Ground source heat pump––description and preliminary results of the Eco House system

A reversible ground source heat pump has been installed and tested at the Eco House, University of Nottingham. Results obtained during experimental testing are presented and discussed here. Various loop designs were considered including a tank coil system that aids the heat transfer process via rainwater drainage. The results show that the design coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump unit can be achieved through proper installation and careful consideration of the operation of the system as a whole.