Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) extract latent solar energy from the ground, which provides a predictable source of low temperature heat throughout the year. The two most common designs for heat absorption in a GSHP system are a horizontal closed loop and vertical closed loop.

GSHP should not be confused with a geothermal heat pump. A geothermal heat pump operates in regions where the earth’s crust is thinnest and the heat is absorbed from the earth’s core, this technology is typically applied at the larger end of heat generation power plants. Whereas a GSHP absorbs heat from the ground which is energised by solar radiation, it is much more dependent on main air temperature and periods of direct solar heat gain, and it is more readily applied at micro and medium level.

Whilst a GSHP, water source heat pump and air source heat pump are dependent on air temperatures, GSHPs and water source heat pumps have higher and more constant seasonal performance factors because the ground and/or water acts as a thermal battery for the heat energy that they absorb.

GSHPs extract latent solar energy from the ground, In both systems the refrigerant is pumped through a network of plastic pipes (usually high-density polyethylene). Using the same mechanism as a refrigerator, the GSHP turns a large amount of low temperature liquid into a small amount of higher temperature liquid. In a horizontal closed loop system, these are laid in horizontal trenches beneath the ground at a depth of approximately 2m. Alternatively, if there is not enough ground area, vertical boreholes up to 200 metres deep are drilled in a vertical closed loop system. The diameter of a borehole will range from 10-15cm.

Horizontal loops should be buried at least 1.5 m deep with a minimum coverage of 0.6m and the spacing between parallel runs should be at least the diameter of the coil; burying deeper is better and wider spacing improves long-term performance. Vertical loop systems require boreholes that are typically 60-120 meters deep and contain 1 or 2 loops. The boreholes should have a minimum separation of 5 to 6 meters, but this depends on the site geology.

In the UK, all boreholes are grouted, and the thermal quality of the grout significantly affects heat transfer. For non-domestic buildings in England, Part L2A of the Building Regulations states that the coefficient of performance, operating at design conditions, must not be less than 2.2 for space heating and 2.0 for domestic hot water.

The geological composition of the soil and the magnitude of the building’s heating demand are critical factors when considering a GSHP. The thermal mass is higher for denser soils, such as clay and lower for loam-type soil. The thermal capacity of the soil may be mixed a vary over its length and/or depth which will affect the amount of heat absorbed.

As the GSHP absorbs heat from the ground which is heated from solar radiation, the ground must have time to recharge in order for sufficient heat to be constantly available and to safeguard the seasonal performance factor. Therefore, consideration should be given to the potential long-term environmental effects of GSHPs. The running of GSHP systems extract or release heat into the ground, which results in local temperature anomalies in the subsurface. These temperature anomalies can change the chemical, physical, and microbiological characteristics of the ground.

As with all heat pumps, GSHPs are best suited to low temperature applications, such as underfloor heating or oversized radiators, as they deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods. An insulation upgrade may be required to prevent the delivered heat from simply being lost through poorly insulated building fabric. Therefore, the building should be insulated as far as reasonably practicable to make the most of the GSHP, allow the ground to recharge and achieve a better seasonal performance factor.