Geothermal heat pump with your own hands

Imagine living in a comfortable house where you are not impacted by erratic energy costs or inclement weather. Imagine being able to use the warmth of the Earth to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, all while leaving less of a carbon imprint. In this situation, geothermal heat pumps can be useful because they provide an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative for heating and cooling. We’ll dive into the world of geothermal heat pumps in this guide, showing you how to use this technology yourself to turn your house into an energy-efficient haven.

Buildings can be heated and cooled by geothermal heat pumps, which take advantage of the steady temperature of the Earth just below the surface. Geothermal heat pumps take heat from the ground in the winter and release it into the house; in the summer, they move heat from the house into the cooler ground, in contrast to traditional heating systems that rely on burning fossil fuels or electricity. Because the Earth’s temperature stays mostly constant all year round, regardless of the weather above ground, this process is extremely efficient.

The adaptability of geothermal heat pumps is among their most alluring features. They can be placed in a variety of locations, such as industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and residential residences. A geothermal heat pump might be the solution to your energy problems, regardless of whether you’re building a new home or trying to update your current heating system.

However, why would you want to construct a geothermal heat pump system yourself? To begin with, it can be a worthwhile do-it-yourself project that will save you money on installation fees. Homeowners with a moderate level of technical expertise can install a geothermal heat pump system successfully with the correct tools and guidance. By getting your hands dirty, you’ll not only learn more about your HVAC system and its workings, but you’ll also feel good about yourself for making a positive impact on the environment.

Advantages	Cost-effective
Environmentally friendly
Efficient heating and cooling
Long lifespan
Disadvantages	Initial installation cost
Requires suitable land space
Complex installation process

Relevance of the application of a geothermal heat pump

Nowadays, a lot of people who reside in private residences think that geothermal heating is only necessary in areas with subterranean hot springs.

This is not at all accurate, as geothermal heat pumps Nibe can produce heat even at comparatively low temperatures.

Vertical type geothermal heat pump

This suggests that the Nibe f1345 geothermal heat pump can operate efficiently and in temperate climates.

1 Features of the geothermal pump

Presenting itself as a contemporary alternative energy source, the heat pump is easily put together by one person. When you assemble this unit by hand, it can provide thermal energy to systems like:

• Air conditioning system;
• Heating system;
• Water heating system.

When a geothermal pump is put together by hand, its working principle differs slightly from that of gas, diesel, and electric heat generators. Since the geothermal pump was constructed by hand and operates according to a unique principle, its computation is based on a unique formula.

When the unit is in operation, it works by releasing stored energy into the surrounding environment by pumping it out of the objects. During the summer months, this man-made contraption harnesses the energy stored in rocks, reservoirs, and the earth’s layers by using its operating principle.

They use their own hands to calculate the device’s power circuit and other specifications, paying particular attention to the properties of energy sources.

The unit they have assembled is based on an operating principle that prohibits the use of liquid fuel while it is in operation.

Interclimate Geothermal Heat Pump System

The operation of this principle presupposes the lack of a conventional chimney. Because of the unique way that the heat pump functions, you can accurately calculate and supply a dependable source of heat for your own house.

You can ensure that the suggested system will greatly contribute to energy and cost savings by computing the heating system, which operates using a geothermal pump.

The same assertion is made by the makers of this equipment, and the majority of user reviews are favorable.

These days, the cost of producing heat energy is directly correlated with the cost of the fuel used in the majority of CIS nations. The most expensive fuels for users are gas, diesel, and electricity.

Based on this trend, the computation indicates that installing a heat pump with a ground heat exchanger will be more cost-effective than installing a boiler room that burns diesel fuel for the next three years.

With rare exception, the majority of contemporary heat pump models come with integrated electric heaters. This is because the nominal capacity is calculated with the intention of covering the heat load during the coldest months when choosing the type of heating equipment.

It implies that only a few days can pass at such a low temperature. During this time, the unit will run at maximum efficiency.

A unique integral graph is utilized to generate and compute a trustworthy ratio of capacities between the thermal unit and electric heater that is being presented. to the menu ↑

2 How the geothermal heat pump works?

G-type geothermal heat pump

The device that is being presented has a fairly straightforward general operating scheme. Heat energy is received by the pump, which then transfers it to the intended recipient.

When using a geothermal pump to provide heat, the external unit of the pump is buried in a hole that has been previously excavated.

An alternative would be to submerge it in a nearby lake or other body of water. In this instance, there is neither partial nor total icing of the external unit displayed, irrespective of the outside air temperature.

