Researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University have advanced a geothermal heating system intended for residential buildings. The research findings were published in the journal PNRPU Bulletin: Applied Ecology Urbanism.
Geothermal heating relies on the natural energy present in the ground. The system comprises two circuits: an external loop buried underground and an internal loop inside the building. A pipe carries a heat carrier beneath the surface, where its temperature aligns with the earth at depths ranging from 0.4 to 3 meters. This heat is absorbed as the fluid reaches the outdoor loop and then travels to a heat pump inside the building. The heat pump raises the temperature to approximately 60 degrees, circulating the warmed coolant through the interior piping to provide consistent space heating and hot water.
The foremost benefit of this heating approach is its environmental friendliness, as there is no combustion involved. The system operates without burning fuels, enhancing safety and reliability. It is also economical and durable, with an average lifespan around 25 years, compared with about 15 years for typical gas heating systems. Scientists project that switching to geothermal heating in residential buildings could significantly reduce household energy expenditures in Russia over time.
In practical terms, the team notes that inserting the coolant pipes to a depth of about 1.6 meters yields an average winter temperature near the interior of +2.4 degrees Celsius. Commonly used coolants include refrigerants and antifreeze mixtures. In colder months, water is not used as a heat transfer fluid due to freezing risks and potential damage to underground pipes. The integrated heat pump can deliver substantial savings, potentially reducing heating and hot water costs by up to 75 percent, with remaining operating costs tied to electricity consumption.
According to Ekaterina Gurina, a graduate student in the Department of Construction, calculations tied to the Gazprom gas distribution model indicate that installing a traditional gas heating device can exceed 340,000 rubles, while the geothermal option may surpass 680,000 rubles. The researchers highlight that ongoing maintenance and utilities for the geothermal system are projected to be about 20 percent lower than those for gas. Over time, this design could pay for itself within roughly nine years, offering a compelling long-term financial case for homeowners and building managers alike.
Perm engineers have a history of implementing innovative solutions, including the development of electromagnetic suspension systems for vehicles and vibration-damping technologies. This tradition of practical engineering research continues to inform new energy-saving approaches and resilient infrastructure options for communities in colder climates and beyond.