Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps provide a clean and sustainable means of heating and cooling. Hafren Water specialises in the investigation and assessment of geology, groundwater and surface water in relation to proposed heat pump solutions.

Background

We provide expertise in the design of ground heat exchangers and independent advice to energy consultants, property developers, planners and heat pump installers. Our phased input increases confidence at each stage of the project, thereby minimising risk and expenditure.

Services

Services provided include:

• Open loop feasibility studies
• Geological assessment including interpretation of thermo-geology
• Energy assessment
• Ground thermal modelling
• Borehole and array design (open and closed loop)
• Basic technical or full detailed assessment and reporting
• Risk assessment for potential impact on groundwater
• Thermal response tests
• Management of drilling, tendering and installation
• Environment Agency liaison and permitting
• Pumping tests for open loop schemes

Hafren Water undertakes feasibility studies for both open and closed loop systems throughout the UK. We have provided training on closed loop array design to a major utility company. Residential work undertaken has ranged from closed loop assessments for a complex of barn conversions and 15-20 Kw private homes to large community residential schemes to relieve fuel poverty. Closed loop commercial projects have been assessed up to 160 Kw. Open loop assessments have included schools, a cathedral and major office buildings (2.5 Mw) in the City of London.

We have recently completed the design, feasibility, testing and permitting for an open loop system installed for the North West Development Agency to provide 400 Kw of passive cooling for their new Science and Innovation Centre.

Hafren Water has undertaken a significant period of research into heat pump applications and other alternative energy systems as part of a wider research project on quarry restoration and end use, funded by the Minerals Industry Research Organisation. We can provide an integrated approach to assessing renewable technologies, such as wind, solar, ground source and hydroelectric, to create a sustainable site afteruse and we have links with a range of installers who can provide an appropriate solution for your project.

A selection of relevant case studies can be viewed here

Drivers for GSHP - open loops

The proposed implementation of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in 2011 will greatly increase the cost-effectiveness of open loop systems. Payments of 5p/Kwh for 45-350 Kw systems are proposed over a 20-year period. Potential pay-back periods of 5-10 years have been calculated for appropriate groundwater source systems. Boreholes could also be used for water supply with associated cost and carbon dioxide savings.

Further details on the potential of open loop systems can be found here

Clients

For further information regarding renewable energy work please contact Paul Ellis on 01743 355770 or email

• Mineral Extraction
• Water Resources
• Waste Management
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Flood Risk Assessment
• Eco-Hydrology
• Aid & Development
• Agriculture

• Heat Pump Case Studies

• Open Loop Systems