Simultaneously, the overall efficiency of heat transfer stays relatively high. As previously stated, the operation of the unit is predicated on the idea that heat is first extracted from the soil or water and then transferred to the intended recipient.

The system’s non-freezing liquid travels through a subterranean or submerged pipe line to guarantee effective heat collection.

In doing so, the unit cools the non-freezing water by roughly 8 °C, causing the liquid to cool. As a result, the liquid flow continues unhindered, returning to the desired temperature as it passes through the pipe and into the heat pump circuit. The hot water heating system uses the degrees that were attained as a result of the unit’s operation. to the menu

2.1 Types and differences of geothermal pumps

There are various types of geothermal pumps. The differentiation stems from the varying approaches taken in the operation of the units that are part of the heating system.

The pump draws water into its system from the subterranean stream using an open cycle. Water energy is extracted from the unit inside the house and returned to the subterranean stream at a distance from the pump. The following are the method’s clear advantages:

Probes for all kinds of heat pumps

• Possibility of obtaining water for the water supply of the house;
• High degree of efficiency of open systems;
• No harm to groundwater;
• Constant maintenance of the same groundwater level.

Closed-cycle pumps that have a water-split heat exchanger installed in them are set up so that a unique liquid (coolant) flows inside of them following the shape of the collector, which is submerged in water.

Simultaneously, the heat from the water is transferred to the recipient. Using such systems makes sense if the house is situated no more than 100 meters from a body of water.

In this instance, the water body’s depth and the shoreline’s characteristics must completely meet all technical requirements required for the collector’s installation.

The conditional cheapness of the proposed method is undoubtedly its main benefit. The pump is characterized by collectors positioned in the soil into which the heat carrier gradually seeps. It has a closed cycle and a horizontal type heat exchanger.

The pipes are buried in the ground horizontally. They only occur at a depth of one meter or less. It is very important to avoid touching the heat-collecting communications when excavating.

Based on approximate calculations, it is necessary to locate the collectors on a 500 m2 plot of ground in order to achieve the desired level of heating for a 200 m2 dwelling.

If collectors are being installed next to trees, the pipes should be 1.5 meters away from the tree’s crown. The tubes that contain the coolant are submerged vertically in the soil, which is a characteristic of a closed-cycle pump with a vertical heat exchanger.

Signals from the geothermal pump

Up to 200 meters can be submerged. This is based on the observation that, regardless of the season, the ground already has a constant temperature of +10–12 °C at a depth of 10–15 meters.

In light of this, the temperature increases as depth increases. The most effective way to operate a heat pump is the one that is being presented. You can receive up to 5 kW of thermal energy steadily with it. to the menu ↑

2.2 Reviews about geothermal pumps

Most owners of these heating systems have left positive reviews.

45-year-old Valery from Ulan-Ude:

I’ve long wanted to convert from stove heating to a more contemporary and cost-effective system. I made the decision to construct a geothermal pump system on my own. Although it required a lot of time and work, it was worthwhile. I no longer spend money on coal or wood, and the house is always at a comfortable temperature. I advise everyone to try it.

Pavel, Voronezh, aged thirty:

My profession is engineering, and I run a pump and pumping system sales company. I’ve now made the decision to plan the geothermal pump sales. Everybody who purchased and installed these units expressed satisfaction with them.

50-year-old Alexander from Saratov

I installed a vertical geothermal pump in my private home after consulting with my son-in-law. Even though I have spent a lot of money and time on it, it is starting to pay for itself. Counsel to all.

2.3 Calculation of the pump capacity

How to install a geothermal heat pump

In every scenario, the performance of multiple parameters directly affects the amount of heat that can be extracted from each individual meter of coolant-filled pipe.

These include the soil’s quality, groundwater availability, and laying depth, among other factors. This value for horizontal collectors is 20 W.м.ο.

The computed difference in coolant temperature between the return and direct loop loops is 3 °C. It is important to keep in mind that the heat capacity parameter of ethylene glycol is 3.7 kJ/kg at a temperature of 0°C when performing calculations.

The density is 1.05 g/cm3 at the same time. The medium flow rate must first be determined in order to compute the parameters of the installed heat pump’s first circuit.

Vs = Qo-3600 / (1.05-3.7-).t), where t is the temperature differential between the first and second circuit, is the formula used to calculate it. The entire amount of heat produced by the heat source, in this case the ground, is indicated by the symbol Qo.

