answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Conventional heat pumps heat homes and buildings by extracting heat from the outside air. In summer months, heat pumps function as air conditioners by reversing the process. Unfortunately, heat pumps are trying to provide heat when the air is coldest outside and to cool when the air is hottest. Thus, in very cold and very hot weather, conventional heat pumps do not operate efficiently.

The Geothermal Heat Pump

Geothermal heat pumps offer another solution to heat and cool homes and commercial buildings. Instead of exchanging heat with air, these heat pumps exchange heat with the ground or a source of water. This gives geothermal heat pumps a significant efficiency advantage over conventional heat pumps because the ground and water sources are more thermally inert than air. What this means is that the ground below the frost line and bodies of water do not change temperature much no matter what the season. So geothermal heat pumps do not have to work as hard to heat in the winter and cool in the summer as conventional heat pumps do. Consequently, they use significantly less electricity than conventional heat pumps and have less need for auxiliary heating sources. There are two types of geothermal heat pumps. The closed system uses a mix of water and antifreeze that flows through pipes buried in the ground or submerged in a large body of water such as a pond or lake. The open loop system pumps water from a well, pond, or lake through the heat pump and then pumps the water back to the source or to a drainage ditch.

Factors to Consider

Geothermal heat pumps are more efficient than conventional heat pumps, but that efficiency advantage varies greatly. A consumer may see as little as a 20% gain over his current energy source, or he may see in excess of 60% gains in efficiency. Factors such as the local geology, availability of a water source, the type of geothermal heat pump installed, and the cost of the type of energy currently used impact the efficiency gains. Geothermal heat pumps also cost twice as much or more than conventional heat pumps to purchase and install. However, they cost less to maintain and usually have a longer lifespan than conventional heat pumps. Home and business owners should do significant research and seek expert assistance before determining which type of heat pump is right for them.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Understanding The Geothermal Heat Pump
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Who invented the geothermal heat pump?

Jose Vallejo invented the Geothermal Heat pump


Who invented the heat pump?

Jose Vallejo invented the Geothermal Heat pump


Is there a difference between geothermal heat pump and traditional heat pump?

A geothermal heat pump and a traditional heat pump are different. A geothermal heat pump uses the earth's temperature for heating and cooling while a traditional heat pump uses the outside air or water. Geothermal heat pumps are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. If you're looking for heat pump installation in Castle Rock, Colorado, contact Colorado Bear Heating & Air at (720) 402-4242. They can help you choose the best option for your needs.


Where is it possible to buy a geothermal heat pump?

You can purchase a geothermal heat pump from a number of places. This includes good large homeowner stores, and specialist heating suppliers. You can also try Amazon.


Can Geothermal pumps be used for cooling?

Yes.The term geothermal heat pump is not the same thing as geothermal energy from hot springs. Here, it means a transfer of heat from the ground (in the winter) or to the ground (in the summer).


Can geothermal pumps can be used for cooling?

Yes.The term geothermal heat pump is not the same thing as geothermal energy from hot springs. Here, it means a transfer of heat from the ground (in the winter) or to the ground (in the summer).


What is the average cost of a geothermal heat pump?

3500 - 5000 Canadian dollars


How does geothermal energy get to the hose?

Geothermal energy is a method for heating and cooling a structure using the constant ground temperature. Geothermal heating and cooling utilizes a â??ground sourceâ?? heat pump to either extract heat from the ground during the winter or reject heat into the ground during the summer.


What energy conversion does geothermal energy use?

None it uses a heat pump which moves heat energy form one place to another.


How many gallons of water does a open geothermal heat pump use in a day?

The number of gallons an open geothermal heat pump uses varies based on its size, and the overall design. The average home system will use 6-10 gallons per a minute and commercial units considerably more.


How is geothermal power different than geothermal heat pumps used in individual homes or businesses?

geothermal power requires a natural active heat source(e.g. hot springs, geysers) to run steam turbines to generate electricitygeothermal heat pump systems are heat storage systems: heat is pumped from the air conditioner in the summer to warm up soil underground, heat is pumped from the warm soil underground in the winter to heat the building


What has the author Bruce D Green written?

Bruce D. Green has written: 'Geothermal-- the energy under our feet' -- subject(s): Congresses, Energy development, Geothermal engineering, Geothermal resources, Ground source heat pump systems