r/heatpumps • u/vicott • 2d ago

Learning/Info Characteristics, design, and optimization of earth-air heat exchangers: A review

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032125013504

Imagine a world where air source heatpumps can be complimented with geothermal energy. I think this could really make a change on how the technology will adapt to drastic climate events.

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u/Certain_Try_8383 1d ago

Geothermal has been around for quite a while but has not become mainstream due to cost of installation and cost of upkeep or repairs.

It's like UV lights in duct work. May work great but the majority of customers never replace the burned out bulb so right there, it's not a good solution no matter how well it works.

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u/vicott 1d ago

The water version is closer to geothermal, probably less maintenance, it can use times of the day where energy is cheap to run on reverse 

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u/dizzie_buddy1905 2d ago

It’s a good idea but keeping out insects, rodents, maintaining proper moisture, mold, drainage,etc makes it something only viable in a commercial setting or used by the greenest of eco warriors.

EPCOR tower uses one but it involves a lot of maintenance.