Open loop geothermal systems use groundwater as the heat exchange fluid, which is pumped directly from the ground or a well and circulated through the heat pump system before being discharged or reintroduced to the ground. The main disadvantage of open loop systems is that they rely on an adequate supply of groundwater, which can be limited in some areas.
Closed loop geothermal systems, on the other hand, circulate a fluid (usually water or antifreeze) through a closed loop of pipes buried underground or submerged in a body of water. The fluid absorbs or releases heat from the ground, and then circulates through the heat pump system. This type of system is more widely used because it does not require a constant supply of groundwater, and the closed loop piping can be installed relatively easily in most areas.
In summary, open loop systems rely on groundwater as a heat exchange fluid, while closed loop systems circulate a fluid through a closed loop of pipes buried underground or submerged in a body of water. Closed loop systems are generally more widely used due to their ease of installation and lack of reliance on limited groundwater resources.
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