This report documents some of the key lessons learnt over the life of the Geothermal-Solar system demonstration. Learnings range from a market analysis of ground-source heat pumps in the agricultural industry to the impact of shed dust on fan coil efficiency.
Report extract
The lessons learnt explored in this report focus on four key learnings:
- There is still a lack of market maturity for shallow geothermal projects in the agriculture sector, however this is changing with increasing number of enquiries about this project and the technology, from potential users to local and international designers and installers, and a few media outlets arising from this project and word of mouth. Particularly, there is limited depth of ground source heat pump designers and providers in Australia able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs of
the poultry industry. - The challenge posed by dust in sheds was overcome through additional efforts and investment led by the Recipient and its efficacy further proving during this period. Pressure on filters may need adjustment depending on stiffness of air filters.
- Gas as source of heat fuel (or any other) can be replaced in its entirety with GSHP heating, and the operational cost is so low in comparison with traditional fuels that heating can run for longer to achieve greater wellbeing (and possibly yield) of birds.
- Data analysis points to coefficients of performance of up to 5, with averages above approximately 3.5, meaning up to 5 kWh of thermal energy obtained for each kWh of electricity input into the GSHPs. This is better than expected and points to very competitive running costs and lower carbon emission equivalent. Greater details are expected in the next and final report. Note that in this “retrofit” project, commercial operation of the poultry sheds continues alongside any works required.