Effect of Rainfall on Low-Heat Ground Source Heat Pumps in New Zealand

Abstract

Low-energy efficient technology that is reliable, costeffective and has a low environmental footprint has become a key focal point in recent years. Heating and cooling account for a significant share of global energy demand and represent a significant opportunity for improvement. In this study, an alternative approach to contemporary applications of geothermal energy is presented, ground source heat pumps. To qualify the magnitude their opportunity presents, it is first critical to understand the mechanism they exploit and the physical properties that influence their operation and performance. This study will therefore explore, how heat pumps achieve efficiencies over 100%, how efficiency changes with respect to depth and with a focus on the effects of rainfall and moisture content on the thermal balancing of the soil.