Groundwater as a Heat Source for Geothermal Heat Pumps

Abstract

To abstract thermal energy from the subsoil, two different technologies can be used: closed loop heat exchangers and open loop systems. The latter system uses groundwater that is pumped up and that is used to deliver heat or cold to the user. Open loop systems are best designed as an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), because this has the least impact on the environment, because the risk of short circuiting between wells is reduced and because it improves the energy efficiency of the system. The design of an ATES is mainly concentrated on reaching a high thermal efficiency and the minimisation of the environmental impact and cost of the system. This paper presents some practical guidelines and examples to optimise a well field configuration for ATES based on experiences with Dutch ATES projects.