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Abstract
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are becoming increasingly popular for achieving efficient heating and cooling in buildings. They use the earth’s natural thermal energy by extracting the heat contained in the soil to provide energy efficient residential and commercial buildings with a reliable source of space conditioning. This paper will provide an overview of GSHP technology, how it works and how it can be used to benefit businesses and homeowners.
Introduction
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are becoming increasingly popular for achieving energy efficient and cost-effective heating, cooling and hot water services in buildings. GSHPs provide energy efficient residential and commercial buildings with a reliable source of space conditioning and hot water services, while reducing their carbon footprint. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of GSHP technology, how it works and how it can be used to benefit businesses and homeowners.
Ground Source Heat Pump Technology
GSHP technology is based on the premise that the geothermal energy stored in the ground can be extracted and used to condition buildings. GSHP systems are comprised of four main components: a ground source heat exchanger, a heating/cooling distribution system, air handling units and a control system. The heat exchanger, typically a loop of piping, is buried beneath the ground, where it absorbs and extracts the geothermal energy from the surrounding soil or water. The heated or cooled liquid is then transported via the distribution system to the air handling units, where it is used to either heat or cool the building and provide hot water. The control system is responsible for regulating the temperature of the liquid, and maintaining a consistent indoor climate.
Benefits of Ground Source Heat Pump Systems
GSHP systems provide a number of advantages over traditional systems, such as lower energy bills, improved energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions. GSHPs are extremely efficient, utilizing the earth’s natural thermal energy to meet the heating and cooling needs of buildings. They are also more reliable than some traditional systems, as they are less susceptible to variations in ambient temperatures and weather patterns. GSHPs also have a longer life expectancy than many traditional systems, as there are fewer moving parts that require maintenance and replacement. Finally, GSHP systems utilize a closed loop system, meaning that no outside air is used to condition the building, so the air quality inside a building is improved.
Conclusion
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are becoming increasingly popular for achieving efficient heating and cooling in buildings. GSHP systems utilize the earth’s natural thermal energy by extracting heat from the ground, providing businesses and homeowners with a reliable source of space conditioning and hot water. GSHPs also provide a number of advantages over traditional systems, such as lower energy bills, improved energy efficiency, longer life expectancy and improved air quality.