Fundamentals of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

Book excerpt: Fundamentals of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems: Design and Application is written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in renewable energy and heat transfer. This classroom-tested text covers ground heat exchanger modeling, secondary loop ground-source system design, pumping energy, thermal response testing, commercial building applications, and horizontal and groundwater ground heat exchangers. The book is oriented to practical applications, including the economic analysis of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems, but more theoretical sections are provided covering research-related geothermal applications. Chapters on heat transfer fundamentals and heat pump concepts are included for readers less familiar with thermal engineering concepts. A chapter covering the economic analysis of GSHP systems is also included. All of the examples and problems in the book are solved using the open-source Python programming language. The book will provide students in geothermal energy courses with a solid understanding of the subject. It will also be a valuable reference for professionals working in the field of renewable energy.