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Ground
Source Heat Pumps |
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In
the UK, the earth - a few metres below your feet - keeps
a constant temperature of about 11 - 12C throughout
the year. Because of the ground's high thermal mass,
it stores low grade solar energy from the sun built
up during the summer so it is at its warmest going into
the winter. Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) can transfer
this heat from the ground into a building to provide
space heating and, in some cases, domestic hot water.
For every unit of electricity used by the heat pump,
3 - 4 units of heat are produced.
There are three important elements to a Ground Source
Heat Pump:
Ground Loop: Comprises length of pipe
(slinky) usually buried vertically in a trench but can
be laid horizontally as a mat if site conditions require.
The pipe is a closed circuit and is filled with a mixture
of water and antifreeze, which is pumped around the
pipe absorbing heat from the ground.
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Heat
Pump: Although you may not know it, heat pumps are
very familiar to us - refrigerators and air conditioning units
are both examples. A heat pump has three main components.
Evaporator :: Takes the heat from the water in the ground loop.
Compressor :: Moves the refrigerant round the heat pump and
compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature needed
for the heat distribution system.
Condenser :: Gives up heat to provide heat in your home or business.
There are also a couple of circulating pumps and the electrical
control system.
All these components are incorporated into one compact unit
which is approximately the size of a small domestic refrigerator. |
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Distribution System: Consists of under floor heating,
radiators or fan coils for space heating and in some cases water
storage for hot water supply. The design of the heat distribution
system is crucial for maximum efficiency. |
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Sizing
of the heat pump and the ground loop is critical to the operation
of the system and will depend on your heating requirements.
Government grants are available through the Energy Saving Trust
for domestic installations. As a Clear Skies accredited installer,
Griffiths Air Conditioning offer a full package taking care
of a project from design to commissioning. This includes, supply
of equipment, ground works, pipe work and wiring. Alternatively
we are happy to liaise with and advise other contractors involved. |
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