The low down on ground source heat pumps performance, advantages and efficiency.

Introduction to Ground Source Heat Pumps

Using the stored solar energy in the ground, GSHP’s are an extremely efficient and effective way to provide all of your heating and hot water requirements. The ground within your property offers an inexhaustible source of energy. Thanks to sun, rain and geothermal energy, the stored energy is available any time, day or night, summer or winter, and is free of charge.

In principle, a heat pump works like a refrigerator, only in reverse. A ground source heat pump uses solar energy stored in the ground. It captures this low-grade heat energy, works it through the refrigeration cycle and then releases the heat at a much higher temperature on the heating side.

Energy Source Collector Methods

Only very little temperature fluctuations occur at a depth of approximately 1m, no matter how cold it is outside.  Trench based system and deep drilling geothermal probe are two ways in which stored heat can be collected.

Trench Based System

Straight or slinky pipes are installed as a horizontal pipe system in the ground, which is laid in a similar way as an UFH system in snakes at a depth of approx. 1m. The required collector area depends on the heat demand of the building and the thermal conductivity of the soil.

Deep Drilling Geothermal Probe

When it comes to geothermal probes, only a small area of land is required. Bore holes are very effective, especially in winter at low temperatures. The deeper the borehole, the more thermal stability is obtained. The necessary length of the borehole required is dependent upon the size of your home and nature of the thermal conductivity of the ground.  The boreholes are typically 50m to 100m deep (standard domestic). Borehole drilling is a more expensive solution but is suitable where there isn’t much land available. Once borehole drilling is complete, 32-40mm HDPE pipes are installed with a non-toxic anti-freeze (glycol) circulating round the pipes in a closed circuit to collect the heat.

Ground Source Heat Pump Efficiency and Performance

The design and installation method of a ground source heat pump is imperative when looking to achieve optimal performance. Measuring the efficiency and performance of GSHP’s is done through “coefficient of performance” (CoP). When adhering to the professionally advised installation design and method, a GSHP’s can be 300-400% efficient in relation to its use of electricity. Overall, GSHP’s are one of the leading heating systems when it comes to top rankings in performance and efficiency in a variety of heating systems.

The MCS offers full, in-depth knowledge for Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Installation and Running costs

Generally, ground source heat pump installation costs more than your standard heating systems. They can range anywhere from +- £16 000 – £26 000. Nevertheless, the running costs are much lower due to the high energy efficiency that they provide, and the minimal maintenance required. When professionally maintained, the lifespan of a GSHP is typically 20 years. The estimated time for installation can be anywhere between 2 – 3 weeks regardless of the collecting method installed.

Advantages of a GSHP

  • High performance – Meets hot water and heating requirement all year round regardless of the season or time of day.
  • Environmentally friendly – Low carbon heating system, using an inexhaustible supply of natural energy resources.
  • Low running costs – By being highly energy efficient, GSHP’s dramatically lower your energy bills. And low maintenance
  • Increased property value – With a well-designed installation, GSHP’s make for a great investment when it comes to home improvements.
  • Space saving– GSHP’s are silent, unnoticeable and require no fuel storage.
  • No planning permission- Unless it is a listed property or within a conservation area, installing a ground source heat pump does not require planning permission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ground Source Heat Pumps make an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower their home carbon emissions. They are offer a highly economical and efficient renewable energy solution. At Bumblebee Energy, we are proud to bring you a range of high-quality water and ground source heat pumps. We are fully accredited and compliant in all industry standards. Our team are a dynamic and diverse group with over 100 years of experience working within the renewable industry.

To upgrade your current heating system to a more energy efficient, high performing, environmentally friendly and money saving system, contact us.

DID YOU KNOW?

Homeowners, private landlords, social landlords and self-builders throughout the UK who have renewable energy heating systems, can apply to receive tax free payments from the government for seven years. By installing the relevant renewable technologies, you can reduce your carbon footprint and also save on energy bills. After seven years of receiving Domestic RHI payments, plus savings on your heating bills, you should see yourself making back a large portion – if not all – of the initial investment; overall saving you money whilst preparing your home for the future.

Click here for more information on the renewable heat incentive (RHI).