ABSTRACT
The application of groundwater cooling systems is quickly becoming an established technology in the UK with numerous installations having been completed for a wide range of building types, both new build and existing. Ground and groundwater cooling systems may be defined as either open or closed loop systems. Open loop systems generally involve the direct abstraction and use of groundwater, typically from aquifers (porous water bearing rock), although there also are systems which utilize water in former underground mineral workings. Closed loop systems do not rely on the direct abstraction of water, but instead comprise a continuous pipework loop buried in the ground. Water circulates in the pipework and provides the means of heat transfer with the ground. Instead of using the groundwater source directly in the building, referred to as passive cooling, when coupled to a reverse cycle heat pump, substantially increased cooling loads can be achieved.
