Heat Transfer Pump

Geothermal heat pumps were developed in 1855 by Peter Ritter von Rittinger. Robert C. Webber constructed the very first exchange ground-source based on an experiment with the freezer in the 1940s. In 1946, the first commercial project of the heat pump was placed in the Commonwealth Building of Portland, Oregon.

Who invented the geothermal heat pump?

The very first conception of the heat pump was by Lord Kevin in 1853. Rittinger developed it further in 1855. The technology progressed and became more popular in the 1970s in Sweden. After Sweden, more people around the world started to use heat pumps. The heat pump became more economically applicable with the 1979 polybutylene pipe.

Modern applications for geothermal heat pumps

Nowadays, geothermal heat pumps are usually used to heat a space. Large buildings use piped hot water networks to provide heat in their area. Iceland innovately uses an underground pipe district heating system to melt snow on pavements and sidewalks. Geothermal heat is also applied to air conditioning systems and solar energy collection. Ground source heat pumps need to have a heat exchange in order extract or dispel the heat. The heat exchange allows for the loss of the total system cost.

Geothermal heat pumps have many practical applications. They have contributed significantly to human civilization. Research continues to develop the progress of geothermal heat pumps. Hopefully it is utilized and developed to become more environmentally friendly, especially with its modern applications. As geothermal energy continues to rise, let us hope scientists and business men gear it towards the benefit of the earth and the people.

Using fossil fuels has been shown to be detrimental to the environment. They are also an unsustainable source of energy—meaning that fossil fuels will someday run out. With this, the world is looking to use renewable, environment-friendly sources of energy. One of these sources is geothermal energy. Geothermal energy uses heat found underground, such as those that heat hot springs in order to provide energy needed for a number of applications. An important way geothermal energy is harnessed is through the use of geothermal heat pumps.

Why use geothermal pumps

By making use of the earth’s natural energy, geothermal pumps are more environment-friendly. Not only that, geothermal pumps have been shown to be more efficient than electric and gas heaters and air heat pumps. Geothermal pumps use the heat found in the ground, which is a more stable heat source than air. Using a geothermal pump is also more cost-efficient in the long run than other types of heat pumps. Initially, buying and installing a geothermal pump may seem to cost more than purchasing other types of heaters. But over time, you save much more because you cut down on your energy usage and electric bills.

Applications for geothermal pumps

Geothermal pumps can be used for heating and ventilating your home. The pump exchanges heat with the ground, and this temperature exchange cools or heats your home as needed. You can also have additional devices installed with your geothermal pump that allows it to heat water as well. This lessens your dependence on electricity, as you no longer need electricity to control the temperature of your home or heat your water.

By using geothermal energy, you save both your money and the environment at the same time.