Qwp is the difference between the electric power used to heat the refrigerant and the total power of the heat pump that is being presented. to the menu

2.4 Nuances and connection sequence

Polyethylene pipes are used to assemble the system’s entire external loop. According to preliminary calculations, 40–50 watts of heat energy are used for every linear meter of collector during this work.

This means that a well that is 170-200 meters long will need to be drilled in order to achieve a pump capacity of 10 kW.

Occasionally, multiple smaller wells are drilled in place of one larger well to achieve the same design depth overall.

An illustration of a horizontal geothermal heat pump schematic

A well is simultaneously drilled from one location in multiple directions. The tasks that need to be completed should be completed in a precise order.

A three-phase power supply must be provided first, and the amperage of the meter must be forty. The warm floor is then strapped; each strapping step will be roughly equivalent to 15 centimeters.

The compressor is then secured using 300 mm brackets. A U-profile is used to extend the brackets when installing an auxiliary compressor.

The crimp ring is then wrapped and secured with a lock nut. Then, 400 mm brackets are used to install the evaporator. After that, freon is added to the system, and a test run is conducted. to the menu

2.5 How to assemble a geothermal heat pump with your own hands? (video)

The air-to-water heat pump’s features

Alternative versions of units that are capable of heating a private home are starting to proliferate these days. Warmth.

How would you go about making a heat pump by hand?

Could you have imagined that the gadget, which uses a refrigerator’s technology as its foundation, could heat a pool and other areas with high-quality performance?

Application of the geothermal heat pump is relevant

Many private homeowners today think that geothermal heating is only useful in areas where there are geothermal systems.

Everything you should know about air pumping vacuum pumps

The development of vacuum pumps allowed man to accomplish a variety of highly specialized, difficult tasks. They were created in a comparatively short amount of time.

Making geothermal heating with our own hands: description of the pumps operation, main characteristics and owners" reviews

Nowadays, alternative heating can be arranged in a variety of ways. The majority of them are only utilized as auxiliary systems and are distinguished by their low efficiency. There is, however, a very efficient way to supply heat from other earthly heat sources. How to DIY geothermal heating at home: an explanation of the working principle, pumps, and reviews will help to clarify this.

In this article, we"ll explore the idea of installing a geothermal heat pump system in your home all by yourself. Geothermal heat pumps utilize the constant temperature of the earth below the surface to efficiently heat and cool your home year-round. By harnessing this natural energy, you can significantly reduce your dependence on traditional heating and cooling methods, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. While installing a geothermal system may seem daunting, with the right guidance and tools, it"s a feasible DIY project for many homeowners. We"ll discuss the basics of how geothermal heat pumps work, the steps involved in installation, necessary materials and tools, as well as tips for troubleshooting and maintenance. With a little effort and know-how, you can enjoy the benefits of a geothermal system while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Principle of operation of geothermal heating

Geothermal heating system operation

There is a natural temperature increase of +3°C for every 100 meters, depending on the composition of the soil. In Europe, geothermal heating is based on this phenomenon and has been in use for many years. However, how can this effect be applied practically?

The transfer of thermal energy with the aid of various coolant types is the fundamental idea behind geothermal home heating. Multiple circuits, each with a distinct function, are needed for this:

• Outdoor. The pipelines are in an environment where the temperature ranges from +7°C to +10°C. This energy is transferred to the heat transfer medium in the next circuit.
• Heat exchange. The main element is the heat pump. The refrigerant circulates in it, in which the temperature rises when the pressure rises. Being heated from the coolant of the external circuit, it enters the compressor. As a result, the temperature rises from +7°C to +65°C. To repeat the cycle, the liquid enters the evaporator through a restrictor. This is the basic principle of geothermal heating.
• Internal circuit. In it, with the help of a heat exchanger, heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat carrier in the main heating system of the house.

Selecting the right heat pump and primary circuit layout is the first step towards effectively creating geothermal heating on your own.

Geothermal heating can be integrated with gas, electric, or solid fuel boilers, or with other conventional heat sources. The heating medium’s operating costs can be decreased in this way.

Types of geothermal heating in the home

Geothermal heating scheme

Prior to installing geothermal heating in a rural home yourself, there are a few things you should do. Finding the best location for the primary circuit’s pipes should come first.

The temperature of the area where the primary lines will be placed is the primary requirement for this. It must not fall below +7 °C. In actuality, underground pipelines are put in for this purpose. A river or other body of water may serve as the primary medium in certain situations. Reviews of this kind of home’s geothermal heating, however, frequently mention the system’s poor wintertime efficiency.

