[GSBN] ground source heat pumps

[John Swearingen]

We've calculated emissions comparing with conventional systems, and the
geothermal has come out ahead in cases where it simply uses less energy than
alternatives.

Heat pumps can be run with a solar array. We installed one like this on a
DSA project, but were aided by the fact it was connected to the grid and so
didn't need batteries.
John

2009/3/18 Tom Woolley <tom.woolley at btconnect.com>

> Dear Catherine
>
> Ireland is the geothermal capital of Europe. It has become a middle class
> status symbol .
>
> Richard Douthwaite , a highly respected green economist wrote (extract from
> a much longer piece)
>
> "I began to ask myself that question when I came across a document on the
> website of a small German electricity company which concluded: “A
> ground-source heat pump can only be considered acceptable as an alternative
> to conventional heating systems from an environmental point of view if it
> has a coefficient of performance of over 4, gets its electricity from a CO2
> free source and uses a climate-friendly refrigerant. As most current heat
> pumps do not meet these criteria, we advise against their use.” ‘
> Richard Douthwaite , Construct Ireland Issue 19
>
> http://www.constructireland.ie/
> richard at douthwaite.net
>
> best wishes
>
> Tom Woolley
>
>
>
> On 18 Mar 2009, at 17:16, BuildersWithoutBorders wrote:
>
> Dear colleagues -
>
> Can someone shed some light on so-called geothermal heating systems, and
> their cost-effectiveness for a typical home?
>
> I imagine the pay-back in energy saved has something to do with how many
> heating degree days in a specific climate.  But then, I understand they
> can also be reversed for cooling.
>
> This seems like an expensive technology that is dependent on electrical
> service... can it be powered by solar/
>
> Thanks for any insight offered.
>
>
> Sincerely,
> Catherine Wanek
> Co-director
> Builders Without Borders
> <mail at builderswithoutborders.org>
> www.builderswithoutborders.org
> 575-895-5400
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>
>
>  Tom Woolley
>
> Rachel Bevan Architects
> 17A Main Street
> Saintfield
> Ballynahinch
> BT24 7AA
>
> tom.woolley at btconnect.com
> 028 44 830988
>
>
>
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>


-- 
John Swearingen

Skillful Means
www.skillful-means.com
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