Sizing of ground loop heat exchangers for a heating and cooling heat pump system. “Retscreen” application to the case of a civil building

The use of geothermal heat pumps for the heating and cooling of housing units offers a huge advantage in terms of energy saving and environmental sustainability. This article examines the concept of energy saving and energy efficiency and reviews how they can be obtained. It goes on to explain some basic concepts about geothermal heat pumps, geothermal science and its applications, especially in relation to the integration of heat pump technology, and describes different types of systems. Subsequently, ground heat exchangers and different types of loops are discussed, focusing on different sizing methods. Finally, the sizing of vertical ground loop heat exchangers with “Retscreen” software is analyzed, applying this method to the case of a heating and cooling system with a geothermal heat pump for a residential building and comparing the results with those obtained with data based on tables.