What is an open-loop system?
An open-loop system is used less frequently, but may be employed cost-effectively if ground water is plentiful. Open-loop systems in fact, are the simplest to install and have been used successfully for decades in areas where local codes permit. This type of system uses ground water from an aquifer and is piped directly from the well to the building, where it transfers its heat to a heat pump. After it leaves the building, the water is disposed of by one of three methods.
The term “open-loop” is commonly used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where heat is extracted, then the water is disposed of in an appropriate manner. Since groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round, it is an excellent heat source.
An open-loop system may be employed cost-effectively if ground water is plentiful. This type of system uses ground water from an aquifer and is piped directly from the well to the building, where it transfers its heat to a geothermal heat pump. After it leaves the building, the water is disposed of by either • drainage to a low area such as a pond, river, lake or stream, • to a dedicated drainfield sized to the required volume of water of the heat pump or • water is pumped back into the same aquifer through a separate discharge well. Local environmental and code officials should be consulted whenever an open-loop system is being considered.
The term “open-loop” is commonly used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where heat is extracted, and then the water is disposed of in an appropriate manner. Since groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round, it is an excellent heat source.
An open loop system uses groundwater from an ordinary well as a heat source. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where heat is extracted and the water is disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. Because groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round, wells are an excellent heat source.
