John Rodgman, managing director of the geothermal drilling company, Borehole Solutions, discusses the importance of geothermal energy and how GSHP work to help you go greener.
The discussion surrounding climate change has been gradually brewing for decades now, although now the prospects of renewable energy are needed more than ever. Thankfully, they’re also now more feasible than ever, with every industry boasting of the implementation of more sustainable practices wherever possible. The geotechnical sector is no exception.
This surge in sustainability has seen two revolutionary geotechnical methods emerge, in the form of geothermal drilling and ground source heat pumps (GSHP). Two forms of geothermal drilling are available. The first being enormous geothermal plants, developed for large-scale projects, and lastly, GSHP, for smaller-scale jobs. Putting scale to one side, however, it’s important to understand the vast number of benefits geothermal drilling services provide.
What is geothermal energy?
A renewable energy source with the capability to provide clean power every second of every day was once a concept limited to science fiction, but the inception of geothermal energy has made it a reality. Alternatives, such as wind power and solar power, mustn’t be forgotten, of course, but they do rely heavily on particular weather conditions. Geothermal exploitation, on the other hand, can be trusted no matter the current climate.
Many will be surprised by the fact that harnessing geothermal energy is, in fact, relatively easy. Furthermore, it has numerous applications once this has been done. It can be utilised by heat production, for example, via heating pumps or heat exchange technology, or be expended for power production by means of steam turbines. In terms of practical applications, this means that geothermal energy can be used for both urban and domestic heating, as well as the generation of electricity for both personal and national usage.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
Designed to harness the earth’s geothermal potential, GSHP can do so at depths of up to 250 metres. These kind of heat pumps are installed for domestic purposes – supplying power to a house, for example. The typical perception of geothermal drilling – the provision of an enormous continuous reservoir of energy for corporate applications and the nation as a whole – differs from GSHP, which are comparatively simple and an excellent investment to help keep your property warm once the weather cools down.
The way thats the GSHP harnesses the heat energy is different too, as it’s accrued by both geothermal and solar gain. The ground is heated by the sun’s rays, whilst heat energy is sourced from the rock itself, too, ultimately meaning that GSHP installation is more than a geothermal process. Whether the heat pumps are installed via borehole systems or ground arrays is dependent on the space available.
How do Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) work?
The installation process will be carried out by geothermal borehole drilling contractors. Following the ground excavation and drilling of the boreholes, loops of piping will be installed. Heat-carrying fluid or refrigerant is circulated through these pipes, which transfers absorbed heat back up to the surface. The refrigerant used within GSHP is typically R410-A, which is often found in air conditioning units.
The length of trenching dug – or number of boreholes drilled – all depends on the size of the property that will receive the heat. The underlying geology of the property is also an important factor to consider, due to some rocks and soils transferring heat more efficiently than others.
What are the benefits?
- Ground source heat pumps are reliable and consistent. They require minimal maintenance following their installation.
- Some of the largest financial drains facing your home are, inevitably, oil, gas and electricity. GSHP are considerably cheaper to run than all three.
- Our planet is in desperate need of more sustainable practices – now more than ever – and GSHP utilise renewable energy.
- GSHP are remarkably quiet and hardly noticeable.
- Aside from covering your home’s heating requirments, heat pumps also provide a plentiful supply of hot water to your home.
There is an increasing (and essential) social commitment to sustainable living and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) will continue to grow in popularity moving forward, as more and more people recognise their multiple benefits. Not just personal benefits for the homeowner, but colossal benefits that assist in creating a more sustainable environment for the future.
For further information on Borehole Solutions visit https://www.boreholesolutions.co.uk/
