About Ground Source

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Ground Source Heat Pump

Sentinel has created a total solution for the maintenance and protection of Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps. As with solar thermal systems, the efficiency of a Heat Pump System is affected by the quality of the thermal fluid.

In solar thermal systems where temperatures of over 200°C occur regularly, glycols will break down due to the chemical action of either heat or light and this degradation occurs quickly. In Ground Source Heat Pump systems, the systems work at significantly cooler temperatures, thus creating a different problem with the operating of the heat pump. GSHP are often contaminated with soil, insects, dirty water, all these carry bacteria. Subsequently the low temperatures and the plentiful supply of glycol food from the thermal fluid fuels rapid biological growth of bacteria that can very quickly create major problems with the operation of the heat pump system.

This not only causes degradation of the glycol but also forms slimes and deposits, which affect the circulation and hence, the efficiency of the system. In severe cases blockages may even occur. This thicker fluid is more difficult to pump so pumps have to work harder, using more energy, which ultimately defeats the purpose of installing an energy efficient system! The freezing point of the fluid also rises as it degrades meaning a progressive loss of frost protection for the system.

If an existing system shows signs of reduced performance then one of the first actions to take is to check the effectiveness of the thermal fluid. Our extensive range of bespoke products combat the specific problems mentioned above to provide effective solutions which guard against corrosion and frost, as well as providing thorough cleansing and flushing to help optimise a new or existing system.