This appears to be a gas boiler than uses geothermal heat to boost efficiency to 174%. If nothing else, it is interesting. http://www.robur.com/products/e3-systems/e3-ws/applications.html

I have used Roper products for years. They make a good product

I looked at this a few months back at geo exchange forums when someone inquired.
While not un interesting, it had some short comings-
i.e.
no energy star rating
fledgling service and support network as well as distribution system
less than stellar warranties
expensive (this from a geo installer)

the technology may have a place, but I'm not sure this is a ready for prime time unit.

Wiz- Robur or Roper?

Joe, I am sorry , yes Robur. Robur is an Italian Company, they bought out Arkla Servil many years ago.They were known for their gas absortion residential chiller. Have worked on quite a few over the years.They have developed all types of heat pumps and their product line is nothing like what they started with. Yes all of their equipment is pricey, but very well built.

Advantages might include a $ efficiency increase over electric heat pumps, longer life and perhaps NG prices won't rise quite as fast as electricity prices.

.

Posted By jonr on 05 Aug 2011 12:03 PM
Advantages might include a $ efficiency increase over electric heat pumps, longer life and perhaps NG prices won't rise quite as fast as electricity prices.

Most absorption heat pumps are 100+ tons and more competition would be needed to reduce prices.

I don't know what "$ efficiency increase" means.
If for instance you meant operating cost 174% efficient is a poor substitute for an average COP of 3.5 (350%).
If you meant purchase price improvement, this system costs more than a geo heat pump to purchase and likely runs about the same as an open loop unit installed.
Longer life is not likely either. ARI gives electric geo heat pumps a decided advantage over gas fired furnaces average lifespan. This simply puts the "gas fired" back in geo.

Whatever one speculates the advantages "might" be, the drawbacks are definate at this stage of the game. I've done my research on this one.

I did contemplate spec-ing one in to heat a pool and enclosure which is the only application I would currently employ one in. Tax credits do not exist for pool heaters, so the playing field gets a little more level and if my customer had to wait awhile for a part it wouldn't be the end of the world.
j

174% efficient is a poor substitute for an average COP of 3.5

Until you factor in that electricity costs ~3x what nat gas does. Then you get a COP=5 equivalent in operating cost. But compressor based systems can hit that too.

Ok, but one of us is talking peaks (you) while the other is talking averages (me). You are also talking Nat Gas where some might have propane. If we talk about a geo peak efficiency vs propane with our electric rates in MI geo might have a 5 to 1 advantage. An area with very high electric rates might be better off with a modulating boiler.

I offered the shortcomings. Wiz offered brand (not product) endorsement. You are speculating not only on possible advantages but on energy futures. Not very compelling stuff.

Would it be more interesting if energy star qualified or if geo tax credits went away? Perhaps in nat. gas homes.
Will it be more interesting with a few years under its belt and a good performance track record? Sure
Would it be more interesting with good distributor support and longer warranties? Yep
j