Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

Ground source heat pumps take heat from under the ground using a liquid circulating in a buried pipe. The heat extracted is generally used to warm water for space heating.

Ground Source Heat Pump (big version)

ground source heat pump (photograph)

Slinky ground loop

Whatever your mechanical services needs from simple ventilation to fully comprehensive systems including ground and air source heat pumps Andrew Engineering will be able to turn your requirement into reality.

From initial client brief and systems design, to hand over, the whole process will be professionally managed.

Either working from a full client specification or an open statement of requirement, Andrew Engineering will bring the experience necessary to ensure the optimum system selection.

Andrew Engineering can tailor an individual solution to meet the requirements and provide energy efficient solutions for your environment.

Andrew Engineering design and build systems using equipment from major manufacturers, yet remain completely independent.

Choice of equipment is based upon consideration of all the factors involved to achieve the best solution for the customer.

Ground source heat pumps take heat from under the ground using a liquid circulating in a buried pipe. The heat extracted is generally used to warm water for space heating.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are best suited to well insulated (well insulated means in excess of current UK regulations.) new buildings, but can also be retro-fitted to existing buildings.

GSHP work best with low temperature water based heating systems such as underfloor heating.

The key starting point for confirming the feasibility of a GSHP installation is the calculation of the heat loss for the building with the related energy consumption profile. These allow accurate sizing of the heat pump system including sizing of the ground loop.

Andrew Engineering are Clearskies approved and members of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

External ground heat exchangers can be either:

Closed loop systems
Open loop systems.

For the majority of systems closed loop will be preferable, avoiding the need for potentially costly geological and geotechnical surveys.

Closed loops can be:

Horizontal single pipe
Horizontal Slinky®
Vertical in a bore hole.

If the ground space is available and local ground conditions allow, then horizontal ground loops should be used to minimise capital costs. Horizontal loops are usually installed as a Slinky® to minimise ground works, typically 20% of that for a single pipe. For a horizontal ground loop the trench should be between 1 - 2m deep.

External heat exchangers can also be laid under water, for example in a large pond or lake. Vertical loops are used where ground space is limited and also in larger installations. Vertical installations are more expensive to install but have higher thermal efficiencies.

GSHP - Potential benefits:

Reducing purchased energy consumption
Low CO2 emissions
High reliability
Long life expectancy
Low maintenance costs
Low noise
No fuel storage tank

For further information see Energy Efficiency Best Practice in Housing 'Domestic Ground Source Heat Pumps' - Design and installation of closed loop systems. www.est.org.uk/bestpractice