Beijing Wan Guo Cheng’s ground-source heat pump air-conditioning system is currently under construction, marking a significant milestone as the first project to independently install and embed soil heat exchangers beneath buildings. This innovative project has captured growing international attention, with the first International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) installer training program choosing it as a case study. Xu Yun-sheng, chairman of the China Geothermal Heat Pump Association’s China Committee, highlights that the Wan Guo Cheng project represents a major breakthrough in the development and application of geothermal heat pump technology.
Selected as one of the Top Ten Architectural Wonders by Business Week Magazine, the project showcases cutting-edge engineering and sustainability. Liu Wei, deputy general manager of Beijing Huaqing Geothermal Development Co., Ltd., who serves as the project manager, shared insights during an interview. He mentioned that the project is progressing smoothly and that many technical challenges were overcome during the implementation phase. As the first large-scale application of buried heat exchangers beneath a building, the project sets a global precedent.
During a visit to the construction site, the reporter met with participants of the first IGSHPA installer training class. One trainee remarked on the simplicity yet effectiveness of the drilling method used, noting that complex tasks were accomplished using just a few basic tools. The project team carefully selected the most suitable drilling rigs after extensive testing, and at peak times, over 40 rigs were in operation to ensure timely progress.
The system includes 655 vertically buried soil heat exchangers, each reaching a depth of 100 meters, located beneath the underground garage of the building. Unlike traditional installations in open areas, this project required placing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes below the second floor, significantly increasing the technical complexity. Liu Wei emphasized that the team successfully addressed challenges such as waterproofing and structural disturbances, setting a new standard for similar projects worldwide.
According to Xu Yunsheng, if the project is completed successfully, it will mark a turning point for the industry. It could expand the use of geothermal energy, especially in urban areas where land is limited. Ground-source heat pumps offer remarkable energy efficiency, providing up to 5.5 units of cooling or heating for every unit of energy consumed.
Although the initial investment for ground-source heat pumps is higher—typically tens of dollars per square meter—the long-term operating costs are much lower compared to conventional HVAC systems. With government subsidies in Beijing offering 50 yuan per square meter for such systems, developers find the cost comparable to traditional methods. Liu Wei estimates that the project will save 30% in energy consumption compared to coal-based boiler systems.
While the U.S. offers tax incentives for geothermal technologies, China provides direct financial support. However, as the industry matures, these subsidies may gradually decrease. Still, the success of the Wan Guo Cheng project could pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable heating and cooling solutions in urban environments.
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