To ensure that an alternative heat source is set up correctly, the following steps must be taken:

1. Calculate the optimal capacity. If geothermal heating of a private house will be as the main – its rated capacity should provide heating of the air in the entire building.
2. Analyze the soil composition and its freezing depth. On this depends the choice of the scheme of arrangement of the pipes of the primary circuit.
3. Determine the location of the heat pump. To minimize heat losses geothermal heating systems with their own hands are arranged in a separate room – basement or outbuildings. It is important that the temperature in it was not lower than +14 ° C.

The system may not function correctly if these basic guidelines are broken. Reviews from geothermal heating owners frequently highlight how crucial it is to do preliminary research and choose the right equipment.

A generator must be installed as an independent power source to guarantee the system’s continuous operation.

With horizontal placement

Horizontal pipe installation is the least labor-intensive method of primary circuit installation. They are three to five meters below the surface. The mains are arranged in coils to minimize their area. Nevertheless, there needs to be a minimum of 20 centimeters between each.

Prior to implementing geothermal heating, a preliminary examination of the ground conditions is done. Its heat output is ascertained first. It is between 20 and W/m². The primary circuit’s overall length is computed using this information.

Furthermore, the subsequent actions ought to be completed:

• Checking the level of soil freezing. The depth of the pipes should be below this indicator;
• Groundwater. For their natural removal during large floods, a sand layer is poured at the bottom of the excavation;
• Selection of piping material. It must be sufficiently flexible and mechanically reliable. For geothermal heating in Europe, cross-linked polyethylene pipes are most often used.

If the cost of the geothermal heating system is a key concern, the horizontal arrangement will greatly lower the system’s current installation costs. Input and output manifolds must be installed when installing multiple primary circuits.

With vertical pipelines

Scheme for vertical operations

Achieving maximum heating of the coolant from the ground during the design process requires consideration of the fundamentals of geothermal heating of the house. Only when installing vertical mains is this possible.

In order to manually install vertical geothermal heating in a country home, wells between 30 and 100 meters deep must be dug. They contain the primary circuit’s pipelines.

Although this plan requires more work than a vertical one, it has several benefits:

• Large depth of the mains. In this case, the heat output of the environment is increased by 25-30% – up to 70 W/m²;
• Small installation area;
• Practically no dependence on ground freezing.

In addition to this technique, geothermal heating fundamentals are frequently used to provide hot water during the summer. The main circuit is submerged in a lake or river for this reason.

It is essential to assess the soil and establish the ideal depth prior to drilling wells. The labor intensity of the process is directly impacted by the composition of the soil.

Installation of geothermal heating with your own hands

The heat pump’s design

In reality, creating a heat source of this kind is challenging. The presence of a heat pump, the system’s central component, is a feature of the geothermal heating system that they designed and installed themselves.

This device’s internal circuit comprises an evaporator, compressor, throttle, and refrigerant. It is necessary to have an electronic unit available to control the work. What factors should you consider when selecting a geothermal heat pump for heating?

• Device type. Ground-water" models are used in heat supply. In addition to them there are "water-to-water" and "air-to-water";
• Nominal heat capacity. It is directly dependent on the design parameters. It is worth considering that almost all models have a value of this characteristic up to 18 kW;
• Power consumption. It is the sum of electrical energy required for operation of the compressor, pump and electronic control unit. Directly depends on the nominal power of the device;
• Parameters of the heating system – temperature and optimum pressure. For all geothermal heating systems with their own hands, the last indicator usually does not exceed 3 bar;
• Cost. Currently, the arrangement of geothermal heating of a private home is the most expensive. And a large part of the cost is the purchase of the heat pump. Therefore it is necessary to pay special attention to the correct choice of this component of the system.

Geothermal heating pipes

Selecting the appropriate pipes for the outdoor circuit is essential in addition to using a geothermal heat pump for heating. They have to fulfill specific requirements. Specifically, to have a value for the minimum heat transfer resistance. Steel mains are the ideal material to use for this. However, there are a number of issues with how they operate in this setting. Consequently, geothermal heating will frequently be produced using flexible polymer pipelines.

The following benefits of polymer pipes for this kind of heat supply can be identified after reviewing the reviews of the home’s geothermal heating system:

• Sufficient flexibility. This is important when installing horizontal geothermal heating of a country house by yourself.
• Easy installation and connection of individual circuits. Mechanical couplings are used for this purpose.
• The possibility of prompt replacement of the damaged section in case of emergency situation.

