ABSTRACT
In energy applications, a design engineer generally selects a hybrid system to obtain a process that has some benefits over a conventional uncombined system. The benefits of combined systems in fulfilling heating and cooling purposes are generally found in the form of energy efficiency. Thermal solar energy systems, characterized by the capability to provide energy at a high density though with intermittent availability, and geothermal systems, having constant availability but mostly present at low temperature levels, are emerging as replacements for fossil-fuel based systems. The geothermal heat in ground source heat pump systems is collected via boreholes, earth collectors, and thermoactive foundations or as open systems gaining benefit from groundwater resources. The integration of solar thermal systems into geothermal applications can be realized in different ways. The most common are: heating a buffer tank, heating brine between a borehole and heat pump, and recharging a ground source.
