Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Boreholes

Ground source heat pumps provide a clean and environmentally friendly means of heating all varieties of buildings. They make use of renewable energy stored in the ground, providing one of the most energy efficient ways of heating. They are suitable for a wide variety of building types and are particularly appropriate for low environmental impact projects.

They do not require hot rocks (geothermal energy) and can be installed throughout most of the UK, using a borehole or shallow trenches or, less commonly, by extracting heat from a pond or lake. Heat collecting pipes in a closed loop, containing water (with a little antifreeze) are used to extract this stored energy, which can then be used to provide space heating and domestic hot water.

If you do not have room for trenches (Horizontal Loop) then a Borehole (Vertical Loop) system can be used. Borehole(s) are drilled to a pre-determined depth and a pipe is installed into the borehole, normally being either 32mm or 40mm pipe. The pipe is a loop that is connected at both ends to a manifold that in turn connects to the heat pump. Water with antifreeze is then circulated through the system and the difference in temperature between leaving and re-entering the pump is sufficient to pass through a compressor and be converted into useful heat.

It is vitally important that the borehole is drilled and constructed correctly, with particular attention being paid to the grouting of the hole. A badly grouted Ground Source Heat Pump Borehole can mean that voids are left around the pipe and the system will not work as effectively as it should.

Our Geothermal drilling rig is specifically designed and built in the UK, so conforms to Health and Safety regulations. The Dando MTEC 6 rig is one of the smallest available, able to pass through a gap just 1400mm wide, enabling us to drill in restricted access sites. The rig’s size does not affect its performance as it can comfortably reach depths of 150M plus.

We drill GSHP boreholes to the supplier’s specification, or can advise on the suggested number of boreholes and depth required for your chosen supplier. We also work very closely with a couple of well respected suppliers and manufacturers of ground source heat pumps.

Geologic Boreholes and Systems would welcome the opportunity of discussing your interest in Ground Source Heat Pumps and how they could work for you to heat your home, office or any building you would like to keep warm from a renewable source.