Research and Development

Although ground source heat pumps are in use for over 40 years, and can be considered a well proven technology, there remains ample room for research into these systems. Especially with regard to the thermal and hydraulic design of large-scale systems, integration of cascading and hybrid systems and operational control as well as with regard to site and building characterisation there is room for significant improvement.

We carry out in-house research and cooperate within European research projects, working together with industry and academic institutions to enhance the quality of ground source heat pump systems.

 

Research projects

European research programmes.

  • GroundMed, seventh framework programme. The GROUND-MED project demonstrates the next generation of geothermal heat pump (GSHP) systems for heating and cooling in 8 demonstration sites of South Europe. A measured seasonal performance (SPF) higher than 5,0 will be demonstrated.
  • Sherhpa, sixth framework programme. Brings heat pumps and refrigeration systems to the summit of innovation and sustainable development using natural refrigerants: Hydrocarbons, Ammonia and CO2
  • GeoCool, fifth framework programme. Designing and optimization of a ground source water-to-water heat pump using natural refrigerants.

International Energy Agency

  • ECES, energy conservation through energy storage. Annex 20: sustainable cooling with thermal energy storage.
  • ECES, energy conservation through energy storage. Annex 21: Thermal Response Test for Underground Thermal Energy Storage.