The goal of this MQP was to design a modular geothermal heat pump system. Existing geothermal heat pumps require specialized equipment for installation, and it is not feasible to conduct maintenance on the ground portion of the system once it is installed. Modularizing this technology would decrease installation cost and increase system life expectancy. The modularity of the system would allow additional modules to be installed as the heating load of the building changes. We created an analytical model of the thermodynamic heat cycle that occurs within a geothermal heat pump using desired heat output rate as a requirement of the system. Our model produces a recommended tube length for given heat output rate and is highly customizable to meet design requirements of a variety of situations.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Field, Keirstan Marie
• Ericson, Zachary Michael
• Delaney, Veronica May

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031717-145858

Advisor

• Scarpino, Christopher
• Daniello, Robert

Year

• 2017

Date created

• 2017-03-17

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright