How does a geothermal heat pump system operate?
A geothermal heat pump system simply transfers thermal energy (heat) from the ground or ground water into the space being conditioned during the winter months and transfers excess heat from the...
View ArticleWhy use ground water and open-loop design?
Ground water is attractive as a heat exchange medium in residential and commercial space conditioning. By using a geothermal heat pump, ground water can serve as a heat source (for heating) and a heat...
View ArticleWhat is the temperature of the available ground water?
The temperature of shallow ground water in the U.S. ranges from 44°F in the north central areas to approximately 80°F in Florida and southern Texas. In North America, geothermal heat pumps can operate...
View ArticleHow much water does an open-loop geothermal heat pump system require?
In order for a geothermal heat pump system to operate at its specified heating and cooling capacity and efficiency, the proper ground water flow rate through the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger...
View ArticleAre open-loop ground water geothermal heat pump systems viable everywhere?
Water use restrictions are more stringent in western states. These states adhere to the prior-appropriation system of water law. When disputes over water use arise, priority is given to parties having...
View ArticleWhat do I do with the ground water in an open-loop system after the...
A geothermal heat pump does not consume any water in the heat exchange process. If eight gallons of water go in the geothermal heat pump, eight gallons of water will come out. Thus, you will need a...
View ArticleWon’t I be in danger of depleting my property’s ground water supply, not to...
Most problems regarding geothermal heat pump dewatering have stemmed from improper determination of well yield. Domestic wells are normally designed to produce enough water for household use only,...
View ArticleWhat if I can’t use a well?
Water-to-air geothermal heat pumps, as the term suggests, can be adapted to water supplies other than wells, such as a freshwater lake or a stream. Another alternative to a well system would be a...
View ArticleIf I live in the city, can I use a geothermal heat pump?
Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in some urban and suburban areas if they utilize dedicated water systems not interconnected with the domestic water or sanitary systems. Several houses, all the...
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