Analysis of 6-Year Operational Data from a Groundwater Heat Pump System in a University Library in South Korea

Groundwater heat pump (GWHP) systems have recently gained attention as renewable energy sources, recognized for their high efficiency and potential for energy savings. Despite their potential, there are many considerations in design and operation due to the direct use of groundwater. Long-term operational data are crucial for accurate system analysis and control, but studies utilizing such data remain limited. Furthermore, the consideration of external social factors such as COVID-19, leading significant lifestyle changes, in relation to the energy consumption patterns of GWHP systems has been rarely reported. In this study, long-term operational data were collected at 1-hour intervals from a GWHP system in a university library in South Korea, spanning September 2017 to December 2023. The dataset covers periods before, during, and after COVID-19, enabling an analysis of heating and cooling patterns and their thermal impacts on groundwater. Results revealed significant reductions in energy consumption and thermal impacts on groundwater during strict COVID-19 restrictions. These findings can contribute to the efficient design and operation of GWHP systems and provide a comparative case study on conditions before and after the epidemic restrictions.

 

Key words: Groundwater heat pump system, Long-term operational data, Heating and cooling load, Groundwater impact

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (No. 2022R1A2C1006696).