Ground source heat pumps: A technology review

Abstract

Ground source heat pumps are receiving increasing interest because of their potential to reduce primary energy consumption and thus reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The technology is well established in North America and parts of Europe, but is at the demonstration stage in the United Kingdom. This paper provides a detailed literature-based review of ground source heat pump technology, concentrating on closed-loop, ground-coupled systems, and looks more briefly at applications and costs and benefits. It concludes with the prospects for ground source heat pumps in the United Kingdom.