Cooling and heating with ground source energy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how, in the recent attempts to stimulate alternative energy sources for heating and cooling of buildings, emphasis has been put on utilisation of the ambient energy from ground source heat pump systems (GSHPs) and other renewable energy sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploitation of renewable energy sources and particularly ground heat in buildings can significantly contribute towards reducing dependency on fossil fuels. This paper highlights the potential energy saving that could be achieved through use of ground energy source. It also focuses on the optimisation and improvement of the operation conditions of the heat cycles and performances of the direct expansion (DX) GSHP.

Findings

It is concluded that the direct expansion of GSHP are extendable to more comprehensive applications combined with the ground heat exchanger in foundation piles and the seasonal thermal energy storage from solar thermal collectors.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the energy problem and the possible saving that can be achieved through the use of the GSHP systems and discusses the principle of the ground source energy, varieties of GSHPs, and various developments.

Citation

Mustafa Omer, A. (2012), "Cooling and heating with ground source energy", World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 282-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/20425941211271496