GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

What are ground source heat pump (GHSP) systems?

Open-loop ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems are a proven technology that has been successfully implemented in many cities across the country. Open-loop GSHP systems do not contain the cooling/heating fluid in pipes as a closed-loop system does; rather, open-loop systems use water supply wells to provide groundwater for heating and cooling equipment, and the spent water is returned to the same (or different) aquifer using injection wells.


Open-loop ground source heat pump system

This type of heating/cooling system requires less real estate and is ideally suited for high-density urban environments. GSI has participated in the design of a number of these systems. Many building owners/operators incorporate, or at least consider, a GSHP system for heating and cooling to realize efficiency improvements and cost savings. The efficiency gains convince many new building developers to include a GSHP system to reach their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating goal. GSI is well suited to assist clients interested in open-loop GSHP systems because of our direct experience with these unique systems. Our firm has worked with many municipalities to develop their wells, wellfields, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) facilities, which have many of the same design and planning needs as GSHP systems.

GSI has the project experience and staff to address all subsurface components of a GSHP project from the initial feasibility assessment to permitting, design, construction, and operation. Our proven approach results in optimal system performance, lower capital cost, and lower operations and maintenance costs in the long run. Our excellent working relationship with the regulatory agencies potentially can streamline some of these activities and shorten their schedules.

GSI’s experience with open-loop GSHP systems, ASR projects, groundwater supply projects, UIC projects, stormwater source control projects, and Superfund sites provides GSI with strong, current knowledge about the local hydrogeologic systems in many areas of the Pacific Northwest, and the technical and regulatory issues related to most GSHP projects. Our extensive water rights experience provides GSI with invaluable expertise in water law, water rights, and the administrative rules and processes governing water transactions, which are critical to GSHP systems.

Click on these links for project descriptions and for information about water rights and other permits related to GSHPs:

Open-Loop GSHP Systems (Portland State University)
Water Rights and Other Permitting for GSHPs