Demonstration of a new full scale technological concept that combines a closed loop piping system connected to an underground rainwater harvesting unit

The project topic is‘geothermal energy and heat pumps’ as part of the programme ‘System integration’.

The project’s objective is to demonstrate a new full scale technological concept to obtain increased energy efficiency using ground-water heat pump systems in buildings. The concept combines an underground, closed loop piping system connected to an underground rainwater harvesting unit filled with water absorbing mineral wool, specially developed for this purpose. Rainwater from the building is led to the unit with the integrated underground pipes leading to increased energy efficiency of the heat pump.

The project will provide documentation of the level of energy efficiency provided, compared to a traditional ground-water heat pump system and a system including a traditional (sand/gravel based) rainwater harvesting tank. Furthermore, the project will establish a qualified basis for dimensioning full-scale systems based on this new concept.

Results of test and demonstration will be crucial for further exploitation and the marketing strategy for the solution.