Effective use of ground source heat pump system in traditional Japanese 'Kyo-machiya' Residences in Winter

Abstract

Today, promoting the use of abundant renewable energy such as underground heat has become imperative. The preservation of the traditional wooden dwellings unique to Kyoto called Kyo-machiya has recently become a priority policy in Kyoto. However, owing to the poor airtightness and thermal insulation of Kyo-machiya, these dwellings require considerable energy to heat during winter. However, most Kyo-machiya are equipped with a well, and this study employs experiment and analysis to examine the practicablity of installing simple ground-sourced heat pump systems in the existing wells of Kyo-machiya. The efficient operation of the heat pump system is also investigated.