How deep does non-permafrost typically go ?

theoldwizard1 · 03-03-15, 08:55 AM

Areas like the U.P. of MI, northern MN, ME, ND and most of Canada get deep frost, at last 48". These areas obviously warm up enough in summer so that the ground (eventually) does melt.

Are deep vertical wells a reasonable source of "heat" for geothermal heat pumps ?

Most vertical GSHP don't see "stabilized" temperatures until at least 20'. For these colder climates, I suspect that is more like 40-50'. If the pipes are well insulated from that depth all the way to the heat pump, would that be adequate ?

03-03-15, 08:55 AM	#1
theoldwizard1 Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SE MI Posts: 105 Thanks: 3 Thanked 12 Times in 9 Posts	How deep does non-permafrost typically go ? Areas like the U.P. of MI, northern MN, ME, ND and most of Canada get deep frost, at last 48". These areas obviously warm up enough in summer so that the ground (eventually) does melt. Are deep vertical wells a reasonable source of "heat" for geothermal heat pumps ? Most vertical GSHP don't see "stabilized" temperatures until at least 20'. For these colder climates, I suspect that is more like 40-50'. If the pipes are well insulated from that depth all the way to the heat pump, would that be adequate ?

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