Week 8 The advantages of Ground-source heat pump

（Source: Google image, 2016）

Ground source heat pump system is an air-conditioning system which use geothermal resources of the earth's surface for warming and cooling. The main characteristics of ground source heat pump air conditioning system are as follows:

1.     High efficiency and energy saving, low operating cost   

Compared with the boiler heating system, 70% of the energy provided by ground source heat pump is sourced from the earth and 30% of the energy from the electrical energy. As a result, it will save more than 1/2 of the electric energy than the electric boiler, saving more than 2/3 of the energy than the foil boiler. As the heat (cold) source temperature of ground source heat pump is more stable, compared with the traditional air conditioning, its energy efficiency is higher than about 40-50%.

2.     Green environmental protection, less pollution

The ground absorbs nearly half of the solar energy our planet receives. As a result, the earth remains at a constant, moderate temperature just below its surface all year round. Ground source heat pump systems take advantage of the stable temperature underground using a piping system to exchange heat between your home and the earth, providing heating and hot water at remarkably high efficiency. There is no combustion, no smoke, no waste, no long-distance transport of heat, no gas emissions into the atmosphere in the heating and cooling process of ground source heat pump system. Therefore, it has environmental benefits significantly.

3.     Convenient and comfortable, reliable operation

Both temperature controller and remote controller can control the heat pump unit. Moreover, the indoor temperature can be adjusted in the set temperature range according to the need; Heat pump unit is small in volume and can be installed in indoor or outdoor. The system eliminates the need for a boiler room, cooling tower, an outdoor machine and other outdoor equipment. In addition, the system has no coal storage, tanks and other safety and health hazards.

Reference List:

Gns.cri.nz, (2015). Soil/Ground Conditions / Geothermal Heat Pumps / Using Earth Energy / Earth Energy / Science Topics / Learning / Home - GNS Science. [online] Accessed 26 Apr. 2016, <http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Earth-Energy/Using-Earth-Energy/Geothermal-Heat-Pumps/Soil-Ground-Conditions>.

Liu, YY. (2015). Geothermal Energy To Become Next New Source of Chinese Renewable Growth. Renewable energy world .com.[online]. Accessed 26 Apr. 2016: <http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2014/07/geothermal-energy-to-become-next-new-source-of-china-renewable-growth.html >.