Main Aspect of the Use of Shallow Groundwater as a Heat Source in Households

Abstract

The paper presents the main aspects of use groundwater as a heat source in households discussed on the example of Poland. In many regions of the world, shallow geothermal energy is commonly used in individual district heating systems. The low-temperature geothermal systems have significant potential for reaching the climate goals, sustainable regional development and low carbon economy – especially in urban areas with air quality problems. The paper indicates the basic technical and legal framework as well as environmental aspects related to the energetic use of shallow groundwater. In addition, the use of the Mleczarnia 1 intake includes an assessment of the possibility of using groundwater in heat pump systems in the area of the Rabka-Zdrój health resort located in the southern part of Poland. The conducted analyzes have shown that already at the design stage, many factors should be taken into account. Their appropriate selection of meeting the local geological, hydrogeological or environmental conditions, will ensure the correct and effective functioning of the entire installation. Based on the results obtained for the selected intake, it can be determined that there is a significant potential for using groundwater in low-temperature geothermal systems. However, the assessment of physicochemical parameters showed that the permissible concentrations of hydrogen sulphide indicated by manufacturers of heat pumps were exceeded. Therefore, it is recommended to use an intermediate heat exchanger before the heat pump, which will ensure safe operation of the installation during its operation.