Feasibility Study on the Utilization of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) System for Space Heating/cooling, Warm-Water Supply and Road Heating in Japan

Abstract

Low-enthalpy geothermal resources have not been utilized to their potential in the past. However, since vast tracts of low- enthalpy geothermal resources exist as energy in the form of differential temperatures, the reserves are estimated to be enormous. As a result, there is growing interest in using this untapped energy in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions which are the main cause for global warming, one of todayís most serious issues as addressed by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency documents (e.g., EPA, 1993). The purpose of this feasibility study is to investigate the different aspects of the problem with respect to cost, technology and measures affecting the introduction and widespread acceptance of geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems. Specifically, the study was conducted by collecting information from relevant literature, random surveys, discussion forums and expert groups.