Groundwater heat pumps

OCHSNER groundwater heat pumps

Constant heat source all year round.

With constant temperatures of between 8 and 12°C all year round, groundwater is a heat source that can be used highly efficiently with water/water heat pumps. With seasonal performance factors (SPF) of up to 6 in operational practice and 4 in combination with radiators, OCHSNER groundwater heat pumps are very profitable and economical.

Products overview

OCHSNER AQUA FOX

2 - 18 kW

The Smart Grid-enabled high-end water/water heat pump OCHSNER AQUA FOX stands for maximum efficiency (SCOP up to 7.8, A+++) and quality. It operates whisper-quietly (32-36 dB), adapts flexibly to your needs thanks to inverter technology, and is equipped with an intuitive touch display and Modbus interface. Whether as a compact Tower S200 or space-saving indoor unit S1, it is ideal for heating, passive cooling, and domestic hot water preparation in single and multi-family homes.

OCHSNER AQUA

8 - 99 kW

Wherever groundwater is available and usable in accordance with water laws, OCHSNER groundwater heat pumps offer an extremely attractive and highly economical solution for heating buildings and DHW heating. OCHSNER water/water heat pumps achieve maximum efficiency values and feature very reliable heat exchanger technology for groundwater.

Groundwater heat pump specifics

Supply and return wells for groundwater circulation

Preparatory work and boreholes are required in order to utilise groundwater as a heat source. Two wells are drilled: the supply well and the soakaway or return well. Groundwater is extracted from the supply well and channelled to the heat pump. A heat exchanger transfers the energy to the refrigerant, which cools the groundwater slightly. The OCHSNER systems ensure that all the water is then fed back via the return well in a clean state, in compliance with the legal requirements. The two boreholes need to be located at a sufficient distance from each other to ensure that the warmer flow and cooled return cannot mix. The return pipe must always lie downstream of the draw-off point, in the flow direction of the groundwater.

Correct depth, preliminary work, water authority permits

Plots with groundwater available at a depth of 8 to 20 metres are particularly suitable for the use of groundwater heat pumps. Deeper boreholes are often uneconomical, and water close to the surface fluctuates more in temperature and is frequently polluted. An OCHSNER system partner will always recommend a pump test over several hours at the planning stage. This makes it possible to determine whether water can be pumped in sufficient quantities. A sample is taken, followed by a water analysis. The water analysis rules out the risk of corrosion due to problematic constituents.

Plate or shell and tube heat exchanger

OCHSNER groundwater heat pumps use two different types of heat exchanger: plate or shell and tube heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers (PHE) transfer the heat effectively to the refrigerant and are suitable if the water quality is very good. While shell and tube heat exchangers (tubular HE) have a slightly lower transfer capacity, they are able to cope with poorer water quality. This is due to various factors. The OCHSNER tubular HE pipework wall thickness is double that of plate heat exchangers. Stainless steel 304 is used externally and 1.4404 for the internal pipework. This ensures very good corrosion resistance and lowers the risk of mechanical damage. The internal diameters of OCHSNER tubular HE channels for conducting the groundwater are 250 times larger than those of PHE. They are therefore not susceptible to blockages caused by suspended matter in the water, such as sand and other contaminants. This also reduces the risk of freezing. To ensure permanently good operational reliability, a special filter is always installed upstream.

Tailored guidance

Select the precise model for your needs

Understanding the nuances of each model is crucial for an informed decision. Our dedicated team is available to describe the features and benefits of each model, guiding you to a choice that fully aligns with your requirements and premises.