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Earth based heat pumps : theory and application. [Vermont: effect of soil types; recommendations].

Author
Casavant, D. P.
Published
United States : [publisher not identified], 1983
Springfield, Va.: National Technical Information Service, [approximately 1983]
Physical Description
microfiche : negative ; 11 x 15 cm
Additional Creators
Wells, J.

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Summary
This investigation was undertaken to help determine if, in the case of earth-coupled heat pumps, there are important differences in the heat extraction potential between soils. It was also undertaken, indeed, to determine whether the extraction of heat from an earth loop is practical in the Vermont climate. This report contains a theory for the effect of extracting the total heat requirement at the required rate for Vermont homes. This theory is applied to a field experiment that used three different sites and the results are in reasonable accord with the theory proposed. Finally, as a result of the findings, certain recommendations are made that will guide those who would want to use this technology with these climatic and soil conditions. An earth-coupled heat pump in northern climates like Vermont's can work. Requirements for satisfactory operation include a well-designed, efficient machine with a fluid of low boiling temperature, and a large soil mass. If at all possible, loop segments should be separated by as much as 6 to 7 meters and be buried 3 meters deep. Soils do differ in their heat extraction potential. However, satisfactory results should be obtainable over a wide range of soil types. A stony gravel, with a high proportion of large voids, in our tests actually performed better than the other soils. On the other hand, a clay soil, even though high in water content, performed least well, suggesting that earth loops in clay soils may not perform well over the course of a full heating season. Peculiarities in individual sites, as, for example, flowing ground water, even for extremely slow flows, can be exploited to good advantage.
Report Numbers
DE86000362; DOE/R1/26236-T1; VT-81-007
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NTIS collection.
Note
DOE contract number: FG41-81R126236
OSTI Identifier 5231068
Research organization: Casavant (Dominique P.), Winooski, VT (USA).
Research organization: Wells (Jan), Winooski, VT (USA).
View MARC record | catkey: 47358320