GEOTHERMAL - Open Loop (water source)

Sometimes known as “Well to Well” or “Pump and Dump” were fresh water is pumped through the heat pump, thermally alerting the water (taking heat from the water – heating mode, or rejecting heat to the water – cooling mode). Water having an average median temperature of 7 to 13 deg. C (45 to 55 deg F), the water temperature performs efficiently in heating and cooling modes. Existing domestic water wells can be used,  making the well to well system economical.

Open Loop System Considerations:

• There must be an adequate water supply of 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute per ton of heat pump (5 ton heat pump = 12.5 to 15 gal/min.).
• The water must pass quality tests.
• The water is (typically) rejected/discharged into a second well.
• Drilling of wells is restricted by distances from septic fields, from each other and regulating authorities’ guidelines must be checked.
• Aquifers may change over time, changing the well’s properties.
• Regular maintenance is critical.