Ground Source Heat Pump Systems
Due to polyethylene pipe’s versatility, flexibility, durability, leak proof fusion joints, and ease of use, it has become a key component in the success of Ground Source Heat Pumps.

There are two basic types of heat pumps – air source and ground source. An air source system utilizes temperature variations with the air to gain operating efficiency. A ground source, or Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system uses an electric pump to circulate fluid from the heat pump cycle through a series of polyethylene pipes buried in the ground to take advantage of the relatively constant ground temperatures. These pipes are known as Ground Heat Exchangers. In simple terms, in the summer the heat pump’s refrigerant cycle transfers heat from the building into the circulating fluid. The fluid is then circulated through the ground heat exchanger where the ground acts as a heat sink, cooling the fluid before it returns to the building. In the winter, the system works in reverse. The heat pump uses the earth to warm the circulating fluid, which is then transferred back to the inside heat exchanger. In addition to heating and cooling the air, a desuperheater can be added to this cycle that can provide most, if not all, hot water for use in the building as well.

Polyethylene itself is typically considered an insulator and holds heat rather well. However, in this application, the benefits of the polyethylene pipe far outweigh this performance characteristic. There are many other variables that need consideration when designing a GHP system. Most manufacturers have software available to aid in the determination of the size of the unit and the footage of pipe needed for the geothermal heat exchanger.

Geothermal heat pumps are very economical to operate and can save a substantial amount of money in operating costs over the life of the system. It has been reported(1) that a traditional furnace uses one unit of energy and returns less than one unit back as heat. A ground source heat pump uses one unit of energy and returns as much as three units back as heat. The polyethylene pipe acting as the heat transfer medium with the ground helps make this possible.

Solar Applications

Check out 21st Century Solar Heating. This house in Fly Creek, NY. We donated our Time Saver Pipe for this special project. The Kosmer Solar House Project >>

The use of solar energy was virtually nonexistent 25 years ago, but has grown to become a significant cant industry in the United States. Most solar applications are geographically concentrated in the states with a high percentage of sunshine - California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Florida.

Solar heating systems vary in size. The very simplest consist of nothing more than a black pipe lying in the sun connected to a swimming pool circulating pump. The more complex systems utilize collectors with 1, 2, or 3 layers of glazing plus piping and pumps. In addition, the later systems may include heat transfer fluids, heat storage tanks, heat exchangers, and temperature and pressure controls. PE piping can play a major role in this application. Its combination of flexibility, high temperature properties, and resistance to freeze damage and corrosion are major advantages to this end-use. There are, however, precautions that should be taken to prevent misuse.

Not all polyethylene pipe is recommended for solar heating applications. Check with the manufacturer before use.

Other Applications >>