scope:

THE use of geothermal resources can be broken down into three general categories: high-temperature (>300°F) electric power production, intermediate- and low-temperature direct-use applications (<300°F), and ground-source heat pump applications (generally <90°F). This chapter covers only the direct-use and ground-source heat pump categories. After an overview of resources, the chapter is divided into two sections. The section on Direct-Use Systems contains information on wells, equipment, and applications. The section on Ground-Source Heat Pumps includes information only on the ground-source portion. Design aspects of the building heat pump loop may be found in Chapter 8 of the 2000 ASHRAE Handbook-Systems and Equipment.