What You Need To Know About Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems

In a world progressively moving towards more eco-friendly solutions, ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) systems are a key component. Drilcorp is leading the way by providing ground source geothermal borehole drilling and geotechnical exploration services to aid the installation of these systems.

As experts in providing boreholes for this technology, we’re here to give you a brief overview on GSHP systems, including their role, their function and their benefits.

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What Are Ground Source Heat Pump Systems?

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is a highly efficient heat transfer system used for climate control in both commercial and domestic buildings. This heat pump has a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 to 4.

On the cooling cycle, heat is removed from a building and deposited in the earth leaving the building pleasantly cool. 

On the heating cycle, heat is collected from the earth and transferred into a building creating a comfortable living temperature. Hot water is also produced by the system.

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How do Ground Source Heat Pump Systems Work?

There are three main components to a GSHP system: 

1. The property space that needs to be climate controlled (heated or cooled)
2. The Earth where heat can be extracted or deposited. There are various configurations to the earth segment such as: 
   1. Closed Loop Systems where refrigerant is pumped around tubes which may be inside of boreholes or trenches below ground. In this system, refrigerant is circulated passing through the heat pump where heat is transferred. 
   2. Open Systems where groundwater is pumped from one borehole, through the heat pump where heat is transferred and returned to earth via another borehole. 
3. The Heat Pump where heat is transferred from one side to the other. The only product connecting the property and the earth is heat which is transferred from one to the other. 

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What are the Benefits of a Ground Source Heat Pump System?

• Energy-efficient

GSHPs can provide three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity they use, making them incredibly energy-efficient (COP 3 – 4.)

• Helps to reduce carbon emissions

Because they are energy efficient, they produce less carbon.

• Ideal for off-grid properties

If your property isn’t connected to the gas grid, a GSHP can be an excellent heating solution. Government environment policy is aiming for the removal of gas boilers.

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Closed Loop vs Open Loop Systems

For closed loop systems, boreholes are the drilled for the installation of a ground loop. These small diameter boreholes can be drilled to various depths, depending on the size of the heat pump system and the ground conditions. 

For open systems,  larger diameter boreholes are required. The borehole where water is to be extracted is essentially a water well. A submersible pump is installed to pump groundwater from the borehole and through the heat pump where heat transfer takes place. The water then continues on its way to a second borehole where it is reinjected into the earth. 

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Contact Drilcorp Today!

Drilcorp is also thrilled to announce our new Conrad Combi 300 drilling rig, designed to facilitate closed-loop ground source drilling. Equipped with a fully automatic rod loading system. This machine is perfect for any GSHP installers looking to undertake multiple closed loop projects. This highly advanced machine is also versatile, capable of constructing large diameter open loop boreholes and commercial water wells.

Contact Drilcorp today to learn more about our ground source heat pumps and borehole drilling services.