Ground Source Heat Pump Application in Tropical Countries

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the performance data of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) installed in Tropical countries, in this case South East Asia (Thailand and Vietnam). Unlike the application of GSHP in four-seasons countries in which rejection (cooling) and heat uptake (heating) are balance, the use of GSHP in tropical country is mostly for cooling only (heat rejection). Also, the difference between ground and atmospheric temperature is essentially low. The ground water flow, on the other hand, can potentially increase the heat exchange rate by mean of natural convective heat transfer. Moreover, the groundwater temperature in recharge zone is generally lower than that of the other zone, allowing greater difference with the atmosphere temperature. The results of test data show the significant advantages in energy saving compared to those normal Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP). Moreover, in Hanoi, the GSHP can be used for heating purpose during low temperature season (December-January).