Energetic and environmental sustainability of sub-geothermal heat pump heating in Serbia

Abstract

Feasibility of low enthalpy geothermal waters incorporation in Serbian energy source structure has been investigated. Energy potential of ground waters of modest temperature levels is usually neglected since they can not be used for direct heating purposes. Nevertheless, if an appropriate heat pump system is utilised, as described in the paper, energy efficient and environmental friendly heating could be achieved. From the environmental aspect particularly interesting Would be the application of sub-geothermal heat pump in already existing high-temperature residential heating systems as a complete substitution of old, inefficient and highly-polluting central heating of a building or a housing block. The paper observes energy efficiency of the proposed solution, environmental benefits obtained through shutting down of fossil fuel energy sources, as well as the potential environmental risks.