Summary of information on ground source heat pumps

Please find below a summary of information from the discussion network, compiled by Philip Pike from the University of Oxford.


I recently asked for experiences of members who have installed closed loop ground source heat pump systems. I would like to thank all those who have responded – the information has been very useful. I have made a brief summary of some of the key points and recommendations put forward, for the benefit of any other members considering similar installations:

•At the design stage, it is important to ensure that the heating arrangements within the building will be able to interact efficiently with the system, and that the capacity of the system and the heating/cooling load required are carefully matched. This is the most important factor in determining whether a geothermal system will be a success.

•There is currently no nationally accepted standard borehole test, and different contractors have different methods of testing. If tests are to be carried out before giving a contract to construct the whole system, it is important that the method used conforms to the standards required by all companies to whom the final contract may be given.

• Commissioning procedures need to be robust, and it should also be clear which parties bear responsibility should there be any problems after completion.

•Make sure appropriate control and monitoring systems are in place to maximize performance of the heat pumps, and identify any problems.

•Additionally, if a GSHP system is being used to make a contribution to domestic hot water, the output temperature from the heat pump and boiler/solar heating/etc. should be high enough to kill legionella bacteria.

Thank you to all those that contributed information.

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