Lyell Collection
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Lyell Centre  |   Lyell Collection  |   Subscriptions   |   Geological Society  |   Email alerts  |   Online bookshop  |   Help

Keywords:
Author:
Advanced search>>
This Article
Right arrow Figures Only
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Busby, J.
Right arrow Articles by Lawley, R.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
GeoRef
Right arrow GeoRef Citation
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology; 2009; v. 42; issue.3; p. 295-306;
DOI: 10.1144/1470-9236/08-092
© 2009 Geological Society of London

Hydrogeology in Heat Engineering

Initial geological considerations before installing ground source heat pump systems

J. Busby1,*, M. Lewis2, H. Reeves1 & R. Lawley1

1 British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
2 British Geological Survey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK

* Corresponding author (e-mail: jpbu{at}bgs.ac.uk)

The performance of an open- or closed-loop ground source heat pump system depends on local geological conditions. It is important that these are determined as accurately as possible when designing a system, to maximize efficiency and minimize installation costs. Factors that need to be considered are surface temperature, subsurface temperatures down to 100–200 m, thermal conductivities and diffusivities of the soil and rock layers, groundwater levels and flows, and aquifer properties. In addition, rock strength is a critical factor in determining the excavation or drilling method required at a site and the associated costs. The key to determining all of these factors is an accurate conceptual site-scale model of the ground conditions (soils, geology, thermogeology, engineering geology and hydrogeology). The British Geological Survey has used the modern digital geological mapping of the UK as a base onto which appropriate attributes can be assigned. As a result it is possible to generate regional maps of surface and subsurface temperatures, rock strength and depth to water. This information can be used by designers, planners and installers of ground source heat pump systems. The use of appropriate geological factors will assist in creating a system that meets the heating or cooling load of the building without unnecessary overengineering.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and HydrogeologyHome page
D. Banks
An introduction to 'thermogeology' and the exploitation of ground source heat
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2009; 42: 283 - 293.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and HydrogeologyHome page
D. Banks, C.J. Gandy, P.L. Younger, J. Withers, and C. Underwood
Anthropogenic thermogeological 'anomaly' in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2009; 42: 307 - 312.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and HydrogeologyHome page
J. Headon, D. Banks, A. Waters, and V.K. Robinson
Regional distribution of ground temperature in the Chalk aquifer of London, UK
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 2009; 42: 313 - 323.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]