GSHP systems

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (EC 1.11.1.9) is the general name of an enzyme family with peroxidase activity whose main biological role is to protect the organism from oxidative damage. The biochemical function of glutathione peroxidase is to reduce lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols and to reduce free hydrogen peroxide to water.

Geothermal resources have great potential as one of the sustainable energy strategies to provide reliable energy, since fossil fuel energy sources are limited, unreliable and will eventually be exhausted. The viability of geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) is significant as a potential alternative energy source with substantial savings potential.  While the prospect of these systems is promising for energy efficiency, careful feasibility analysis is required before implementation. 
    This paper presents the results of evaluation of the application feasibility for GSHPs in buildings across seven climate zones in three United States regions. A comprehensive methodology is developed to measure the integrated feasibility of GSHPs using compiled data for energy use intensity, energy cost and design parameters.  Four different feasibility metrics are utilized: ground temperature, outdoor weather condition, energy savings potential, and cost benefits. For each metric, a corresponding feasibility score system is developed.  The defined integrated feasibility score classifies the locations into five different feasibility levels ranging from Fair (0-20), Moderate (21-40), Good (41-60), High (61-80), and Very High (81-100). Conclusions show the GSHP feasibility level is High for 3 sites, Good for 8 sites and Moderate for 4 sites. Through the methodology, it is possible to develop practical energy strategy for more economic and sustainable GSHP systems at an early design stage in the various viewpoints of geometries, climate conditions, operational factors, and energy costs.

In 2013 a " renewable heat incentive " (RHI) was introduced in the UK to accelerate the adoption of renewable heat technologies in order to meet the EU 20/20/20 RES Directive. The incentive scheme had to encompass multiple heat technologies at domestic and non-domestic scale, set appropriate tariffs, and establish heat metering requirements and tariff control mechanisms. At the time of introduction, heat pumps, including GSHPs, were expected to develop as significant, long-term contributors to the de-carbonisation of heat in the UK. This paper describes the evolution of the RHI, specific issues related to GSHP systems, and the ensuing impact that it has had on the UK GSHP industry.

Highlights
• Methodology for energy strategy is developed to prescreen the feasibility of GSHP systems in buildings in the US.
• Potential of GSHP systems for energy and cost savings over conventional ASHP systems is calculated.
• GSHP feasibility is examined by the analysis of given and built environments for all major climate regions.
• Results indicates that GSHP feasibility level is High for 3 sites, Good for 8 sites and Moderate for 4 sites.
• Methodology contributes to energy strategy for more economic GSHP systems at an early design stage.

Abstract
Geothermal resources have potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The viability of geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) is significant as a potential alternative energy source with substantial savings potential. While the prospect of these systems is promising for energy efficiency, careful feasibility analysis is required before implementation. This paper presents the results of evaluation of the application feasibility for GSHPs in buildings across seven climate zones in three United States regions. A comprehensive methodology is developed to measure the integrated feasibility of GSHPs using compiled data for energy use intensity, energy cost and design parameters. Four different feasibility metrics are utilized: ground temperature, outdoor weather condition, energy savings potential, and cost benefits. For each metric, a corresponding feasibility score system is developed. The defined integrated feasibility score classifies the locations into five different feasibility levels ranging from Fair (0-20), Moderate (21-40), Good (41-60), High (61-80), and Very High (81-100). Conclusions show the GSHP feasibility level is High for 3 sites, Good for 8 sites and Moderate for 4 sites. Through the methodology, it is possible to develop a practical energy strategy for
more economic and sustainable GSHP systems at an early design stage in the various viewpoints of geometries, climate conditions, operational factors, and energy costs.

Economic Analysis of Ground Source Heat Pumps in North Carolina is a comparison of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) to conventional natural gas furnaces and air conditioners (NGF A/Cs) and air source heat pumps (ASHP). A detailed survey of 453 geothermal system owners was used to determine the heating and cooling capacity and area of conditioned space, installed cost, and itemized cost to GSHPs. Heating and cooling system energy use intensity and energy cost intensity were calculated for residential and light commercial buildings. The study reveals that, compared with the original baseline of a NGF A/C from 1983, GSHPs save about 48.3% (compared with ASHPs) and 16.7% (compared with NGF A/Cs) more in terms of energy cost intensity for residential dwellings, and 37.0% (compared with ASHPs) and 46.6% (compared with NGF A/Cs) for commercial buildings. Cash flow analyses were performed for the aforementioned technologies. This analysis shows that, GSHPs have the lowest cost of saved energy for the residential and commercial buildings.