One should not overlook the price either. Since a heat pump is the foundation of geothermal heating, you should cut expenses to buy the best model of this equipment.

It is advised to use a unique coolant composition in the primary circuit with a freezing point below 0°C for optimal system performance.

Calculating the cost of geothermal heating

Inside the home, geothermal heating

The cost of upkeep and price are two important factors that influence the consumer’s choice of heat source. The best budget should be determined first, keeping in mind the wealth of knowledge in the European geothermal heating application.

Making a heat pump by hand is not advised for autonomous geothermal heating creation. This is because of the design’s intricacy and the need for technical calculations of its parameters. Buying a ready-made geothermal heat pump is the best choice.

Numerous European manufacturers have models available for purchase. Their rating will be useful in identifying the best choice.

These companies’ models are all distinguished by expensive prices in addition to high quality. Therefore, it is advised to research available options before designing a private home’s geothermal heating system.

It is necessary to factor in the additional expenses for pipes, connectors, and wiring related to the house’s internal heating system. Independent geothermal heating system installation can result in significant cost savings. On the other hand, selecting a vertical scheme for the primary circuit installation cannot be done without the use of specialized equipment. Turnkey geothermal heating currently costs between 700k and 1.2 million rubles on average. Everything hinges on the budget and anticipated capacity.

It is essential to read reviews from owners of geothermal heating systems before making a pump purchase. Knowing the equipment’s actual performance will be made easier by this.

Reviews about geothermal heating

How can you judge this kind of heating with objectivity? One method is to carefully read the reviews regarding the home’s geothermal heating system. It needs to be completed very cautiously. The fundamentals of geothermal heating are not fully understood by some system owners. This explains why reviews regarding its functionality are unfavorable:

• Long considered the relevance of installing a heat pump. The system is expensive, but taking into account the electric heating of the house turned out to be a very productive tool for saving costs. Use only geothermal heating is irrational – it takes too long to heat the water. So we use it as an auxiliary system;
• It took almost two weeks to install the heat pump with piping. As it turned out, it is not allowed to build on the site where the mains are laid. And they occupy a significant area of the yard. Now we think about remodeling – we will drill wells and reassemble the external circuit;
• We were assured that the heat pump is able to fully heat our not small house – 230 m². But in winter, the water in the pipes barely heats up to +50°C. So we have to periodically turn on the backup electric boiler.

In light of the equipment’s high cost and installation complexity, is setting up geothermal heating worth it? This ought to be a well-informed choice backed by computations and a thorough examination of the system as a whole. The applicability of installing geothermal heating can only be ascertained using these data.

The following video provides an accurate overview of geothermal heating in action:

How to make geothermal heating at home with your own hands

The idea behind the progressive method of geothermal home heating is to heat a space by harnessing the heat from the earth. Traditional fuels are finite natural resources, so it’s important to plan ahead and consider switching to the newest, non-renewable energy sources.

Leading producers and operators of geothermal home heating systems are Scandinavian nations. They make this type of installation popular and make it available to areas where there is a lot of room for its application.

Putting in a geothermal heat pump can revolutionize the heating and cooling requirements of your house. Through the utilization of the constant temperature below ground, these systems provide effective and environmentally friendly heating and cooling options. Even though the initial outlay may seem high, the advantages over time greatly exceed the disadvantages.

The possibility for large energy savings is one of the DIY geothermal heat pump’s greatest benefits. By connecting to the earth’s constant temperature, you can lessen your dependency on conventional heating and cooling techniques, which will cut down on your carbon footprint and utility costs. For homeowners who are concerned about the environment, it’s a smart investment because over time the energy savings can cover the initial installation costs.

Geothermal heat pumps are also appropriate for a variety of climates and property types due to their versatility. Whether you reside in a hot or cold climate in the north or south, these systems can effectively control the temperature in your house all year long. They are a versatile solution for a range of needs since they can be installed in a variety of locations, such as residential homes, business buildings, and even industrial facilities.

It’s important to remember that DIY installation of geothermal heat pumps is feasible, but it takes careful preparation and knowledge. A site’s evaluation, system design, and proper sizing are essential for achieving maximum longevity and performance. To guarantee safety and compliance, it is also crucial to follow local laws and building codes.

In conclusion, a do-it-yourself geothermal heat pump presents a compelling substitute for conventional heating and cooling systems, offering long-term financial savings, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures while lessening their impact on the environment with careful planning and execution. Purchasing a geothermal heat pump is an investment in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future as well as an improvement to your home’s heating and cooling system.