Abstract

This study aimed to measure and evaluate the performance of a horizontal mat-type Ground Heat Exchanger (GHE), a type of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system. To this end, a comparative analysis was conducted between vertical and horizontal mat-type GHEs connected to distinct secondary systems. Experimental results showed that while the vertical GHE demonstrated lower overall energy consumption, the horizontal mat-type GHE maintained stable performance despite variations in external and subterranean temperatures. Particularly, the horizontal mat-type GHE exhibited high efficiency when coupled with a Radiant Floor Heating (RFH) system, with heat absorption rates ranging from 5.6 to 13.3W/m² depending on the ground temperature. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the design and application of GSHP systems, particularly in settings where spatial constraints necessitate the use of horizontal GHEs.