Is groundsource geothermal?
Groundsource makes use of the surrounding earth's temperature as it reflects the annual average climate. This is why the background temperature in Sweden might be 8 C, in the Netherland 10 C and in Spain 17 C. True geothermal energy is restricted tectonic active areas and is associated with Geysers and hot springs.
Would you advise groundsource on my project?
You could consider the use of groundsource if your project was designed with sustainibility in mind and works well with low temperature heating and high temperature cooling.
Is groundsource sustainable?
Groundsource is sustainable as it uses a renewable energy source as well as energy recovered from the building heating/cooling process. Moreover the Borehole Heat Exchanger wellfield is constructed out of PE100 material that has a life expectancy of more then 50 years.
Can I use a well based system?
Open well type applications using pumped groundwater are popular in parts of the world where the quantity and quality of the groundwater allows extraction and re-injection of the water. However these areas are limited and wells need a great deal of service and attention to keep them in operation.
Is groundsource cost effective?
A well designed groundsource system used in the right application can be very energy efficient and cost effective. Usually groundsourec has the lowest life cycle costings of any sustainable and renewable technology.
Poorly designed groundsource systems save little energy and are not cost effective and usually very maintenance prone.
Do I need a permit to install groundsource?
Apart from specified zones, such as surrounding groundwater pumping stations, a permit or permission to install a groundsource installation is not requirerd. However it is good practice to inform the EA (Environment Agency) of the intended installation and on what measures are taken to limit the environmental impact.
Is a design necessary?
To answer the above questions before you actually install and run a groundsource system, design is essential.
What basic information do you need?
Basic information required for a first design approach and energy savings for a groundsource installation is:
- Location and general project information on mechanical services
- Anticipated annual heating & cooling loads(mWh) on groundsource
- Anticipated peak loads (kW) heating and cooling
- Any site limitation with regard to BHE installtion (i.e. specific area)
Are there grants and subsidies?
Groundsource is considered a "green" and renewable technology and therefore eligeble under different grant schemes.
Groenholland UK Ltd. are a certified groundsource installer under the Micro generation Scheme (MCS 1201).