Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (6 - 32.6kW Output)

 

SolarGen UK, based in Sheffield are a fully accredited company governed by the Microgeneration / BRE scheme. We specialise in the design, supply and installation of Green Energy Systems and only supply products of the highest quality and the latest in technology!

This AUCTION is for a CONSULTATION only! Please send us an email for more information on how SolarGen UK can assist in the design, supply and installation of your renewable project.

We are also specialists in Solar Photovoltaics, Heat Pumps, Wind Turbines, Rainwater Harvesting, Grass / Living Roofs, Biomass Boilers, Bio-Fuels, Energy Savings Gadgets, Energy Performance Certificates.....

Please read below the following information on our Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

 

About SolarGen UK's Ground Source Heat Pumps (6 - 32.6 kW output)

Introduction

Ground source heat pumps use a buried ground loop which transfers heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating and, in some cases, to pre-heat domestic hot water. As well as ground source heat pumps, air source and water source heat pumps are also available which work mainly on the same principle of transferring heat.

How does it work?

The ground loop

This is comprised of lengths of pipe buried in the ground, either in a borehole or a horizontal trench. The pipe is usually a closed circuit and is filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is pumped around the pipe absorbing heat from the ground. The ground loop can be:

• Vertical, for use in boreholes
  
  
• Horizontal, for use in trenches
  
  
• Spiral, coil or 'slinky', also for use in trenches

In the same way that your fridge uses refrigerant to extract heat from the inside, keeping your food cool, a ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground, and uses it to heat your home. A ground source heat pump has three main parts:

• The evaporator, (e.g. the squiggly thing in the cold part of your fridge) absorbs the heat using the liquid in the ground loop;
  
  
• The compressor, (this is what makes the noise in a fridge) moves the refrigerant round the heat pump and compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature needed for the heat distribution circuit;
  
  
• The condenser, (the hot part at the back of your fridge) gives up heat to a hot water tank which feeds the distribution system.

This consists of under floor heating or radiators for space heating and in some cases water storage for hot water supply.

The system does not require any external fuel and is designed to heat a whole building.

The efficiency of a ground source heat pump system is measured by the coefficient of performance (CoP). This is the ratio of units of heat output for each unit of electricity used to drive the compressor and pump for the ground loop. Average CoP is around 3-4 although some systems may produce a greater rate of efficiency. This means that for every unit of electricity used to pump the heat, 3-4 units of heat are produced, making it an very efficient way of heating a building.

A typical 6 - 8kW system costs £7,300 - £11,800 (not including the price of distribution system). This can vary with property and location. On average you can save £400 - £800 on your heating bills and 2 - 8 tonnes of C02 per year, dependent on the type of fuel being replaced.

Benefits of Installing a Ground Source Heat pump system

• Ground source heat pumps are 400% efficient. This means that for every unit of electricity used to power the pump, 3-4 units of heat are produced.
• Reduces your energy bills. In the past 18 months energy bills have risen by a record 47 per cent and are expected to rise a further 60% by the end of 2008.
  
• Increases the value of our property. Studies suggest a 3% increase, therefore in most cases the system pays for itself.
  
• Helps the Government meet its objective for cutting carbon emissions by 20% by 2010 as set out in the Climate Change Bill. There will in no doubt be some kind of tax for properties that don’t comply within the near future.
  
• Supplies a comfortable consistent heat to the room.
  
• Reduces your carbon (CO2) emissions.

Suitability

SolarGen UK will help you determine whether this style of system will be suitable for your property as there are various considerations to take into account such as;

• Sufficient space outside your house for the ground loop.
  
  
• The ground will need to be suitable for digging a trench or borehole.
  
  
• What fuel is being replaced? If it's electricity, oil, LPG or coal the payback will be more favourable than gas. Heat pumps are a good option where gas is unavailable.
  
  
• The type of heat distribution system. Ground source heat pumps can be combined with radiators but these will normally be larger than with standard boiler systems. Under floor heating is better as it works at a lower temperature.
  
  
• Want to further reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions? Purchase a green electricity tariff, or install solar PV or some other form of renewable electricity generating system to power the compressor and pump.

There are, however, important exceptions and provisions which must be observed to comply within the Building Regulations 2003. Again SolarGen UK arrange this for you by working with your local planning authority.