Update of Geothermal Heat Pump Use in Japan

Abstract

The geothermal heat pump (or, GHP) system works on the principle of using the earth’s more moderate and more constant temperatures and transporting this temperature differential indoors as heat so as to bring the ambient temperature of the indoors to a more comfortable level more cost-effectively and more efficiently. This system can also be installed outdoors at the entrance of buildings, sidewalks, roadways and in car-parking areas to melt snow. The system is an electrically-powered one (solar energy can be used for providing this power) and is capable of providing cooling, heating and hot water for use domestically resulting in utility cost savings. The GHP system has been used successfully in many western countries such as in the USA, Switzerland, Germany and Japan. Examples are provided of the use of this system in Japan where Mitsubishi Materials Natural Resources Development Corp. (or, MRC) has been the leading company for the installation of the geothermal heat pump system in Japan since 1999.