GSHP

GSHP stands for ground-source heat pump, a heating and cooling system that uses the relatively constant temperatures underground to transfer heat to or from a building via buried loops and a conventional heat pump. It combines a vapor-compression heat pump with a buried loop system, circulating a fluid through pipes to exchange heat with the earth. In winter, the ground loop draws heat from the soil or groundwater into the building; the heat pump concentrates it to provide space heating and often domestic hot water. In summer, the process reverses to provide cooling by rejecting heat to the ground.

Systems are typically closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop systems circulate a fluid through buried pipes, with horizontal loops requiring trenching and vertical loops using boreholes. Open-loop systems use groundwater directly, extracting heat from the water and discharging it elsewhere after heat exchange. Loops may be arranged in various layouts (horizontal, vertical, or compact configurations) and are filled with anti-freeze in cold climates.

Key components include the buried loop, the outdoor heat pump unit, and the distribution system for indoor heating and cooling (such as radiant floors or air distribution). Controls regulate operation, and some installations include auxiliary electric resistance heaters for very cold periods.

Performance is expressed as COP (coefficient of performance) and seasonal performance factors. Typical COP ranges from about 3.5 to 4.5, influenced by climate, soil or groundwater conditions, and loop design. GSHPs can offer energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil-fuel or electric resistance systems, though they require higher upfront costs and site-specific design. Installation and operation may be subject to local regulations and incentives.