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WATER OR GROUND: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOURCE FOR YOUR GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP

Geothermal heat pumps are renowned for their superior efficiency and exceptionally long lifespan, making them the ultimate standard in heat pump technology. By carefully selecting the appropriate heat source and installation method, you can make an investment that lasts a lifetime.
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Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient type of heat pumps and represent the best long-term investment. However, their installation is more complex compared to air-source heat pumps. 

 

The ETERA geothermal heat pump can utilize various underground heat sources. Before starting any work, a geologist prepares a report on soil composition and water protection conditions. Based on this report, we choose the most suitable heat source. 

 

Proper source selection and accurate sizing are crucial for the ETERA heat pump to function as intended. 

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Choosing the Right Source

When deciding to install a geothermal heat pump, it’s essential to carefully consider the choice of heat source and collector. Do we have access to groundwater, or would it be more practical to use the earth’s own heat? How much space is available on our property, and what level of investment are we comfortable with? Answering these questions is key to finding the optimal solution that meets our needs and budget. 

 

Groundwater 

Groundwater is the most energy-efficient source, maintaining a stable temperature between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year. To utilize it, two wells are needed: a suction well with a submersible pump and an injection well for returning the cooled and uncontaminated groundwater. The water must be chemically analyzed, and a water permit obtained before use. 

 

Vertical Ground Collector 

When sufficient groundwater isn’t available, the ground’s stored heat can be used. Below the depth of 8 meters, the ground temperature remains constant. A borehole is drilled to insert a collector, and the surrounding space is filled with a special material to enhance heat transfer. For greater heating needs, multiple collectors can be connected in series with a geothermal shaft. The collectoris non-intrusive, allowing the ground above to be paved or asphalted. 

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Horizontal Ground Collector 

A more affordable alternative to the vertical ground collector, which sometimes bypasses the need for complex permits, is the horizontal ground collector. This system consists of pipes buried horizontally in the ground. Approximately 1.5 to 2 square meters of land is needed for each square meter of heated space, requiring ample space, making it suitable primarily when the building’s surroundings are unfinished. 

 

Looped Ground Collector 

Increasingly popular, the looped horizontal ground collector is ideal for irregularly shaped plots and those with pools or other garden features. Made of pressure-resistant, break-proof plastic, the pipes are laid in loops in trenches about 2 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep. This collector requires significantly less excavation space—only 150 square meters compared to 240 square meters for a traditional horizontal collector due to the optimized pipe layout. 

 

Geothermal Baskets 

Geothermal baskets combine the features of horizontal and vertical ground collectors, utilizing accumulated ground heat up to 15 meters deep. Boreholes 50 to 60 centimeters in diameter and 5 to 15 meters deep are drilled to insert geothermal baskets—spirally wound pipes. These baskets take up less space than horizontal collectors but have a slower heat energy intake and slower ground regeneration. The initial investment is also slightly higher. 

Do največje učinkovitosti v Evropi s podtalnico

The ETERA heat pump has achieved the highest seasonal efficiency in Europe, outperforming its competitors by an impressive 30%. Its SCOP when using groundwater is an astounding 8.48. 

 

If you seek the highest efficiency or need assistance in choosing the right source for your heat pump, contact us here


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