Ground-Source Heat Pumps Overcoming Market and Technical Barriers

Publications

Reports are available at Annex 29 Publications

Objectives

To demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of ground-coupled heat pump systems.

Project manager and participating countries

Austria was the envisaged Operating Agent. The participating countries were: Austria, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden and USA.

Activities

The following work was realised:

1. Studying ideas for improved technical performance and cost of ground-source heat pump systems

• Heating-only versus heating and cooling systems
• Open versus closed loop systems
• Horizontal versus different vertical systems
• Direct expansion and secondary loop systems
• Use of different secondary fluids, including CO₂
• Vertical probes of the heat pipe design filled with CO₂
• Direct and indirect cooling
• Recharging and moisture migration in the ground
• Extraction of heat from large surface areas, e.g. parking lots, runways etc.

 

2. Identification of market barriers and innovative approaches to increase system acceptance including

• Quality assurance measures
• Ground coil system guarantees
• Contracting models for reduced initial cost
• Regulations
• Tariff structures etc.