Water Source Heat Pump VS Ground Source Heat Pump: Which is Better?

Water source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps work similarly. They extract heat from where it is not needed and transfer it to where it is needed, providing cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. Heat is captured and released using a refrigerant solution, or sometimes clear water, that circulates through an extensive network of pipes called circuits.

Heat pumps provide extremely efficient levels of indoor heating and cooling at very economical prices. A widely used ground source heat pump system is the ground source heat pump or water source heat pump. The following guide will help you understand the differences and decide which style is right for you.

A ground source heat pump uses the soil outside the facility as a heat capture source and an area where it is released. At a depth of about 6 feet below the surface, temperatures remain relatively stable at around 45 to 60 degrees throughout the year. This provides a constant source of heat that can be easily removed or added with constant reliability and efficiency. In a ground source system, the loop is buried in a trench dug into the ground.

The loop tubes form a large network of twists, which in some cases are stacked on top of each other to create more surface area for heat extraction and release. These circuits are connected to the main heat pump installed in your facility. The heat pump unit itself contains the main operating components of the system, such as heat extractors, air handlers, and blowers, as well as thermostats and other controls. When cooling is provided, a refrigerant solution or water is moved through loop pipes within the facility.

Heat is extracted from the indoor space and transferred to water or refrigerant, which is then circulated through pipes into the underground circuit. When heating is provided, the flow of the refrigerant solution is reversed. Heat is absorbed from the ground around the outdoor loop ducts, circulated indoors, and transferred to a heat exchanger that produces hot air for distribution within the building.

A water source heat pump works almost exactly the same way, except that the circulation pipes are immersed in the body of water so deeply that the water doesn't freeze in winter and the water doesn't get too hot in summer. The refrigerant solution in the circulation pipe circulates normally, but in this case, it absorbs or releases heat within the water source. Common sources of water are lakes, ponds, aquifers, or wells.

Compared to ground source heat pumps, water source heat pumps are less expensive to install. They do not require the extensive excavation and trenching required to bury ground loops. Depending on the depth and characteristics of the water source, either vertically or horizontally installed loops can be used. It will be easier to install water return piping.

On the other hand, if your facility has no wells, ponds, aquifers, or bodies of water near you where you can flood the circulation pipes, then a water source heat pump is not practical. Water source heat pumps may require additional equipment to function properly, such as cooling towers that transfer heat to and from the building.

The above briefly describes the difference between water source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. If you want to buy a heat pump, please contact us.

Suoher is a professional custom heat pump manufacturer. We have a team with extensive experience in heat pump design, processing, quality control, and controller function development. Our target is global, including Europe, South America, South Africa, and Asia. Our welding engineers and electrical engineers have skills certificates. We have a clear understanding of heat pump heating and hot water.