Groundwater Heat Pump with Pumping and Recharging in the Same Well in China

Abstract

In China, a new-style groundwater heat pump emerged in 2000. In this system, the production well and the injection well is integrated into one well, which is divided into three parts by clapboards: a low pressure (production) space, a seals section, and a high pressure (injection) space. In contrast to a conventional groundwater heat pump, this new-style groundwater heat pump is named the Groundwater Heat Pump with Pumping and Recharging in the Same Well (GWHPPRSW). Up to now, over 180 projects have been established with a total construction area exceeding 2,500,000 m2. The well structure of GWHPPRSW is depicted. The advantages and disadvantages of the GWHPPRSW are analyzed. The differences between the Pumping & Recharging Well (PRW) and Standing Column Well (SCW) are compared in detail. Potential problems and applicability ranges are pointed out. The investigation on operational status of 11 different types of buildings equipped GWHPPRSW carried out by Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics shows that the mean operation cost per heating area of GWHPPRSW is lower than that of municipal central heating. GWHPPRSW has low initial investment, operates economically and is friendly to the environment. It is especially well suited to places with appropriate hydrogeological conditions and those with groundwater permission from the local government.