What Size Ground Source Heat Pump Do I Need?

To tell if a ground source heat pump is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

1. Do you need planning legislation?
2. Do you have suitable place to insulate ground source heat pump? 
3. Is your property well insulated? 

1. Planning Permission
Ground source heat pumps are in a similar situation to air source heat pumps. Once the legal technicalities have been resolved, it is expected that ground source heat pumps will be permitted developments. Again, further legislation is expected later this year.
Until then, you must consult with your local authority regarding planning permission.
(Note that the permitted development rights are not extended to Listed Buildings which are covered by other planning regulations).

2. Do you have suitable place to put it? 
It doesn't have to be particularly large, but the ground needs to be suitable for digging a trench or a borehole and accessible to digging machinery.

3. Is your commercial property well insulated? 
Since ground source heat pumps produce a lower temperature heat than traditional boilers, it's essential that your home is insulated and draught proofed well for the heating system to be effective. It could also make the system cheaper and smaller.

Sizing Guides
There are several key things needed further consideration before you choose the right size air source heat pump.

Heat pump operation range
The temperature of the water/antifreeze solution entering the heat pump from a closed loop ground collector will depend on the ground collector will depend on the ground temperature and ranges from about 12°C  to just above 0°C . The temperature drop across the heat exchanger is usually between 3°C and 5°C. The fluid in a closed loop ground collector should be protected from freezing down at least --15°C. The maximum water temperature for heating is typically 55°C but can be up to 65°C.

Heat pump dimensions and location requirements
The physical size will vary depending on the output and type but will be larger than a gas boiler of the same capacity. Typically a 12KW (heating) single package unit will be about 1000x600x600mm and weigh between 150kg and 220kg. Products with integral domestic hot water hot water storage can weigh double this when full.

Heat pump efficiency
Usually given as the coefficient of Performance (CoP) at a specific operating condition (the Standard rating condition is BOW35, i.e. brine (the water/antifreeze solution in the ground coil) at 0°C output water at 35°C)

Based on our knowledgeable and qualified professionals, SIG sustainable solutions will produce thoroughly estimate including considerable research on dimensional and construction details of your commercial property to help you choose the right solution with only minimal hassle and best outcome.