Ground Source Heat Pump Design and Thermal Conductivity Testing

A GSHP system works much like a typical air conditioning system with the addition of some auxiliary equipment. But unlike the typical air conditioner that pumps heat to the hot outside air, the GSHP system pumps heat to the cool ground, making GSHP systems much more energy efficient. Because localized thermal properties of the ground are so important, tests are performed to ascertain these properties. This book discusses how to determine these values using an accurate, proven method that provides the average thermal conductivity value needed to produce a more accurate design and reduce the uncertainty in the design procedure. It also discusses drilling information, equipment, procedures, and interpretation methods for these tests.