Direct exchange geothermal heat pump

[1] The simplicity of the DX designs is that high efficiencies can be reached using a shorter and smaller amount of buried tubing thereby reducing both the footprint and installation cost.

[2] The technology has many different others names and designations: The first geothermal heat pump was a DX system built in the late 1940s by Robert C.

Thus water-source technology advanced due to industrial interest while DX, more suited for residential and light commercial projects such as small businesses and private homes, lagged behind.

[citation needed] While the technology was expanding in the 80s and 90s, several of the early manufacturers faced issues with the refrigerant and oil management system.

In the past, some DX geothermal manufactures designed their equipment similar to an ordinary heat pump being sold on the market today.

Because of that, they can be installed in relatively small areas and in relatively shallow soil – typical loop depth does not exceed 100 linear feet.

Copper tubing is strong and ductile; resistant to corrosion; has a very high thermal conductivity; and is available in many different diameters and in long coil lengths.

Corrosion of metals is an electrochemical process of deterioration that results from a loss of electrons as they react with water and/or oxygen.