Water Source Heat Pumps

Water Source Heat Pumps operate on exactly the same principle as Ground Source Heat Pumps except that a Water Source such as a Reservoir, River, Stream or Well or is used as the heat energy source, as opposed to the ground. Many properties will have a water course passing nearby, perhaps right underneath your back garden, and this can be tapped into, to provide the water source needed to heat your property.

Once the heat energy is transferred to the Heat Pump via a heat exchanger, it is subsequently upgraded to a higher temperature (typically 35-50° C, or higher) and used to heat water and to provide central heating.

In order to be able to install a Water Source Heat Pump, you first need to identify a suitable Water Source such as a Reservoir, River, Stream or Well nearby.

Water Source Heat Pumps typically work in one of 2 ways:

(i) The heat exchanging coil is inserted directly into the Water Source, or

(ii) Water is cycled through the Heat Pump.

The installation of the heat exchanging coil directly into the Water Source (e.g. Reservoir, Well, River) is quite straightforward. However, where there is a river / stream running underneath your property, this needs to be accessed via two separate boreholes (one Inbound and one Outbound). The water can then be cycled from the Inbound borehole, through the Heat Pump, and evacuated through the Outbound borehole.

Water Source Heat Pumps - Benefits

(i) Installation can be quite straightforward where a suitable Water Source is readily available.

(ii) Easy to install in a New Build scenario, can also be installed in a Renovation or Retrofit situation.

(iii) Ideal for locations in close proximity to a Reservoir, River, Stream or Well

(iv) Sustainable means of providing heat and hot water for your property. No fossil fuels are used as the system runs on electricity, which can be supplied (at least in part) by renewable sources such as Wind or Solar PV panels.

(v) Very efficient means to heat your property, both from an energy and cost perspective. One kW of electricity consumed by your Water Source Heat Pump, can generate up to 5 kWs of heat energy.

Water Source Heat Pumps - Considerations

(i) Is there a suitable Water Source available in close proximity to your property?

(ii) Are you considering installing a sustainable source of electricity (such as a small Wind Turbine or Solar Photo Voltaic system) to help provide power for your Heat Pump?

Water Source Heat Pumps - Grants

The Renewable Heat Incentive offers an excellent financial incentive to install a Water Source Heat Pump in your home or property. Click on the link to find out more!