Renewable Energy News

Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps, How do they work?

Ground source heat pumps can be used for central heating and hot water in domestic and commercial premises. The system can completely replace your existing boiler and does not normally need any kind of 3rd party back up system.
Among other things, the system uses a compressor, heat exchanger and ground loop to extract heat from the ground around your house. This heat is then transfered around your house using conventional radiators or underfloor heating etc.

Do I need my own natural hot spring!?

One of the many misunderstandings is that the type of system used in the UK does not need the heat that is stored deep inside the earth. The word Geothermal simple mean earth heat. The systems typically used in the UK extract the heat that is collected by the ground from the sun. It utilises the fact the the earth is one large solar collector.

The clever part is that the heat pump is capable of extracting heat that is perhaps 10 degrees C and 'focusing' it to heat water up to 60 degrees C.

The way this works can be described as being the opposite of a fridge, your fridge extracts heat from a box (or your garden) and emits it using a radiator (your home) on the back of the fridge.

How does it do this?

Well, the ground loop contains a glycol solution that is pumped around your garden and slowly increases it's temperature to that of the ground (this is usually between 7 and 12 degrees C all year round). So, the approximately 10 degree C solution then transfers it's heat to a low pressure refrigerant, once the refrigerant has taken on the relatively small temperature increase, the refrigerant is compressed. At this point the amount the refrigerant is compressed dictates how much heat is emitted. The refrigerant is then de-pressurised and pumped back to the heat exchanger to take the 10 degree heat from the ground loop.

If this doesn't make sense, then don't worry. The system is very reliable, needs very little intervention and will last in excess of 20 years, far longer than a conventional boiler.

Who can install a ground source heat pump for me?

Intelligent Energy Solutions are based in Loughborough, Leicestershire and we are happy to discuss your heat pump requirements. If we think that a heat pump is suitable for you then we will be only too pleased to quote for the supply and/or installation.
Please feel free to call on 01509 891256 or e-mail us to discuss your needs.

Ground Source Heat Pump vs Air Source Heat Pump, which is right for me?

Obviously I have talked only about ground source heat pumps but it is also worth mentioning air source heat pumps.
The difference between these systems is that Air Source Heat pumps do not need a ground loop , they extract heat from the air around us. The disadvantage with an air heat pump is that as the ambient temperature outside decreases the air heat pump struggles to extract heat easily. This means that the efficiency decreases.
One other fact of central heating systems is that you need them most when the outside temperature is at it's lowest. This means that Air heat pumps are useful for heating properties that don't have the room or funds for a ground loop or need heat when the ambient temperature is generally higher. This means that air heat pumps along with unglazed solar water panels are very useful for heating swimming pool water.
In summary if you want to heat your home efficiently with electricity, consider a heat pump. If you have a ground source heat pump you will benefit from good efficiency all year round, where the air heat pump will be significantly less efficient in winter.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your personal situation, we will be happy to help.