Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps are stand-alone units. They are roughly the same size as a fridge-freezer unit. They can be installed outside or inside your home or business premises. Groundworks are required to lay the ‘ground-loop’ system. This is the pipework that collects the heat energy from the ground. The great news is that they can save up to 80% of your energy consumption!
All About Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps work by drawing in heat from the ground. It then transfers heat to provide you with your heating needs. It distributes via underfloor heating and radiators.
When outside temperatures are below zero, 100% of your heating and hot water needs can still be generated. This is because the ground temperature is generally between 8 – 12 degrees all year round.
The ground loop can sit horizontally or vertically. If horizontally laid, the loops need to be at least 1 meter below the surface. If vertically laid, a bore is drilled around 100+ meters down. If you have a lake, they work very well as this temperature is also consistent.
The most common configuration is a horizontal ground loop. This loop is laid in a straight line, spaced at least 1 meter apart. A good deal of land is needed for the heat pump groundwork. A good rule of thumb being 3 times the amount of floor space you are looking to heat.
Many heat pumps qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, which offers a £7,500 Gov contribution for simply installing and using renewable energy products.
The Neater Heat range offers leading Brands covering various sizes and needs for properties and businesses.
How Do Ground Source Heat Pumps Work?
Ground Source Heat Pumps are extremely efficient because they move energy rather than create it. They are seen as a long-term renewable energy investment, as the benefits continue over time, often with added profits. For every 3kW of heat moved into your home it only uses 1kW of electricity.
This means the heat pumps provide an impressive performance efficiency of 300%
Step by step guide to Ground Source Heat Pumps:
- The ground-loop pushes fluid around its circuit collecting the heat from the soil.
- The heat pump’s evaporator then uses the ground source heat obtained by the exchanger to boil the refrigerant. This boils at approximately -10˚C. Then it turns the refrigerant into vapour, which is then transferred to the Compressor.
- The Compressor then compresses the vapour and as its volume decreases. At the same time its temperature increases. The gas that is created is fed through to a heat exchanger within the heating pump.
- Forcing the hot gas through the central heating system’s cold water condenses the refrigerant back into a liquid. As it does this, its heat is passed into the heat exchanger, which supplies your domestic hot water. Then it powers the central heating system using the air source heat extracted at the source.
- To complete the heat pump’s closed circuit, the pressure of the condensed liquid is reduced via the expansion valve. The end result is just as planned – your heating requirements are fulfilled!
