DIY geothermal heat pump

Hackney71 · 11-15-10, 11:48 AM

This thread looks a bit "dated" but I want in...
I am not an engineer, I am in sales for unrelated industry. My educational back ground, econ (all about efficiency). Here is my take... In my state (TN) the state eco Natzies have regulated out the DIY'er wanting to do Geothermal. I am limited to 20' depth from surface or Have to Notify State with intent to drill a "well" and need licenced driller to do it.
Direct Exchange, imho, is the most efficient means of "heat transfer" which is the heart of heat pump Idea...
So for me, needing about 2 ton unit. I have to calculate what Diameter of copper tube to use (for my system of coils to be buried) and how many I will need in what arraignment. (perameters for each hole being less that 20 from surface).
My idea is based on some law of thermodynamics that states heat only flows FROM material with more Heat TO material with less heat (without some outside force being applied). So whether I need to Heat or Cool, my directly buried coils will either be Absorbing heat from the ground OR the ground will be absorbing heat from the coils... Think more like a "Heat sync" on your CPU... I will gather some more info and return...

11-15-10, 11:48 AM	#1
Hackney71 Lurking Renovator Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 8 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	DIY geothermal heat pump This thread looks a bit "dated" but I want in... I am not an engineer, I am in sales for unrelated industry. My educational back ground, econ (all about efficiency). Here is my take... In my state (TN) the state eco Natzies have regulated out the DIY'er wanting to do Geothermal. I am limited to 20' depth from surface or Have to Notify State with intent to drill a "well" and need licenced driller to do it. Direct Exchange, imho, is the most efficient means of "heat transfer" which is the heart of heat pump Idea... So for me, needing about 2 ton unit. I have to calculate what Diameter of copper tube to use (for my system of coils to be buried) and how many I will need in what arraignment. (perameters for each hole being less that 20 from surface). My idea is based on some law of thermodynamics that states heat only flows FROM material with more Heat TO material with less heat (without some outside force being applied). So whether I need to Heat or Cool, my directly buried coils will either be Absorbing heat from the ground OR the ground will be absorbing heat from the coils... Think more like a "Heat sync" on your CPU... I will gather some more info and return... Last edited by Hackney71; 11-15-10 at 11:51 AM..