Heat pumps that utilize unused energy, especially those that use geothermal energy, are gaining attention. Geothermal heat pump systems circulate refrigerant through pipes installed underground, leveraging the stable temperature of the ground to efficiently provide heating, cooling, and hot water.
### Mechanism of Geothermal Heat Pumps
The ground maintains a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, warmer than the outside air in winter and cooler in summer. The heat pump extracts heat from the ground in winter to warm the indoors and releases indoor heat into the ground in summer for cooling. By exchanging heat between the ground and the refrigerant, air conditioning systems can achieve high efficiency with less energy.
### Benefits
- **High Efficiency**: Compared to conventional air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps offer higher energy efficiency, especially in cold regions where efficiency is less likely to drop.
- **Low Environmental Impact**: Since no fossil fuels are directly used, CO2 emissions are low, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- **Longevity**: The pipes buried in the ground are less affected by external environments, requiring minimal maintenance and offering high durability.
### Challenges
- **Initial Cost**: The installation requires burying pipes underground, leading to high initial setup costs.
- **Installation Space**: Sufficient ground space is needed, making installation difficult in urban areas.
### Future Prospects
Geothermal heat pumps are being introduced as part of renewable energy initiatives in residential, commercial, and public facilities. As the demand for efficient energy use grows, further technological advancements and cost reductions are expected. In Japan, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common, appropriate design and construction based on geological conditions are necessary. If adopted widely, geothermal heat pumps could significantly reduce environmental impact and energy costs.
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