Annex 29 - Ground-Source Heat Pumps Overcoming Market and Technical Barriers

 

Introduction
The Annex will investigate ideas and, depending on climate and application, identify systems that could improve performance and market attractiveness of ground-source heat pump systems.

 

        Start date: September 2004
        End date: Spring 2006 (provisionally)

 

Objectives
To demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of ground-coupled heat pump systems.

 

Project manager and participating countries
Austria is the envisaged Operating Agent. The participating countries are: Austria, Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden and USA. National contact(s) can be found here. ›››

 

Activities
The following work has been planned:

 

1. Studying ideas for improved technical performance and cost of ground-source heat pump systems

• Heating-only versus heating and cooling systems

• Open versus closed loop systems

• Horizontal versus different vertical systems

• Direct expansion and secondary loop systems

• Use of different secondary fluids, including CO₂

• Vertical probes of the heat pipe design filled with CO₂

• Direct and indirect cooling

• Recharging and moisture migration in the ground

• Extraction of heat from large surface areas, e.g. parking lots, runways etc.

2. Identification of market barriers and innovative approaches to increase system acceptance including

• Quality assurance measures

• Ground coil system guarantees

• Contracting models for reduced initial cost

• Regulations

• Tariff structures etc.

Information
More information can be found on the Annex 29 website, http://www.annex29.net. Information can also be found on the Norwegian national Annex 29 website.

 

Publications
The deliverables of the Annex will include:

• Interim reports for researchers, utilities, manufacturers and planners.

• Target group-specific publication materials for policy makers, planners, designers/installers and end-users.

• Report from Annex 29 workshop in Linz, Austria. May 2006. Download report ››› (PDF file)

 

Last updated: 5 January 2007

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