Ground source heat pumps in high humidity soils : an experimental analysis

This paper shows the results of a monitoring campaign on an invertible ground source heat pump (GSHP) with borehole heat exchangers installed in the historical center of Venice in the frame of the renovation of an ancient building where other renewable energy systems, such as solar energy systems, are not admitted because of historical preservation regulations. Despite the coastal position, the use of surface or ground water was not achievable in this case. In fact, the withdrawal from wells is absolutely forbidden in Venice, due to the risk of subsidence of the soil. In addition, as often happens in Venice, the internal channels next to the building have insufficient water flow rate. The experimental analysis highlights very satisfactory performance especially in comparison with the alternative use of air source heat pumps. The high humidity of the soil and the underground water flow present even in the surface layers of the soil promote the quick thermal rebalancing in the borehole field. For the same reason, although there is unbalance between the heat rejected in summer and the one extracted during winter, no consequent thermal degradation of the ground heat exchange is encountered.