Ground Source Heat Pump Boreholes

With fuel prices rising and concern over the environmental impact of using fossil fuels is having on our climate, more and more people are turning to alternative, more sustainable forms of energy to heat and light their homes and buildings. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) offer a clean and cost effective way to meet your heating requirements for the future.

What is a GSHP?

A GSHP uses the ambient temperature underground, to heat and provide hot water for your property. Ambient heat is transferred from beneath the surface using a ground loop system of pipe work, which can be laid either horizontally or vertically depending on available space. A liquid with anti-freeze is circulated through the pipework until it reaches the heat pump positioned in or near the building. The heat pump then upgrades the temperature using compression, this upgraded heat is then used to provide heat for your home or business. This process can be likened to the way a fridge works, but in reverse.

This system works most effectively in buildings with good insulation and with under floor heating. In a suitable property a co-efficiency of performance (Cop) of 4 can be expected. This in affect, means that for every 1 Kwh of energy you are putting in (i.e. through the pump) you will see a return of 4 Kwh energy for heating your home.

At OT Drilling Ltd we specialise in drilling boreholes for the installation of vertical GSHP’s and can install both ‘open’ and ‘closed’ loop systems.

•Vertical closed loop systems
Closed loop systems uses a liquid refrigerant to circulate through the pipework and absorb the heat underground before it is circulated to the heat pump where it is compressed and upgraded. Most boreholes for this system are to a depth of approx 100m and depending on the heating requirements for the building more than one borehole may be required.

•Vertical open loop systems
In an open loop (or water to water) ground source heat pump scheme, ground water is abstracted, usually from an aquifer or possibly from a river and passed through the heat pump before being returned to the ground. A constant supply of water is needed. This type of GSHP system is highly efficient and can offer great returns due to the relatively high temperature of ground water, but the installation can be more complex. This installation can offer a double incentive, as not only will you be able to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) you will also gain an independent water supply for free. It’s a win win situation!

It is a common misconception that drilling a borehole for this purpose is a simple procedure but in reality it requires specialist knowledge of the ground conditions to ensure a trouble free and effective installation. At OT Drilling Ltd we use our specialist knowledge and years of experience to analyse the geology of the site prior to drilling. Owen Thomas, director of the company has studied the geology across the South East for many years and can provide an analysis and survey of the site to ensure all geological factors are considered when installing the GSHP borehole pipe. We have a wealth of experience drilling through all the geological strata found in the south east such as Chalk, Sandstone, Clay and Limestone.

We are happy to provide quotes for GSHP installers, home owners, commercial businesses and for public sector buildings, just fill out the emailable form found on the contacts page or call us directly and we will be happy to discuss your requirements with you.

We have been working in conjunction with the Reina Group who have extensive knowledge and experience installing heat pumps. Click on their logo below to find out more.