Geothermal UK geothermaluk.com

Ground source heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular renewable energy technology used within properties in the UK. They are used to extract heat from the ground and pump it into a building to provide space heating and to pre-heat domestic hot water. In the summer months this process can be reversed to meet the cooling requirements of a building.

Benefits • highly efficient renewable heating and cooling system • carbon savings of 30-35% (more if the pump is powered by renewable electricity) • life expectancy of 40+ years

How does it work? The earth's surface acts as a huge solar collector, absorbing radiation from the sun. Underground the temperature remains at a relatively constant 10-15°, even in winter. Ground loop A GSHP collects heat using 'ground loops', which are lengths of pipe filled with water and antifreeze. These are buried either in a borehole, or in horizontal trenches, which require more ground surface. Heat Pump The Heat Pump itself is about the size of a fridge and is best located outside or in a utility room or garage. Inside the Heat Pump unit, compressors and pumps circulate the water-antifreeze mix around the ground loop, converting ground 'low-grade' heat into usable heat. Source: www.lewes.gov.uk/Files/env_GSHPs