Long-term environmental evaluation of horizontal type of GSHP system in the tropical climate: A case study of Saraburi, Thailand

Abstract

High cooling demand in tropical regions like Thailand highlights the need for efficient air conditioning systems to mitigate environmental impacts. This study explores ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology as a potential solution to reduce global warming potential. Limited research exists on the long-term performance of GSHPs in tropical climates, particularly regarding thermal imbalances from continuous cooling loads. This research addresses this gap by evaluating the environmental effects of horizontal GSHP systems in Saraburi, Thailand, through energy consumption analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA). The study compares a GSHP pilot with various horizontal heat exchanger lengths to a conventional air conditioner (AC). Two GSHP systems were tested: a standard GSHP (GSHP 1) and a modified system (GSHP 2) that replaces the AC fan unit with a plate heat exchanger. Results show that both GSHP systems achieved higher efficiency than the normal AC, with significant power savings. Over five years, fluid temperature fluctuations aligned with atmospheric conditions, without operational temperature rise. GSHP 2 demonstrated comparable performance to GSHP 1, despite lower production costs. LCA results indicated that GSHPs significantly reduce overall environmental impacts. This study provides insights into the long-term environmental benefits of GSHP systems in tropical settings, with findings applicable to similar regions.