Ground Source Heat Pump Application in South-east Asian 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 extraction (heating) are balance, the use of GSHP in tropical country is predominatly for cooling only (heat rejection). Also, the difference between ground and atmospheric temperature is essentially low. This paper reports the potential use of a ground-source heat pump with horizontal heat exchangers in a tropical country. Local production of heat pumps and heat exchangers, as well as rapid regional economic growth, can be positive factors for future ground-source heat pump application, not only in Thailand but also southeast Asian countries.