A First for India – 100 kW Borehole Based Geothermal Heat Pump System for Space Heating in the Himalayas

Abstract

With increasing concerns surrounding the availability, cost and logistics of supplying heating oil to remote research establishments, the Indian Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated the first significant closed loop GSHP project for space heating application in India. A pilot project was undertaken by the Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), a R&D establishment under DRDO, for installation of a 100kW space heating system near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. In this system, the installation of a test bore hole and a Thermal Response Test (TRT) was conducted, before the rest of the closed loop borehole field was developed. The ground loop array is connected to a reverse cycle water-to-water heat pump that primarily delivers heating to buildings on the site, as well as possible provision of supplementary cooling to the cold labs that form part of the research establishment. A significant element in the evolution of this installation was the procurement of all of the borehole field materials from Indian manufacturers and suppliers. By using locally sourced hydropower generated in the region, this technology will offer security of supply and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the existing oil fired installation. Following evaluation of this pilot project, the Indian DRDO expects to make use of GSHP technology at other research sites in their property portfolio, particularly for space heating and cooling requirements. The installation is also increasing the general awareness of the potential for GSHP systems in the wider region.