Use and Recycling of Renewable Water Resources as an Energy Source on the Coastal Plain of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Summary Report, September 1979-June 1981

摘要

The program was very successful in demonstrating the use of a ground water heat pump as an energy saving heat and air conditioning system for this area. The efficiency of the system has been demonstrated by numerous tests and it is well accepted that they have a coefficient of performance (C.O.P.) of 2.9 to 4.0, depending on the manufacturer and ambient conditions. This compares extremely favorably against a conventional air-to-air heat pump (C.O.P. = .95 to 1.9) or resistance heat (C.O.P. = .95). Both of these systems are in widespread use in this area. The resistance to the acceptance of this system until recently, hinged on three problems: lack of availability of ground water heat pump systems, difficulty in obtaining permits, and problems of disposing of large quantities of water at a residential site. The first problem has been overcome in the last year or two, since many manufacturers of heat pumps now market a ground water heat pump system, as well as several manufacturers who produce that system exclusively. The difficulty in obtaining permits tends to discourage many people who have accepted the advantages and economy of the system. The third problem was the object of this demonstration model. Water disposal from a ground water heat pump is traditionally by one or two methods: (1) discharge into a second well, or (2) discharge into a drainage ditch, storm drain, pond or other basin. This program has demonstrated that the discharged water can be disposed of very effectively by spray irrigation on a relatively small area most of which can be used to irrigate lawns, gardens or used in numerous other ways. It is recommended that in order for this system to gain widespread acceptance and result in vast energy savings for the Delmarva area, the following must be done: simplify the procedure for obtaining permits, and educate the public to the potential energy savings and the economy of the system. (ERA citation 10:022785)