Introduction Topic: The Basic Ground Source Heat Pump Name: Matthew Stoangi Objective: To provide a clear understanding of the mechanics involved in the basic function of a typical closed loop ground source heat pump.

Heat Pump: Defined Formal Definition: “A heat pump is a machine which moves heat from a low temperature reservoir to a higher temperature reservoir under supply of work.” Wikipedia Encyclopedia Basic Definition: Heat naturally flows from places of high temperature to low temperature Heat pumps function by manipulating this process. They apply a relatively small amount of input energy to transfer heat into or out of a desired location according to the ambient temperature requirements

Operation Summary There are three basic components of any heat pump system: 1.The Heat Pump Unit: The unit which governs the flow of heat. It contains the compressor and the input and output exchange coils. 2.The Heated Space: A body of space, usually a building or room, that needs to be either heated or cooled with respect to the external temperature. 3.The Surroundings: A body of space, which is the ground in a grounds source system, that either donates or accepts heat flow depending on the season and type of use.

SurroundingsUnit Heated Space

Operation Summary Typical Closed Loop System: Water or antifreeze solution is circulated through a closed system of pipes buried beneath the earth's surface Heating: Fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it to the unit where it is transferred to the building Cooling: The unit pulls heat from the building and transfers it to the fluid which discharges it into the ground

Heat Transfer All heat transfer is performed by use of a refrigeration cycle consisting of a single compressor and two heat exchangers Total of three closed loop systems in operation (Input, Refrigerant, Output) The controlled compression and expansion of the refrigerant provides the ability to transfer the heat across the unit from the two separate systems Refrigerant may flow in both forward and reverse directions to provide both a heating and a cooling mode

Heating: The building is heated by pumping heat absorbed from the surroundings into the building or room to maintain the desired level of heat Cooling: The building is cooled by pumping heat from the space into the surroundings

Conclusion In conclusion, a basic ground source heat pump functions using the properties of refrigeration to transfer heat between the earth and a volume of enclosed space. The resulting heat transfer link is very efficient and allows for a controlled flow of energy between the two separate systems. It is this link that makes the heat pump an effective device for use in both the heating and cooling of most residential or commercial spaces.

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