Ground source heat pumps : development of GeoReports for potential site characterisation

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) can provide low carbon solutions for space heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings. GSHP systems have relatively low running costs but relatively high installation costs. Much of the cost is associated with installation of the external loop and is strongly affected by the geological and environmental conditions at the site. The site factors can affect both the heating and cooling performance of the heat pump and the drilling-trenching methods and costs. Geological factors which can affect GSHP installation Ground source heat pumps are known to a relatively small proportion of British engineering consultants, architects and heating professionals and even less well known to members of the public. The aim of the project is to provide more accessible information about GSHP to a wider audience through establishing two new GeoReport products on the BGS web site. These reports present impartial geological, physical property and thermal data to any potential users, installers or designers of GSHP systems in the UK. The GeoReports include basic and detailed sitespecific parameters: basic GSHP report will aim to provide a basic geological description of the surface geology; an estimate of the mean annual ground temperature and the temperature at 100m depth; an estimate of the likely rock thermal conductivity and diffusivity. detailed GSHP report will aim to provide a basic geological description of the surface geology; an estimate of the mean annual ground temperature and the temperature at 100m depth; an estimate of the likely rock thermal conductivity and diffusivity; a geological prognosis for the top 100 m; an estimate of the degree of water saturation; an estimate of the depth to water level and of the seasonal changes in water level.