GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS: MEETING GLOBAL CHALLENGES THROUGH LOAD NETWORKING
The installation of ground source heat pump systems using grids of vertical bore holes on individual building loads is growing at an increasing rate. This can be attributed to an increased awareness of the technology and a continuous increase in world wide demand for energy. System applications have broadened as awareness of the technology increases and the GSHPs are being recognized as a cost effective standard for energy conservation. The acceptance by the users of ground source technology is attributable to the soundness of the technology and its continual development and application. This paper discusses the increased benefits of networking by combining or adding thermal loads (buildings, processes, etc.) to a system for the purpose of increasing overall system energy efficiency.