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US soil - gas-based ground source heat pump technology in China to promote (a)
**Abstract:**
Since the beginning of this year, several international agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, have expressed strong interest in continuing to support China in promoting a new ground source heat pump technology that offers significant energy savings and environmental benefits. China's Ministry of Science and Technology, State Economic and Trade Commission, and other government bodies, along with some local governments, have also committed to supporting the widespread adoption of this technology. Training programs and technical exchanges are increasing, with the Beijing Branch of the New Energy Technology Development Company establishing a specialized division for ground source heat pumps. They have sent personnel to the U.S. for long-term, systematic training and have become members of the International Geothermal Pump Association. Qualified engineers have been registered, and partnerships with U.S. manufacturers, contractors, and research institutions have been formed. Joint efforts to produce soil-gas ground source heat pump units are underway, with the first joint venture expected to start production by the end of the year. These developments suggest that large-scale implementation of soil-gas-type ground source heat pump technology is on the horizon within the next few years.
**Keywords:** soil-gas type ground source heat pump technology, ground source heat pump
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**1. Ground Source Heat Pump Technology Features**
**1.1**
Ground source heat pump technology, also known as geothermal heat pump technology, is an innovative air conditioning system that uses the stable temperature of shallow soil or groundwater as its energy source. It is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and has low operating costs. The system works by using pipes buried around a building or through groundwater to exchange heat with the surrounding environment. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on boilers or central air conditioning, it operates without any artificial heat sources. In winter, it extracts heat from the soil to warm buildings, and in summer, it removes heat from the building to cool it. Additionally, it can provide domestic hot water, making it a sustainable and modern solution often referred to as the "green air-conditioning technology" of the 21st century.
**1.2**
Currently, there are two main types of ground source heat pump technologies: earth-gas and water-water. The earth-gas type, represented by U.S. technology, uses direct heat exchange with shallow soil or groundwater without relying on groundwater extraction. This allows for greater flexibility in installation, such as vertical, horizontal, or trench piping. The water-water type, more common in Nordic countries, involves transferring heat through groundwater into hot or cold water before distributing it via fan coils. The U.S. method is more efficient because it avoids the energy loss associated with converting geothermal energy into water-based heating or cooling.
**1.3**
Geothermal heat pump technology significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has broad applicability. Over 70% of the heat used comes from the soil, with only 30% from electricity. This makes it a highly effective alternative to traditional heating systems, reducing carbon emissions by at least 70%. The technology requires only enough soil (or groundwater above -3.5°C) for heat exchange, which is available in about 30-50% of Chinese cities. It can be used across diverse climates, from northern Heilongjiang to southern Hainan, and is applicable in most countries worldwide. Importantly, it does not consume or pollute groundwater, as it only transfers heat without extracting water, ensuring full recharge of underground reservoirs.
**1.4**
Geothermal heat pumps utilize renewable energy from the earth’s surface, which is continuously replenished by solar energy. This means that the heat source is virtually inexhaustible, allowing for continuous and sustainable use without depleting natural resources.
**1.5**
The efficiency of ground source heat pumps is remarkable. During heating, they can move over 70% of the heat from the soil into a building, achieving a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.5–4.5, compared to just 0.7–0.9 for traditional boilers. This results in energy savings of over 70% and operating cost reductions of up to 60%. In cooling mode, it saves 40–50% energy compared to conventional air conditioners, with lower operating costs. These advantages make it a viable option for commercial and residential applications.
**1.6**
In Europe and the United States, geothermal heat pump technology is well-established and fully commercialized. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Nordic nations have seen annual growth rates of 15% in adoption. A complete industrial ecosystem now exists, including manufacturers, engineering firms, training centers, and regulatory bodies. Organizations like the International Geothermal Pump Association (IGSHPA) and the American Geothermal Heat Pump Association (GHPC) support the industry and promote its expansion.
**1.7**
One of the key benefits of soil-gas ground source heat pumps is their ability to allow individual metering, phased investment, and no outdoor units. Each household or room can have its own system, similar to a regular air conditioner, enabling separate billing and reducing the need for large upfront investments. This decentralized approach also eliminates the need for outdoor units or cooling towers, improving the aesthetics of buildings and reducing visual clutter.
**2. Cooperation Between China and the U.S. in Promoting Ground Source Heat Pump Technology**
After the agreement between the Chinese and U.S. governments to promote soil-gas ground source heat pump technology was signed, both sides appointed experts to develop a detailed cooperation plan. In November 1998, a working group meeting was held in the U.S. to discuss the implementation of the cooperation protocol, focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy development. The plan outlined three phases of work.
**Phase One: Demonstration Projects**
The first phase involved building demonstration projects in different climate zones in China—cold regions in the north, temperate areas in the Yangtze River basin, and subtropical regions in the south. These projects aimed to collect data on the economic and technical performance of the U.S. soil-gas ground source heat pump under various conditions, providing a model for future large-scale deployment. Government-backed models were used to ensure successful implementation.
**Phase Two: Collaboration and Promotion**
Once the demonstration projects were completed, the selected Chinese institutions worked alongside their U.S. counterparts to raise public awareness. Efforts included installing different ground source heat pump systems in various buildings, educating users, and conducting training and technical exchanges. A national design database was also established, along with software tools to improve the design capabilities of Chinese engineers.
**Phase Three: Joint Venture Production**
As the technology gained recognition and market potential became clear, selected Chinese manufacturers partnered with U.S. companies to produce ground source heat pumps locally. These joint ventures aimed to reduce costs and increase localization while maintaining high-quality standards. Market-driven approaches ensured fair competition and protected the reputation of the technology.