Radial Drilling for Ground Source Heat Pumps
Radial Drilling For Ground Source Heat Pumps
Using radial drilling to maximise ground source heat pump efficiency
geothermal | educationOne of the main points to come out of the recent Energy Savings Trust (EST) trials regarding
heat pumps was that whilst such pumps are capable of producing relatively high
coefficients of performance (COP), results showed that in many cases heat pumps were failing to deliver.
One aspect of installation which is critical to
efficiency is the amount of
heat extracted from the earth. Get it wrong and the sensitive balance of ground source heat can be dramatically upset, potentially resulting in the ground freezing.
Traditionally, there are two options for heat collection associated with ground source pumps,
vertical parallel bores and
horizontal ground loops.
Geothermal Radial Drilling
A relatively new system which allows for sustainable heat extraction from a wider ground source is the
Geothermal Radial Drilling system. Radial drilling draws its heat by spacing bores at varying angles ensuring that the highest possible ratio of watts per metre is achieved.
Initially a single main
drill chamber is installed which acts as an access point from which the bores can be drilled. These can be placed anywhere within a 360 degree circumference around the chamber. By drilling out at
angles from a single main chamber, the long horizontal trenches required by ground loop systems are avoided. In most situations a clean air powered system is then used to remove bore hole waste from the site, a huge advantage where preservation of existing areas such as gardens, patios or driveways is a priority.
Perhaps most importantly, drilling at angles enables boring to take place
beneath existing constructions if necessary, preventing the need for a large area of land surrounding the property. Consequently
radial drilling is perfect for many commercial and domestic retrofit installations which previously may not have been viable locations for ground source heating, due to limited land and cramped boundaries. In addition the rig for the radial drilling system is surprisingly compact making even the most challenging and restrictive locations accessible.
Given the current climate and the concerns that have accompanied the first set of EST trials, it is apparent that
value for money and
quality of product is paramount to consumers. Whether looking to make savings on their energy consumption or purely to reduce their carbon footprint, the promise of a
high COP will be a draw to all. If however, some non-radial drilling heat pump systems continue to fail to deliver what they promise, broken reputation could be their downfall and no amount of hard sell will restore faith in these systems.
Radial drilling could be one way to ensure efficiency, certainly in terms of energy collection and it is possible that the versatility of the system combined with the compact nature of the drill rig may open the heat pump market to a whole new consumer base.
Additional Information
This article was prepared in consulation with
Ecofriendly Installations Ltd, specialists in radial drilling for ground source heat pump installation. From initial enquiry and planning through drilling and installation of the heat pump, their friendly and experienced team will ensure an efficient and professional installation.
Ecofriendly Installations use a revolutionary new
radial drilling system, the most sustainable and efficient way of capturing heat from the ground. Radial drilling enables consistently more heat per metre to be captured than the leading alternatives and is perfect for many domestic installations where preservation of existing areas such as gardens, patios or driveways is important.
For a more in depth explanation of how the system works and the benefits it provides, please visit the
Ecofriendly Installations website, or email one of their advisors on
info@ecofriendlyinstallations.com.
Ecofriendly Installations Ltd, Penrhos, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0NR
Tel: 01654 767572
Article Last Modified: 15:01, 11th Aug 2011Comment on this Article
If you have any comments on this article, please email them to
neil@reuk.co.uk.
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