Feasibility study of using geothermal heat pump for cooling and heating in Rwanda

Abstract

Geothermal heat pump technology uses underground heat sources for cooling and heating of buildings. As the number of house connected to national grid is expanding to meet the target of 100% by 2024 to ensure universal access to electricity, decreasing the amount of electricity wasted air conditioners and heating as well as appliances that will help occupants and businesses to save money on their utility bills is highly needed. This makes cooling more affordable for more people. However, the is little information on the use of GHP in Rwanda. Therefore, this work has conducted a feasibility study on using GHP for cooling and heating buildings in Rwanda. Both computation and field data correction (surveys) have been used respectively for data generation and data validation. Based on the result large buildings can benefit more than small building by using geothermal heat pump technology the comparison of energy saving and cost saving between AHP, GHP and GHP with upgrade generated with effect of size. It is worthwhile to note that this study was limited to Kigali City and Rusizi district, thus further researches need to be carried out to extend this feasibility study over the whole country and feasibility study of Hybrid Geothermal Heat Pump and solar thermal collector use.