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Energy Saving Applications of Ground-Source Heat Pumps for Agricultural Applications

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting  152186296.(doi:10.13031/aim.20152186296)
Authors:   Matthew K Harper, Christopher Y Choi
Keywords:   Geothermal energy, heat pumps, cost benefit analysis

Abstract. From 2000 to 2010, worldwide energy consumption increased by 23%, and energy consumption is projected to grow by 56% between 2010 and 2040. Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems use the thermal energy stored in the Earth and can be applied nearly anywhere to create an environmentally friendly, low-cost, and sustainable source for heating and cooling. The coefficient of performance (COP) of a properly designed and maintained GSHP system is 3 or greater, a significant improvement over conventional air-source heat pumps. GSHP systems can provide an equivalent temperature environment for as little as one quarter of the cost of operating a conventional heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC), with a typical payback period of 10 years. Though new GSHP installations have increased in recent years for residential and commercial buildings, agricultural applications such as environmental control, milk cooling, and water heating remain underutilized. In addition, the relative abundance of available unimproved land means horizontal installation is possible, reducing initial costs significantly.

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