Cooling and heating with ground source energy

Aims/purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential energy saving that could be achieved through the use of ground energy source heat pump systems (GSHPs) and other renewable energy sources for the heating and cooling of buildings. Exploitation of renewable energy sources and particularly ground heat in buildings can significantly contribute towards reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Design/methodology/approach – The study focuses on the optimisation and improvement of the operating conditions of heat cycles and performances of direct expansion (DX) GSHP. Place and duration of Study – Energy Research Institute (ERI), between July 2011 and November 2011.

Results/findings – It is concluded that the direct expansion of GSHPs are extendable to more comprehensive applications combined with the ground heat exchanger in foundation piles and the seasonal thermal energy storage from solar thermal collectors.

Originality/value – This study highlights the energy problem and possible savings that can be achieved through the use of the GSHP systems. This article discusses the principle of the ground source energy, varieties of GSHPs, and various developments.

Keywords: Direct expansion GSHPs; Ground source; Development and evaluation of the system.

Paper type Research paper