Ground-Source Heat Pumps Applied to Federal Facilities, Second Edition
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FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DOE/EE-0245 Ground-Source Heat Pumps Applied to Federal Facilities–Second Edition Technology for reducing heating and air-conditioning costs The ground-source heat pump technology can and exterior to the facility, are typically less provide an energy-efficient, cost-effective way to than those for conventional systems. heat and cool Federal facilities. A ground-source heat pump is a unique means of using the thermo- Potential Application dynamic properties of earth and groundwater for The technology has been shown to be techni- efficient operation throughout the year in virtu- cally valid and economically attractive in many ally any climate. This Federal Technology Alert, applications. It is efficient and effective. This Federal one of a series on new technologies, describes the Federal Technology Alert reports on the collec- theory of operation, energy-savings mechanisms, tive experience of heat pump users and evalua- Technology range of applications, and field experience for the tors and provides application guidance. ground-source heat pump technology. Alert An estimated 400,000 ground-source heat pumps Energy Savings Mechanism are operating in the private and public sector, although most of these systems operate in resi- A publication series A ground-source heat pump system (shown dential applications. A ground-source heat designed to speed the below) uses the ground or groundwater as a heat pump system can be applied in virtually any adoption of energy- source during winter operation and as a heat category of climate or building. The large num- sink for summer cooling. The stability of subsur- efficient and renewable ber of installations testifies to the stability of face temperatures results in year-round energy technologies in the this technology. The reported problems can efficiency. In general, users have reported satis- Federal sector usually be attributed to faulty design or faction with the operation and energy costs installation of the ground-coupling system— savings of the technology, and maintenance emphasizing the importance of good design, costs are reduced. Moreover, water-loop-based Prepared by the documentation, installation and system ground-source heat pumps use less refrigerant commissioning. New Technology than conventional air-source heat pumps or air- Demonstration conditioning systems, and the factory-sealed sys- Although local site conditions may dictate the type Program tems reduce the potential for leaking refrigerant. of system employed, the high first cost and its Space requirements for equipment, both interior effect on the overall life-cycle cost are typically No portion of this publi- cation may be altered in any form without prior written consent from the U.S. Department of Energy and the authoring national laboratory. Typical ground-source heat pump system applied to a commercial facility Internet: http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM the constraining factors. Installation • in areas where natural gas is unavail- Implementation Barriers costs vary depending on the design and able or where the cost is higher than The major barriers to rapid implementa- application, but typically range between electricity. tion of this technology involve awareness $1,500 and $3,000/ton ($425 and $840/ The following cautions are recommended and acceptance by users and HVAC kW). Ground-source heat pumps have for any ground-source heat pump appli- designers (which is growing rapidly) the potential to reduce cooling energy cation under consideration: and higher initial implementation costs by 30 to 50% and reduce heating en- than other options. In addition, there is a ergy by 20 to 40%. • install as a complete system, with the system and each unit properly limited infrastructure and availability of Ground-source heat pumps tend to be designed and sized skilled and experienced designers and more cost-effective than conventional installers of ground-source heat pump • use only experienced and certified systems in the following applications: systems. Several Federal facilities that installers have ground-source heat pump systems • in new construction where the tech- • analyze soil type and thermal are listed in this Federal Technology Alert. nology is relatively easy to incorpo- conductivity, if appropriate The reader is invited to ask questions and rate, or to replace an existing system • be aware that local water and well learn more about the technology. at the end of its useful life regulations may restrict some system • in climates characterized by high types daily temperature swings, or where • obtain equipment and installation winters are cold or summers hot, and warranties. where electricity cost is higher than average Disclaimer This report was sponsored by the United States Department of Energy, Office of Federal Energy Management Programs. Neither the United States Government nor any agency or contractor thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any informa- tion, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, mark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency or contractor thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency or contractor thereof. FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Ground-Source Heat Pumps Applied to Federal Facilities–Second Edition Technology for reducing heating and air-conditioning costs than conventional air-source heat pumps or air-conditioning systems, with the exception of direct-expansion-type ground- source heat pump systems. Installation costs are relatively high but are made up through Federal low maintenance and operat- ing expenses and efficient energy Technology use. The greatest barrier to effec- Alert tive use is improper design and installation; employment of well- trained, experienced, and respon- sible designers and installers is Ground-source heat pump of critical importance. This Federal Technology Alert Abstract provides the detailed information and proce- dures that a Federal energy manager needs to Ground-source heat pumps can provide an evaluate most ground-source heat pump appli- energy-efficient, cost-effective way to heat and cations. The New Technology Demonstration cool Federal facilities. Through the use of a Program (NTDP) selection process and general ground-coupling system, a conventional water- benefits to the Federal sector are outlined. source heat pump design is transformed to a Ground-source heat pump operation, system unique means of utilizing thermodynamic prop- types, design variations, energy savings, and erties of earth and groundwater for efficient other benefits are explained. Guidelines are pro- operation throughout the year in most climates. vided for appropriate application and installa- In essence, the ground (or groundwater) serves tion. Two case studies are presented to give the as a heat source during winter operation and a reader a sense of the actual costs and energy heat sink for summer cooling. Many varieties savings. Current manufacturers, technology in design are available, so the technology can be users, and references for further reading are in- adapted to almost any site. Ground-source heat cluded for prospective users who have specific or pump systems can be used widely in Federal highly technical questions not fully addressed in applications and, with proper installation, offer this Federal Technology Alert. Sample case great potential for the Federal sector, where spreadsheets are provided in Appendix A. increased efficiency and reduced heating and Additional appendixes provide other infor- cooling costs are important. Ground-source mation on the ground-source heat pump heat pump systems require less refrigerant technology. 1 FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................... 1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction to Ground-Source Heat Pumps ................................................................ 4 About the Technology .................................................................................................... 5 Application Domain Energy-Saving Mechanism Other Benefits Ground-Coupled System Types Variables Affecting Design and Performance Variations System Design and Installation Federal Sector Potential .................................................................................................. 14 Technology Screening Process Estimated Savings and Market Potential Laboratory Perspective Application ..................................................................................................................... 15 Application Screening Where to Apply Ground-Source Heat Pumps What to Avoid Design and Equipment Integration Equipment Warranties Energy Codes and Standards Utility Incentives and Support Technology Performance ...............................................................................................