conventional water heaters.
How It Works
GHPs take advantage of the constant temperature (around 50°F - 55°F, depending on the region) found about 15 feet underground by using coils of piping to transfer heat to and from the ground. In winter, the heat in the earth is transferred to the building. In summer, heat is pulled from the building and transferred into the relatively cooler earth.
A heat pump moves heat between the building and the underground piping. The piping holds fluid that transfers heat to and from the earth. A distribution subsystem delivers heating or cooling to the building. Piping can be installed in several configurations depending on location and equipment.
See the following links for more information about how GHPs work:
Advantages
GHPs are environmentally friendly and will save considerably on utility bills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that GHPs can reduce energy consumption — and corresponding emissions — by more than 40% compared to outside-air-source heat pumps, and by more than 70% compared to traditional heating and standard air-conditioning equipment. Combining GHPs with other energy-efficiency measures, such as window or insulation upgrades, can increase these savings even further.
Disadvantages
The only real disadvantage of GHP systems is that they cost more up front than traditional systems. Although they save a considerable amount of money over their lifespan, the installation costs can be prohibitive in some situations. However, in large building complexes, they may be more cost-effective to install than traditional systems. And when installed with a new home, the additional payment on the mortgage for a geothermal heat pump is usually less than the savings on energy bills.
With energy prices and availability in constant fluctuation, more and more homeowners and building developers are installing GHPs for their space conditioning and hot water needs.
Applications
Geothermal heat pumps can be used in almost any part of the country. The only real requirement is enough soil in which to bury the heat-exchange pipes. And in areas without enough soil, open loop systems can be installed that utilize ground water. Geothermal heat pumps have proved most popular in areas with large heating requirements, such as the Northeast and the northern Midwest, but they have been installed in almost every state in the nation.
Geothermal heat pumps can be used for almost any building, from single residences to large building complexes. Schools, churches, military housing complexes, hotels, and residences use GHPs to reduce their energy bills.
For More Information
Visit the following Web sites:
|
