Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Applications

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter discusses two low-enthalpy geothermal applications in Perth, Western Australia. The first application pertains to using tepid groundwater for the municipal heating of Olympic-size outdoor swimming pools. The second application examines the viability of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) against air source heat pumps (ASHP). In the first application, the objective is to develop an accurate sizing methodology to improve the capital effectiveness for geothermal swimming pools. The predicted pool-water temperature and heating demands are compared against on-site measurements at a Leisure Centre. This model can replicate 71 and 73% of the measured heating capacity data within ±25 kW for the 30-m pool and ±35 kW for the 50-m pool, respectively. In the second application, we assess the feasibility of implementing a GSHP vis-à-vis an ASHP for domestic applications. For the second application, the GSHP has a constant coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.8 ± 6.7%, while that of ASHP ranges from 2.2 to 2.7 ± 6.5%. For cooling, the GSHP has a constant COP of 3.1 ± 13%, while that of ASHP varied between 1.4 and 2.4 ± 11.5%. When a GSHP is considered with a planned installation of a borehole for irrigation, the payback period ranges from near-immediate to four years.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeothermal Heat Pump Systems
Subtitle of host publicationGreen Energy and Technology
EditorsDavid Borge-Diez, Enrique Rosales-Asensio
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
PublisherSpringer
Pages19-65
Number of pages47
ISBN (Electronic)9783031245244
ISBN (Print)9783031245237
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameGreen Energy and Technology
ISSN (Print)1865-3529
ISSN (Electronic)1865-3537

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